Pierre is a small city of around 14,000 residents in the center of South Dakota. Since it’s also the state capital, most people move here, primarily for government jobs. But many also seek out the city’s proximity to the Missouri River and its surrounding green space. “It’s an ideal area for hunting and fishing,” says Eric Booth, the director of planning and zoning for Hughes County. “A lot of people live here for that.” Booth, a 30 year resident of Pierre, adds that he likes the city's simplicity more than anything. “It’s a smaller town with just good, honest, everyday people,” he says. “If you’ve got a reason to move here, it’s a great place to live. People look out for each other, and it’s a fantastic place to raise a family.”
The South Dakota State Capitol is located in Pierre and visitors can tour the building.
Missouri River in Pierre is a great location for fishing.
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Homes and land for lower prices than in other U.S. cities
The median sales price in Pierre is $283,000, which is about $120,000 less than the national median. Aside from a slight dip in prices during the summer of 2023, the average home value has only increased since 2020. “We have more people moving in, than moving out,” Booth says. “That ramped up around when COVID hit. Quite a few people from out-of-state moved in. Relative to other parts of the country, homes and land are inexpensive here.” Bungalows and ranch-style homes are typical in Pierre, and land listings abound outside the city’s center. “Outside of the city, most of the homes are on 1 to 10 acres,” Booth says. “You can have a nice home with a good-sized yard and not have your neighbors right on top of you.”
Two-story bungalows are common in Pierre.
Find your dream ranch-style home in Pierre.
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Griffin Park, Farm Island and the South Dakota Discovery Center
The City of Pierre also has nearly 100 acres of parkland and over 50 miles of trails. Griffin Park is a large city park along the Missouri River that features campsites, pickleball courts and a riverfront beach for swimming. Pierre is also home to Farm Island, a state park that's popular for hunting, fishing and boating. In downtown Pierre, the South Dakota Discovery Center is a children’s museum with over 60 interactive science exhibits.
Families head to Farm Island in Pierre for lakeside camping.
The South Dakota Discovery Center is a fun indoor destination on rainy days.
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Pierre School District and Capital City Campus
The Pierre School District gets an overall B-plus rating from Niche and its highest-rated schools include Buchanan Elementary and T.F. Riggs High School, which both also earn B-plus ratings. For higher education opportunities, the Capital City Campus in Pierre offers both online and in-person classes for adults looking to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees.
T.F. Riggs High School prepare students for their future.
Capital City Campus is a public university in Pierre.
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Steakhouses, Walmart and shopping in nearby cities
“Steakhouses are big here,” Booth says when asked about restaurants. “We have about two or three steakhouses that do really well. We have a couple of Mexican restaurants and the typical fast food, like McDonald’s and Burger King.” Walmart really “dominates the shopping,” he says, but also mentions Northridge Plaza, a strip mall with a Hobby Lobby and a Five Below as popular options. Pierre also benefits from its proximity to Sioux Falls, Rapid City and Bismark, all of which are within a 3-hour radius of the city/ “It’s not uncommon for residents to go to one of those cities for a weekend and do some shopping,” Booth adds.
Grab a cold drink at The Longbranch in Pierre.
Cattleman's Club in Pierre is known for their bone-in ribeye steak.
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Weather and the Pierre Police Department
“We get all four seasons here,” says Booth. “Our summers can get as hot as 110 degrees from time to time, and it’ll get below zero for a couple of weeks in the winter. It’s generally pretty nice here from the middle of March to the middle of October.” As for crime, between 2018 and 2022, the city saw an overall decrease in criminal investigations, according to data from the Pierre Police Department.
U.S. Highway 83, River Cities Public Transit and Pierre Regional Airport
Pierre is centrally located in South Dakota. “Sioux Falls is about three hours to the east, Rapid City is about two and a half hours west, and Bismarck in North Dakota is about two and a half hours north,” Booth says. And while Pierre does not have direct interstate access, residents can take U.S. Highway 83 to Interstate 90, about 34 miles south of the city. “We have speed limits that allow us to go a little faster,” Booth says, which could lead to slightly faster commute times. River Cities Public Transit provides transportation services for those in need of assistance. Pierre Regional Airport offers passenger routes to Denver.
Oahe Days and Christmas at the Capitol
Each summer, Pierre celebrates Oahe Days, a two-day music and arts festival with a carnival on the Missouri River. In the winter, the South Dakota State Capitol lights up nearly 100 Christmas trees all over the interior and exterior of its building. “That draws a lot of people into town, to walk around the Capitol and look at the Christmas trees,” Booth says.
Written By
Ellen Daly
Photography Contributed By
Kiet Tat
Video By
Anne Sheridan
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Pierre, SD sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Pierre, SD over the last 12 months is $261,500, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This home is a duplex, w/ main & upper floor as one unit & basement as a smaller 2nd unit. Currently used as a daycare & rented as one, a buyer could potentially continue with the current renter or live in part, rent the other. Old house charm with enclosed front porch & wood finishes & oak floors. Shingles 2024 w/gutters & facia. Daycare business has it full of kids equipment/supplies.
Talk about location! This little doll house is right across from the river, amphitheater, LaFromboise, the bike path, parks, and downtown. You can't get any better than that, and definitely not at this price! A perfect investment property or second home getaway, but also ideal for a cute little primary residence. Furnished and turnkey!
Easy and affordable living. 3 bedroom, 2 bath manufactured home on its own lot and with a garage! This clean and spacious manufactured home has everything you need, without having to pay lot rent. Great for yourself or for an investment property.
Now Open!Abbey Road Apartments beckons you to experience luxury living at its finest. Arriving in Pierre, SD, in June 2025, this stylish residential haven is designed to elevate modern life. Offering a range of studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom apartments for rent, Abbey Road caters to diverse lifestyles with spacious floor plans and high end finishes. Residents will enjoy premium amenities
Welcome to our conveniently located apartment community in Pierre, located just a short distance from Steamboat Park and the Missouri River. Our affordable units offer the perfect blend of location and comfort.Take a stroll down the banks of the Missouri River and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, or simply relax in the bright and vibrant interior of your apartment. The living room, dining
Prairie Vista Apartments - Prairie Vista Apartments is Pierre's luxury apartments. Nestled in the upper hills of Pierre, Prairie Vista has a beautiful view of the city. Close to shopping and walking trails Prairie Vista is the perfect location for you to call home. Featuring one and two bedroom apartments, Prairie Vista has the amenities you are looking for. Prairie Vista Apartments is pet
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