When Rapid City's founders laid out plans for their settlement in 1876, it was to serve as a supply depot for local gold miners. They had no idea that in a matter of decades, this humble town would grow into the “Gateway to the Black Hills.” Today, Rapid City is the second-largest city in South Dakota, with nearly 80,000 citizens. A steadily growing economy and the allure of natural beauty attract new residents, particularly those escaping the city. “We get a lot of people out here looking to start over or retire,” says Kristen Andrews-Lowe, a Re/Max Advantage broker and lifelong Rapid City resident.
This influx of new faces attracts various amenities and cultural upgrades to the area, including celebrated chefs, art galleries and new construction. Perhaps best known for Mount Rushmore, Rapid City doesn’t shy away from its image of patriotism. In 2000, it began placing life-sized bronze statues of American presidents downtown, completing the project in 2010 and earning a new nickname, The City of Presidents. “The people here know who they are and lean into it,” says Rapid City mayor Jason Salamun. In 2024, the city’s budget included plans for downtown development, addiction treatment and economic assistance.
Skyline Wilderness Park has amazing views of Downtown Rapid City.
The Main Street Square is a popular place to hang out in the evening in Downtown Rapid City.
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Historic homes in the West Boulevard Historic District
Whether the cause is gold or a new military base, Rapid City has been expanding its borders for almost as long as it’s been a city. Tudor and Victorian homes fill the West Boulevard Historic District, and Mid-century split-levels and ranch-style homes line the suburban streets of West Rapid City. Recently constructed homes are in Rapid Valley, with Contemporary Craftsmen and Traditional houses springing up in response to new job opportunities at Ellsworth Air Force Base. “Go west, and you’re getting into the trees and the Black Hills, and that’s typically more expensive,” says Andrews-Lowe. “When you go east, you’re getting closer to the military base, which is flatter and cheaper.” The median home price in Rapid City is in the low $400,000s, above South Dakota's numbers in the high $300,000s and comparable to the national average in the low $400,000s.
Agriculture is the dominant industry in South Dakota, and it's been that way for generations. “Those agricultural roots are embedded in the people,” says Salamun. “The idea of hard work, determination, resilience and friendliness that you see so often in rural communities are right here in the metro area.” Other top employers include Ellsworth Air Force Base, Monument Health and Black Hills Energy. Thanks to Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, tourism also supports the local economy.
Beginning in 2024, federal funding is used to create more affordable housing in Rapid City and the Black Hills region.
Split level homes in the hills offer stunning views of Downtown Rapid City.
West Rapid City is full of unique custom built homes.
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Public greenery after disaster strikes
With the Black Hills to the west and prairie land to the east, most locals are fond of the outdoors and look forward to weekend fishing, camping or hiking. Hundreds of acres of public parks fill the metro areas, and national landmarks like Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial are right around the corner.
The city developed much of the public greenspace after a devastating 1972 flood that destroyed over 800 houses and killed 238 people. “Those parks are a symbol of how people here rally together,” says Salamun. The Trust for Public Land has found that 54% of Rapid City’s residents live within a 10-minute walk of a public park, with 4% of the city’s land dedicated to parks and recreation.
Founders Park is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors in West Rapid City.
The famous Mount Rushmore is just a short drive from Ashland Heights.
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The world's largest motorcycle rally
Sites like the Black Hills Dinosaur Museum and the Journey Museum tell some of Rapid City’s oldest stories. The Monument Arena has hosted all kinds of touring and local entertainment, including the Rapid City Rush hockey team and the October Black Hills Powwow. The Central States Fair is held every August and includes a carnival, live music, and the Range Days Rodeo.
However, the event that affects the city the most doesn’t actually occur in Rapid City. The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is the world’s largest motorcycle rally, attracting hundreds of thousands of riders to the small town of Sturgis, less than 30 miles northwest. “Last year, I think there were 500,000 visitors, and a lot of them visit Rapid City or stay here,” says Salamun.
Local James Beard Award semi-finalists
The area’s retail options include big box stores and locally owned shops. Downtown has streets lined with boutique stores that offer ice cream, art and handcrafted Lakota jewelry. Meanwhile, the Uptown Rapid Mall in North Rapid City houses dozens of familiar franchise stores and restaurants.
Though best known for unfussy cuts of beef or bison, Rapid City’s culinary scene is also the home of several renowned chefs. In 2023, Joseph Raney of the Skogen Kitchen and Sanaa Abourezk of Sanaa’s Gourmet Mediterranean were semi-finalists for the James Beard Award’s best chef in the Midwest category.
Main Street Square offers shops and outdoor dining.
Uptown Rapid is the perfect place to buy new clothes in West Rapid City.
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Limited public transportation
Given limited walkability and public transit, cars are essential to living in Rapid City. “In bigger metro areas, you’ve got a train or a bus you can take,” says Amy Hook, a Realtor with Re/Max Advantage. “But people aren’t riding the bus around here—that’s not really a thing.”
