Hey folks, The unemployment rate is 2.0%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Rapid City sits at 707.3 per 100K. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
13 upvotes
25 Replies
Hazel Castillo
hard disagree but ok
39 upvotes
jackson_girl
Moved here from Dallas about 7 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to cost of living but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
Nova Stewart
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely average and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Springfield) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
39 upvotes
Eugene N.
seconding this
35 upvotes
Sarah Moore
as a local I can confirm
34 upvotes
Emma M.
interesting, hadn't considered that
33 upvotes
Sadie
+1
33 upvotes
Eleanor Murphy
this is the way
32 upvotes
John Cox
This.
31 upvotes
Serenity A.
+1
26 upvotes
loving_jeremiah78
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 14 years. Moved from Tampa for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are pretty good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Adam Lee
accurate
20 upvotes
Landon Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 54, moved here 12 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in The Heights and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The job market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Dallas, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
15 upvotes
Kayden M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 51, moved here 13 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in North and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The walkability situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for families. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Salt Lake City, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
14 upvotes
Carter Gomez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 37, moved here 1 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Westside and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The nightlife situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Dallas, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
13 upvotes
Lydia Bennett
noted, appreciate it
8 upvotes
Declan M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 43, moved here 9 years ago from LA. I've lived in Fairview and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The cost of living situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from LA, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
7 upvotes
Emmett Lewis
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
7 upvotes
James Gomez
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
5 upvotes
Claire Castillo
as a local I can confirm
5 upvotes
Melanie Brooks
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Nashville about 10 years ago. The main reasons were school and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
3 upvotes
Matthew
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
3 upvotes
Everly Flores
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 14 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
1 upvotes
Victoria Castillo
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
All Countries
