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Downtown Rapid City

Downtown Rapid City

$321,474 Average Value
$228 Average Price per Sq Ft
66 Homes For Sale

Rapid City's central hub

Known to locals as the City Center, Downtown Rapid City is the center of South Dakota’s second-largest city. Surrounded by local businesses, eclectic restaurants and historic homes, this pedestrian-friendly neighborhood serves as the cultural heart of the City of Presidents—so named for the dozens of life-sized bronze statues of presidents from every era of the country’s past. “Downtown is an exciting, unique place,” says Katy Kinann, director of outreach at Fountain Springs Church. “People who live there don’t all look the same or come from the same experience. But Rapid City is their home.”

Downtown Rapid City offers suburban living mixed with city living.
Downtown Rapid City offers suburban living mixed with city living.
Firehouse Brewing offers delicious outdoor dining in Downtown Rapid City.
Firehouse Brewing offers delicious outdoor dining in Downtown Rapid City.
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Classic designs in the West Boulevard Historic District

Just outside the downtown’s retail district is a collection of classic Colonial, Tudor and American Foursquare homes, many of which date back to the city's founding in the late 1800s. Connected by well-maintained sidewalks, this heavily manicured area is called the West Boulevard Historic District. With their various styles and conditions, home prices range from the mid-$300,000s to the high $900,000s. But those interested should be ready to hold their homes to a specific standard, something Ascend Realty owner Michael Frybarger describes as a struggle between the homeowner's rights and maintaining a historic atmosphere. “Say you get into a home built in 1902 and want to upgrade the windows to nice new Anderson windows,” he says. “But the Historical Society is going to want you to use true wood windows that are period accurate, and they’re four times more expensive.” Subdivisions further from the center of the neighborhood have a more typically suburban feeling to them, with Cape Cods, mid-century and Craftsman-style homes selling in the mid-$100,000s to the mid-$300,000s, depending on their size and proximity to schools and businesses.

Tudor homes are abundant in Downtown Rapid City.
Tudor homes are abundant in Downtown Rapid City.
Cape Cod style homes are prevalent in Downtown Rapid City.
Cape Cod style homes are prevalent in Downtown Rapid City.
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A "fine diner" and handmade Lakota jewelry

Tally’s Silver Spoon has been a local favorite for breakfast, lunch and dinner since it opened in the 1930s. Now run by Le Cordon Bleu-trained Executive Chef Benjamin Klinkel, Tally’s has been referred to as a “fine diner,” combining elements of upscale cuisine with greasy spoon sensibilities for classic dishes like bison steak, pulled pork and biscuits and gravy. Those intimidated by the wide selection of choices can opt instead for their “Indecision Menu,” which gives the chefs free rein to create a custom tasting menu. As South Dakota’s oldest operating brewery, Firehouse Brewing Company takes pride in its vast assortment of beer styles, including dense stouts and cactus-fruit-flavored sour ales. Downtown’s shopping district buzzes with customers from all over the state who visit the dozens of locally owned shops for everything from books to jewelry made by local Sioux and Lakota artisans. Familiar franchises like Walmart Supercenter and Safeway are also available.

Main Street Square offers shops and outdoor dining.
Main Street Square offers shops and outdoor dining.
Firehouse Brewing is a popular place during evenings in Downtown Rapid City.
Firehouse Brewing is a popular place during evenings in Downtown Rapid City.
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Hiking through Founders Park

Found in the center of town, Main Street Square offers a splash of greenery within the city’s urban atmosphere. With numerous seating areas and outdoor art, its seasonal offerings are its largest draw. “During the hotter months, it has a splash pad, and all the families come out to cool off,” says Frybarger. “But during the winter, they convert that into an ice skating rink.” The original campsite of the city’s 19th-century settlers, Founders Park still has a woodsy reputation, with over 20 miles of walking and mountain bike trails that wind around and through hills dusted with shady trees and sandstone outcroppings. Picnic tables and open stretches of grass offer a picturesque view of what the locals call M Hill, named after the enormous initials of the South Dakota School of Mines planted at the top.

