Spearfish is known as “The Queen City,” named for the three peaks surrounding the valley that form a crown. This outdoorsy, suburban city of 13,000 in the northern Black Hills of western South Dakota attracts outdoor enthusiasts, families, retirees and second-homeowners with its natural beauty and small-town vibe. “Spearfish is different from any other town. Imagine mountain towns in Colorado like Breckenridge, Vail, Aspen and Telluride. It’s like that only on a less expensive, less bougie scale,” Christian Morrison, a Realtor with Keller Williams Black Hills, says.
Located 45 miles from Rapid City and just above the Black Hills National Forest, Spearfish is 12 miles east of Wyoming. Niche named it the second-best place to retire in South Dakota. Neat streets and cul-de-sacs fill 17 square miles surrounded by mountains. The tallest of its three peaks is nearly 6,000 feet high. Its economy is robust, with industries including tourism, health care, education, mining and timber. Instant access to Interstate 90 makes it an easy spot to travel and commute.
Spearfish is named The Queen City for the 3 peaks that surround the city forming a crown.
The Spearfish Canyon is beautiful with large trees and sheer cliffs south of Spearfish.
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Homes range from modest to magnificent
Homes range from manufactured to luxury estates that can sell for over $2 million. Morrison says most of those who Airbnb their homes are locals, contributing to the city’s strong sense of community.
The median list price of $550,000 is higher than the U.S. median of $406,000. Homes can sell for $79,000 for a small, manufactured home, $342,000 for a 2-bedroom single-family home, or $2.5 million for a lodge-like estate. Spearfish still has plenty of land available, and new homes are constantly being built.
Sections of Spearfish has luxury homes with large lots and views of the city.
In the center of Spearfish, there are smaller more affordable 2-bedroom homes.
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Niche ranks Spearfish School District No. 10 out of 169 in S.D.
The Spearfish School District serves 2,423 students and has three elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. Niche ranks the Spearfish District as the No. 10 best district out of 169 districts in the state, giving it an overall grade of B-plus. Spearfish is also home to three parochial schools and Black Hills State University, a four-year public university with a longstanding focus on teacher training.
Spearfish Middle School is a top-rated school in Spearfish.
Black Hills State University is a public institution offering higher education for aspiring students in Spearfish.
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Outdoor activity from skiing to mountain biking to fly-fishing
Serious hikers, rock climbers, snowboarders and cross-country skiers can find whatever level of challenge they’re looking for in the city’s over 50 miles of rugged trails in and around Spearfish. At over 5,000 feet, Big Hill offers a stunning overlook of Spearfish Mountain and Spearfish Canyon. It, along with Eagle Cliff, are two of the city’s most popular spots for cross-country skiing. Some of the country’s best fly-fishing can be found at Spearfish Creek. Spearfish Canyon offers spectacular fall foliage. One of its three waterfalls becomes a popular ice climbing spot in winter. Spearfish has a highly variable climate, with an average snowfall of 40 inches. The city is at risk of fires in the warm months, with a severe fire factor rating of 7 out of 10.
The city has 16 developed parks connected by an 8-mile path. It also has five sports field areas, a skate park and a winter ice rink. Two golf courses and two disc golf courses are also located in the city. The Spearfish Recreation and Aquatics Center includes fitness classes, pickleball courts, a gym, pools, slides, and an indoor climbing wall.
You will find many fly-fishing enthusiasts around Spearfish.
Lookout Mountain has many trails for hiking and biking east of Spearfish.
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Walkable downtown offers dining, shopping and entertainment
Downtown Spearfish is a walkable, welcoming space whose clocktower and diagonal parking give it an old-town feel. Eateries include steakhouses, bistros, and cafes. After dinner, diners can check out the city’s brewpubs, sports bars and wine bars. Shopping options include antique stores, organic food stores, outdoor sporting goods shops, and Walmart. People can find more shopping options in Rapid City. “You won’t be able to get your Lululemon or all of your favorite chains here, but you can find what you need,” Morrison says.
Nonna’s Kitchen serves up amazing Italian cuisine in downtown Spearfish.
Spearfish’s Walmart has a great selection of groceries and household goods.
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Matthews Opera House and Art Gallery providing artistic offerings since 1906
The Matthews Opera House and Art Gallery feature performances and art exhibits year-round. In the summer, the city hosts Downtown Friday Nights free concerts. In September, the city rings in the fall season with Autumn Fest.
Spearfish has many attractions and events like the Matthews Opera House and Art Gallery.
Downtown Spearfish hosts Downtown Friday Nights and other events.
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Interstate 90 runs right through Spearfish
Interstate 90 runs through the city. Those who prefer not to drive can take advantage of the intercity bus service or use one of two bike-share stations. The Rapid City Regional Airport, 50 miles away, is the closest major airport. It offers service to nine cities from five major airlines.
Crime
According to FBI data, property crime rates have fluctuated widely in the past two years, sometimes exceeding state and national levels and sometimes falling below those levels. During that same period, violent crime tended to exceed national and state averages.
Written By
Anne Amoury
Photography Contributed By
Daniel Reagan
Video By
Adam Barkley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jenni Brue,
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Spearfish, SD sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Spearfish, SD over the last 12 months is $512,500, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Newly Built 3,674 sq. ft. Home in Top Shelf Subdivision! Nestled on a .65-acre lot with room for a detached shop, this 6-bedroom, 3-bathroom home by High Plains Construction Inc. offers modern elegance and functionality. The oversized 4-car garage provides ample space, while high vaulted ceilings, elegant windows, and spacious rooms enhance the open-concept design. Enjoy two electric fireplaces
Listed by Nellie Krueger- The Real Estate Center of Spearfish, 605-645-7473. Co-Listed by Jason Richards- The Real Estate Center of Spearfish, 605-381-1087. Welcome to your new home! This beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence is nestled in a sought-after neighborhood, offering a perfect blend of comfort and style. As you enter, you'll be greeted by a bright and open floor plan,
For more information, please contact listing agent Michael Warwick 605-641-2569 of Great Peaks Realty. Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in the desirable Reserve on Higgins Creek Subdivision. With 1,476 Sq. Ft. of well-designed living space, this home offers comfort, functionality, and style. The open-concept layout features a spacious living area with gas fireplace and
Lovely view lot in the Beautiful area of Mountain Plains II..Access your new lot right off the pavement for ease to perfect building sites to choose from. The trees enhance the privacy and peacefulness of the area. The views overlook Crow Peak and the city of Spearfish and will create a beautiful vision for your new home with lovely and relaxing ambiance. The six acres allow plenty of room for
Call or text Listing Agents Karson Klein or Rick Furnish at (605) 641-5548 or (605) 641-2979. Welcome to 1335 E Woodland Loop. This is a rare opportunity in the highly sought-after Woodlands development tucked behind Lookout Mountain in Spearfish. This immaculately maintained home, built in 2012 and lovingly cared for by its original owner, sits on a private, tree-lined lot that blends comfort,
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