Newcastle is a city in the shadow of the Black Hills
Just outside the South Dakota border, Newcastle is a city of about 3,300. Located southwest of the Black Hills, the region is known for its recreation, natural beauty and rural surroundings. “We’re the gateway to the Black Hills,” says Julie Domina, an agent with NavX Realty. “People relocate here all the time for the atmosphere.” Highly-ranked schools and a close-knit community have also attracted a variety of homeowners. “They come here to retire or raise their kids,” says Domina. “Anyone looking for a slower pace.”
Midcentury homes on the west side have larger lots
The central and eastern portions of Newcastle have more traditional subdivisions, with midcentury and newer split-levels, Cape Cods and ranch-style homes ranging from the mid $120,000s to the high $360,000s. On the western side of the city, midcentury-style homes frequently have cabin and farmhouse accents. Lots are larger, and more spread out, with prices ranging from the mid-$120,000s to the mid-$480,000s. According to First Street, Newcastle is at a severe risk for wildfires in the next 30 years due to drought conditions and high winds.
People visit Black Hills National Forest and Thunder Basin National Grassland
“When it comes to outdoor activities, we’ve got it,” says Domina. “I’m an avid hiker, and the moment I think I’ve surpassed the trails, I find out about a new one.” With about 1.2 million acres of mountainous woodlands, the Black Hills National Forest is a regular destination for nature lovers in Wyoming and South Dakota. The site has campsites for overnight visitors and hiking, horseback riding and biking areas. The Thunder Basin National Grassland is another popular spot, attracting people looking for prairie dogs, kangaroo rats and over 100 bird species. In addition to being the location for vendor fairs and other events, Dow Park has playground equipment and clusters of mature trees. Tourism around the Black Hills region is extensive, with visitors regularly gathering about an hour east to see sites like Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial.
Teachers at Weston County School District are very involved in the community
Newcastle is served by the Weston County School District, which has four schools and a B-minus from Niche. Domina says that teachers in the area are a big part of the community, often teaching multiple generations of the same family. “I can’t speak highly enough about them,” she says. “You get to know the teachers, and they really know their students. My kids are grown, and their teachers still ask about them. Teachers like that are what you see in Hallmark movies.”
The city doesn't have many chains or franchises
Domina says that the area doesn’t have much in the way of familiar franchise businesses. “There’s no Walmart here, no McDonalds. We have the smaller versions of everything you need and a few mom and pop stores downtown,” she says. “So you don’t need to leave town for anything.” Most shopping is done on Main Street, including grocery stores like Decker’s Market. Isabella’s has casual tavern fare with daily specials and outdoor seating. Donna’s Main Street Diner is a classic greasy spoon restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch favorites like chicken fried steak and corned beef hash.
Rapid City and Gillette are the closest metro areas
The area’s closest highways are U.S. Routes 16 and 85. Rapid City is about 80 miles east, while Gillette is about 80 miles west. Public transportation is unavailable, making cars necessary for most travel.
The Weston County Fair has been celebrated since 1904
Held annually since 1904, the Weston County Fair is a weeklong summer event. The festivities kick off with a parade and continue with livestock competitions, rodeos, flower shows, live performances and more.