Some of the busiest highways are Interstate 90, Highway 44 and Route 16, though locals rarely comment on traffic. The Rapid City Regional Airport has limited daily flights to areas like Denver, Minneapolis and Dallas.
The top college in South Dakota
The Rapid City Area School District has an overall grade of B-minus from Niche, which lists it as one of the top ten most diverse school districts in South Dakota. The South Dakota Mining School of Technology specializes in engineering-related fields and has over 2000 students. Niche rates the school at an A-minus and recognizes it as the top college in South Dakota for its academics and value.
Important to know
According to statistics provided by the FBI, Rapid City has higher instances of violent and property crime than the national and state averages. Downtown Rapid City has the most crime, while areas on the outskirts, like Ashland Heights and Colonial Pine Hills, have the least.
Rapid City has hot, dry summers and cold winters, though not as cold as the rest of the state. The Black Hills create a natural barrier that catches warmer winds for a “banana belt” effect that makes winters milder.
Due to dry conditions, the prairies in and around Rapid City are at risk of wildfires, depending on the local weather. Following a historic 1972 flood, the local government engineered improvements for the dams out of Rapid Creek.
Written By
Phil Keeling
Photography Contributed By
Teal Mandzik
Video By
Max Gilmore
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Carri Odle,
an experienced agent in this area.
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 Rapid City, SD sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Rapid City, SD over the last 12 months is $362,949, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering space, comfort, and outstanding outdoor features. Set on a large lot, this property provides room to spread out both inside and out. Two fireplaces—one wood-burning and one gas—add warmth and character, making the home inviting in every season. A charming white picket fence frames the front yard, while the fully fenced backyard
Updated 4-Bedroom Home in Prime Central Location Near the Hospital. Welcome to this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home ideally located in the heart of town, just minutes from the hospital, schools, and everyday amenities. Thoughtfully refreshed, this home features brand-new upstairs and in the master bedroom, creating a clean, modern feel that’s move-in ready. The functional floor
Beautifully Updated & Move-In Ready! Welcome home to this inviting 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom property designed with comfort and entertaining in mind. The open and bright layout flows seamlessly to the outdoors where a fully fenced backyard and upper deck offer the perfect setting for gatherings, relaxation, or play. Inside, you’ll love the thoughtful updates including Acacia wood flooring that
MDR Land! Build your apartment complex here! There is a pond on about half of the property so the future buildings will have great views! All utilities are at the lot line. Don't miss your opportunity. Call for more information today!
Welcome to an unparalleled opportunity in Rapid City, SD! Nestled in the prestigious Highpointe Ranch North subdivision, this high- lot offers a spectacular setting for your new custom dream home. Imagine waking up to breathtaking panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see. This prime location not only promises stunning vistas but also ensures convenience with all essential
Welcome to an unparalleled opportunity in Rapid City, SD! Nestled in the prestigious Highpointe Ranch North subdivision, this high- lot offers a spectacular setting for your new custom dream home. Imagine waking up to breathtaking panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see. This prime location not only promises stunning vistas but also ensures convenience with all essential
Listed by Daneen Jacquot Kulmala South Dakota Properties 605-484-7832 & Steve Kulmala South Dakota Properties 605-484-8501. Beautiful five bedroom three bath home with a very nicely large landscaped yard. Great neighborhood.
Welcome to an unparalleled opportunity in Rapid City, SD! Nestled in the prestigious Highpointe Ranch North subdivision, this high-end executive lot offers a spectacular setting for your new custom dream home. Imagine waking up to breathtaking views in a beautiful natural setting. This prime location not only promises stunning vistas but also ensures convenience with all essential utilities—MDU,
Listed by Henry Ulrich, Ascend Realty | 605-490-2040 This one checks the boxes where it truly matters. Set on a large corner lot surrounded by mature pines, this home offers privacy, flexibility, and exceptional vehicle and storage capacity in one of Rapid City’s most loved areas. The open kitchen features clean, modern updates and flows naturally into the main living area, creating a comfortable
Welcome to an unparalleled opportunity in Rapid City, SD! Nestled in the prestigious Highpointe Ranch North subdivision, this high- lot offers a spectacular setting for your new custom dream home. Imagine waking up to breathtaking panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see. This prime location not only promises stunning vistas but also ensures convenience with all essential
Welcome to an unparalleled opportunity in Rapid City, SD! Nestled in the prestigious Highpointe Ranch North subdivision, this high-end executive lot offers a spectacular setting for your new custom dream home. Imagine waking up to breathtaking views in a beautiful natural setting. This prime location not only promises stunning vistas but also ensures convenience with all essential utilities—MDU,
Listed by Daneen Jacquot Kulmala 605-484-7832 & Steve Kulmala 605-484-8501 with South Dakota Properties. Beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bath cabin in the Pines and Aspens. Bordering forest service right out your back door You are walking distance to the trails also! All new interior paint. Solar powered skylights. Large deck with gorgeous views. Honeywell lights/dimmers -turn on for main light turn off
Listed by Matt Stewart, Keller Williams Realty BLACK HILLS, (605) 430-7695. Welcome to this great starter home or investment opportunity. This home offers 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom with a large living room and combined kitchen & dining area. The home has had updates to the paint, light fixtures, and flooring over the past couple of years. Outside enjoy the large fenced backyard with lots of space to
Listed with Daneen Jacquot Kulmala South Dakota Properties 605-484-7832 & Steve Kulmala South Dakota Properties 605-484-8501. Adorable condo with lots of upgrades. New flooring, paint and some new appliances.
