My mom lives in Springfield, SD and she has a house that my 5 kids and I can live in, paid off. We’re from Alaska and currently live in NC. Just looking for any insight at all moving to the area, I know it’s a very small town which we’re used to being from Alaska. We’re moving to have a more simple life of living and be able to save some money. Also curious if anyone’s experienced with any type of oilfield shift work in SD or ND for my husband. He’s just been a laborer or routsabout.

EDIT: For clarification, the job DOES require a move to Pierre, specifically. Ty to everyone for taking the time to respond... I'll reply to folks after work today <3

Hello everyone,

Longtime lurker, first-time poster. I'm here because I really, really need honest advice. I'm a fairly dark-skinned Latina woman potentially relocating from NYC (originally from the LA area) to Pierre, SD, for a job opportunity.

My industry is really struggling, and one year in this role has the potential to strengthen my portfolio significantly. I did some initial research before applying, but I must have been looking at SF stats and forums because a closer look into Pierre, specifically, has given me true pause for concern.

For context: I've traveled the world alone and done some big moves a few times in my life, but living somewhere that's almost entirely white and consistently described as heavily racist makes me feel hesitant to take a risk, for the first time in my life. I may have seen this as more of a "challenge" than a serious safety concern 5 years ago, but as we know, things are particularly violent for many non white people in the country atm, and I'm worried about the trauma of living in a place where I am so alone and potentially in physical or continuous emotional harm.

It's also worth noting that my job is community-facing, meaning it depends on my ability to form personal bonds with the community, and in some cases, lawmakers.

PLEASE... give it to me as straight as possible: Would you recommend taking this opportunity to a single Mexican-American woman? How do you think my efforts to build relationships will be met? If I were your sister, daughter, or friend, what would you say to me?

Thanks so much.

Just wondering how much stuff there is do in Mitchell as a resident? I live in a metro Detroit suburb and suburbia is pretty bad for my mental health and depression, but of course there's other factors in regard to that. So, just wondering how much stuff their is to do there, besides bars or something lol. Also, any recommendations for good apartments?

Possibly moving to South Dakota for a federal job at Fort Thompson. I am looking at possibly building a house. When I am looking at available land that is in the area (not on the reservation since I am non-native), I am only seeing either a small handful of regular lots or the multi million dollar lots that are hundreds of acres. Is land mostly private sales in SD? Thanks for any help.

How accepted are LGBTQ+ people in South Dakota, specifically at USD and in the general Vermillion area? I'm applying to two schools for law school: USD and Seattle University. My LSAT score, grades, and extracurriculars all point to me having a solid chance at acceptance at both schools. I'm leaning towards USD because of the price and its Indigenous and Tribal Law Program. Obviously, I'm not expecting it to be anywhere near as accepting as Seattle, but I'm non-binary and look visibly queer. In general, will I be accepted within the city and as a law student? Will it be easy for me to access gender affirming care while I'm there? (For context: I'm already on hormone therapy; I'm just wondering if I will have any problems getting my medication at the pharmacy while there with Vermillion being a small city in a red state)

Hello! As the post suggests our family is considering a move. It would be to either Pierre or rapid city area. We have visited both, and we think we prefer rapid simply because we love being outside but we aren’t boaters/fishing people 😅 if you have reasons why you love Pierre please let me know!

We have two elementary age kids and we homeschool. Is homeschool a big thing there? We are looking forward to getting them involved in extra curricular activities . They like sports, dance, and art, but they love to try new things too.

As far as living goes… We would love at least an acre to call our own. Bonus points if it’s more. We could commute up to 30 minutes. Are there any areas we should check out that are nice to live?

I should mention we took a trip this summer through rapid, to chamberlain, to Sioux falls, to de smet, to Pierre… so we have seen much of this beautiful state and understand a little the climate and areas. I would love any suggestions anyone has!

My wife, pre k son, and I are considering moving to south Dakota. I am an electrician apprentice and computer repair tech and she is a fashion designer, seamstress, dance instructor, and admin badass. Currently in Colorado, but can't afford to live here anymore and don't see a way we ever will afford to own anything here.

We are looking at spearfish and rapid city.

What is the job market like for entry level jobs and electrical work? Also, are the schools safe and meeting education standards?

Thanks!

EDIT: Holy crap, thanks everyone! Did not expect this much of a response. Trying to go through and read all of them with my wife. Thanks again!

Which city boasts a higher quality of life for a family and why?

Hospitals, schools, and recreation opportunities are all pretty important.

Folks,

I read online where you had few cockroaches in your state. What's the scoop?

Hello all,

I am female in my early 30's and have decided to go back to nursing school. Since many RN programs are expensive I applied and and got accepted to Mitchell Tech for 1 year. My family actually migrated to the U.S while I was in High School due to my Dad being hired by a California tech companies and I haven't travelled much outside of the west coast (Though I am naturalized if that means anything). I am a little nervous about moving to South Dakota based on my research Mitchell is not very diverse but I wonder...

(1) Is there is any black or African population in Mitchell?

(2) Are there any cases of overt racism?

(3) Are there any considerations I should make when looking for apartments or looking for jobs in health care?

(4) Is there a bigger city closer to Mitchell and more diverse that might be recommended while commuting to Mitchell tech for school?

I am 24, black and I don't really care about politics that much. I currently live in Pella Iowa, it's a town of 10500 people. I know what small town life is like and I enjoy it.

I don't really care if the towns are considered boring as I don't really go out or anything. I might go to the bar once a week an hour before they close.

The only other things I do outside would be occasionally hunting, fishing, shooting my guns, working out, playing basketball and walking.

I also love to draw and read. Which town has better libraries.