The Main Street Square is a popular place to hang out in the evening in Downtown Rapid City.
The Main Street Square is a popular place to hang out in the evening in Downtown Rapid City.
Founders Park is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors in West Rapid City.
Founders Park is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors in West Rapid City.
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STEM studies at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Students who live in the City Center begin their educations at South Park Elementary School, which scores a C-plus on Niche, before heading to South Middle School, which has a C. Older students enroll at B-minus-ranking Central High School, which has a robust selection of extracurricular activities, including ROTC, varsity sports and an award-winning robotics club, all designed to excite and enrich students. “We measure success by whether or not kids are thriving here,” says Jason Salamun, Mayor of Rapid City since 2023. “If you don’t have a flourishing next generation to hand everything off to, then you’re not winning.” The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology serves thousands of students in both undergraduate and graduate capacities and was ranked one of the top 10 Midwestern public universities by U.S. News and World Report.

Central High School is located near Downtown Rapid City in South Dakota.
Central High School is located near Downtown Rapid City in South Dakota.
Central High School offers a wide array of activities for students in Downtown Rapid City.
Central High School offers a wide array of activities for students in Downtown Rapid City.
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A straight shot to Boulder and Sioux Falls

Though Downtown Rapid City attracts residents who prefer to get around on foot, the Rapid City Rapid Ride is available for weekday commutes during work hours. Interstate 90 and South Dakota Highway 79 provide straight shots to Sioux Falls, 340 miles to the east, and Boulder, Colorado, some 390 miles south. Monument Health Rapid City Hospital is 2 miles south in the neighboring community of Southeast Rapid City, and the Rapid City Regional Airport is 11 miles southeast. “We don’t worry about traffic so much,” says Seth Malott, owner of Century 21 Clearview Realty and lifelong resident. “That’s one of the advantages of living in a big city with a small-town feel.”

The Rapid City Airport is just a short drive from Downtown Rapid City.
The Rapid City Airport is just a short drive from Downtown Rapid City.
Monument Health Hospital is conveniently near West Rapid City.
Monument Health Hospital is conveniently near West Rapid City.
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Professional hockey at The Monument

Summer Nights is one of the downtown’s most popular annual events, with live music and food trucks making up a high-energy block party every Thursday night during the summer. The Black Hills Farmers Market allows locals to pick up locally raised produce and meats year-round. The Monument is the city’s largest venue and civic center, hosting the Rapid City Rush hockey team, Rodeo Rapid City and touring performers like Dwight Yoakam and Cody Johnson.

The Monument is a venue that attracts concerts and more in Northeast Rapid City.
The Monument is a venue that attracts concerts and more in Northeast Rapid City.
Memorial Park offers history of famous leaders in South Dakota in Downtown Rapid City.
Memorial Park offers history of famous leaders in South Dakota in Downtown Rapid City.
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Important to know

Factors like dryness and hot air have left South Dakota grasslands at risk of wildfires. On particularly hot, arid days, residents should refer to their local risk levels.

With nearby historic sites such as Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, tourism makes up a significant part of the local economy. Navigating tourists and visitors is a standard way of life in Downtown Rapid City, particularly during events like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which saw over 600,000 attendees during its 10-day run.

Nearby Mount Rushmore is a major tourism driver to Downtown Rapid City.
Nearby Mount Rushmore is a major tourism driver to Downtown Rapid City.
Hotel Alex Johnson offers tourists a night stay right in the middle of Downtown Rapid City.
Hotel Alex Johnson offers tourists a night stay right in the middle of Downtown Rapid City.
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Phil Keeling
Written By
Phil Keeling
Teal Mandzik
Photography Contributed By
Teal Mandzik
Charlie Lingner
Video By
Charlie Lingner

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Rapid City Regional

18 min drive

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown Rapid City US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Downtown Rapid City Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$289,900
Median Sale Price
$275,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$275,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$315,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
69
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
3%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$228

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
1,192
Number of Homes for Sale
66
Median Year Built
1955
Months of Supply
11.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,668
Below the national average
1,929
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,270
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
2,034
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
15,785
Median Age
36
Population under 18
21.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$41,691
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$63,013

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.2%
College Graduates
25.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.8%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.3%

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

59 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

54 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Rapid City
Jami Poeppel
ROB & JAMI POEPPEL REAL ESTATE
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