Welcome to an unparalleled opportunity in Rapid City, SD! Nestled in the prestigious Highpointe Ranch North subdivision, this high-end executive lot offers a spectacular setting for your new custom dream home. Imagine waking up to breathtaking panoramic views that stretches as far as the eye can see. This prime location not only promises stunning vistas but also ensures convenience with all
Creekside Heights opened the first building in Fall of 2024. If you are looking for a modern, comfortable, and spacious one or two-bedroom apartment in Rapid City, Creekside Heights is the perfect choice. These newly built apartments in eastern Rapid City are distinct from other properties in the area with 9-foot ceilings and higher quality finishes and amenities. We feature amenities such as a
Located just West of the E St Patrick and Elk Vale (Truck Bypass) on/off ramp, this 2.17 acre flat commercial lot is an ideal spot for a high visibility, but easily accessible location. Two sides of frontage totaling 638' on E St Patrick and S Valley Dr. City and other utility services are at or near the lot line. The land lease rate is $1.20sf/yr and the land owner may consider a build to suit
Welcome to 10Bedrock in Box Elder, SD! This modern apartment complex offers a convenient elevator, central air for comfort, and a fitness room for residents to stay active. Pamper your furry friends at the pet spa or enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool with grills on the pool deck for outdoor cooking. Residents can take advantage of the package room for easy deliveries and stainless steel
The Walmart and adjacent shopping center strip, coupled with multiple new national and regional businesses and new multi-family apartments in the area, make this 3.1 acre versatile lot with Catron, 5th St, and E Stumer frontage a great site for your next high volume traffic-needs business! (+-585' of total frontage.) City and other utility services are at or near the lot line. The land lease rate
With unobstructed views of the Black Hills, Underground Parking, Garages, Garbage chutes on every floor, a dog park, dog wash station, outdoor pool, massive fitness facility, elevators in every building, stone countertops, laundry in every unit, on site Maintenance and Management, the experience at Tallgrass is unrivaled. Contact us today to learn about all the things that we don't have room here
Just South of Interstate 90 and West of the very busy Elk Vale Corridor, this grade-ready flat lot is perfect for your next food, retail, office, or mixed use project! Multiple national franchise hotels in the immediate area with McDonalds, Taco John's, Subway, Taco Bell, and Arby's as current food choices. Located immediately to the West of the Sinclair convenience and fuel station, this
At Copper Ridge Apartments in Rapid City, SD, you'll find the atmosphere of home, the convenience of luxury apartment living, grand hotel amenities and views you won't find just anywhere. Come take a tour of Rapid City's most sought after rentals!
The Walmart and adjacent shopping center strip, coupled with multiple new national and regional businesses and new multi-family apartments in the area, make this 1 acre lot at the corner of 5th and Catron a great site for your next high volume traffic-needs business! The larger lot is a total of 3.1 acres and we can adjust the lot size to meet your land needs. The land lease rate is $2sf/yr and
Luxury Apartments with panoramic views of the beautiful Black Hills and City lights of Rapid City. With stunning resort style amenities, attentive management on site and a superb location.Enjoy simple living at The Meadows. We offer several amenities including:-24 Hour Fitness Gym-Playground-Clubhouse-Swimming Pool-Hot Tub-On-Site Management and
The Walmart and adjacent shopping center strip, coupled with multiple new national and regional businesses and new multi-family apartments in the area, make this 2.1 acre lot on E Stumer a great site for your next high volume traffic-needs business! The larger lot is a total of 3.1 acres and we can adjust the lot size to meet your land needs. The land lease rate is $2sf/yr and the land owner may
This interior lot along Catron Blvd is a perfect spot if you are looking for a high visibility and exceptional profile location. Food, retail, office, mixed use? It works in this Class A location. Flat, grade-ready 1-acre general commercial lot. Neighbors include multiple new medical facilities, BH Energy Corp, national franchise hotels, multiple food offerings, and market-plus rate apartments.
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