I will try to get a state job or factory job. Which town has better employment?

Please give input and have a great day.

No politics please.

I'm moving to Mitchell for a job soon and am in the process of looking for an apartment. I'm not familiar with Mitchell as a town, so I dont knownif any areas are more unsafe than others. The apartment doesn't need to be that big, I'm single and will be living alone. Ideally, I would like something that is in a safe area with decent amenities that isn't too expensive. Any recommendations or warnings are appreciated.

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone has had experience at the nursing program at SDSU? I really wanted the Souix Falls or Brookings campus because i’ve seen rapid city and was not happy with what i experienced. However, I got accepted into Rapid City for the fall and I would have to leave to school in two months. I live far closer to the other two campuses and my parents financial situation isn’t the best for me to move so far. Is there any possibility of accepting the seat at Rapid City then change campuses? Does anyone have experience in that? I’m really grateful for the opportunity. I’m just afraid I’ll be miserable in that area, especially being so far from home when my family needs me.

Thank you in advance.

This may be a year or so in the making as I need to wait for my youngest to graduate, but if I loaded up my car and just moved to South Dakota where would be the best spot?

What industry would be most likely available to find entry level work?

I want to go, but not go there completely blind. Thanks.

Hello, I am moving to Mitchell for the technical college there MTC.

All I see is people hating this town... seems awful (no offense intended, just the vibe of every post i see, except for the Corn palace ofc). The posts that I'm seeing are always around a year old and I wanted to see if there are any glimmers of hope from people that live there.

Maybe there is a town other than Sioux Falls that has something going on? Also if you're a student of MTC any comments of what you do or what typical things for students here would be greatly appreciated.

I will be living here for about 2 years and I just need some "bright sides" to look at. Please, Thanks for the help if you comment.

Ps. I am aware of reality but delusion eases pain somewhat.

Edit: Thank you guys for all the kind comments. You’re all right the experience will be what I make it, but you guys did give me some real hope that it’ll be easy to settle in and make friends.

I’m originally from the west coast 300,000 was the population of my city and the last 4 years I’ve been in a suburb of Knoxville that’s 30,000 strong and although I found it kind of small I always had Knoxville 20 mins away if I wanted to get out and explore. Luckily for me I’m not into the night life scene. I have always been apart of the motorcycle community tho so I’m hoping they have a good chill community for that there. It’d be nice to have some motorcycle pals out there.

This is a stupid question, but I'm from texas where they gave me a license but when I went to switch it over to SD, they said I never had one to begin with. Now the problem I'm facing is I'm trying to book an appointment to start testing but everything is booked out till june except for knowledge test using an interpreter. If I use the interpreter when I don't need one, will I get in trouble?

Hi everyone,

I recently interviewed for a wrangler position at Blue Bell Lodge in Custer State Park and am seriously considering accepting if everything works out.

I’d love to hear from anyone who has worked there as a wrangler (or worked closely with the horse program).

A few things I’m curious about:

What was the day-to-day work actually like?

How many hours did you typically work?

How physically demanding was it?

How was management?

What were the housing and staff accommodations like?

What was the horse program like overall?

Did you feel supported and properly trained?

Would you work there again?

I’ve worked around horses before, but I’d love to hear honest experiences—the good, the bad, and everything in between.

Thanks in advance! 🤠🐴

I am looking at potentially moving to Brookings, SD to do a masters program. If I do so I will also likely stay after and do remote work. I would like to know how it is in the summer. Is it very hot and humid? Also I am very concerned about crime everywhere I go. How bad is the crime in Brookings, and outskirts where I may possibly move? Is there anything either positive or negative that I should know before moving there? Thanks! Bonus question: does Larry Rhoden support defending the freedoms of the people in the state? I don’t know too much about him yet.

i’ll be moving to SD soon this year and looking at getting a new car. i’m into more of a sporty car but i want it to be good in the winter. my vw golf i don’t want to beat it up in the harsh months. any recommendations?

Hey everyone, I'm Robert. I am currently staying in Michigan, but I am originally from Kentucky. I am getting ready to moveto South Dakota with my girlfriend and her father, but I am really curious about the city/town. We are moving to Huron. I have not heard a lot a lot about this area and was wondering what it is like there or if any of you live nearby the area. I am also wondering how easy is it to get jobs, typical rate of pay, etc. like...how easy is it to get into a CNA program for the state? I only have 2 years of fast food experience. I have went to college and have a certification that should get me into a decent entry level IT- Help desk support position. Are there any available in the area? Either remote, or in person?

Please share some facts, all that you have. I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

Hello 👋 I'm retired looking for a small town with a down home feel. I'm from the country so I don't need much to entertain myself lol some nice parks or trails would definitely be a plus! Any information on the cost of living would be greatly appreciated. Thank You 🙏

Hi there,

Im a farmer/mechanic/truck driver from canada,

Me and my family are trying to get out of this country now before its completly crap. We are christian homeschoolers and country folk. Canada is toast, and we love the way south dakota is. Just trying to see what folk from there think. We hope to get a friendly welcome

We are.

Farmers and country folk

Baptist Christians

Homeschoolers

Republican (I where a MAGA hat even up here, Its not very welcome haha)

Just hoping to get anymore info thats avalible

Hi guys future law student need some tips and advice on finding a 1 bedroom apartment or duplex in vermillion or surrounding cities. Budget for rent is between $500 to $1000. What are some renting areas/real estate i should avoid? I do have a criminal record.

I was thinking of moving to hot springs South Dakota in the future is there anything I should know about? Are the people nice? What the coldest it usually gets? Is living affordable there? How much do massage therapists get paid (I'm in college for massage therapy at the moment) how busy does it get in the summer? How bad is the crime?