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Luca moving

Remote worker thinking about Rapid City

With a population of 76,836, Rapid City is a smaller city. You can expect to pay around $1,053 for rent here. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Would love some local perspective. TIA! There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
0 upvotes

2 Replies

Theodore K.
preach
20 upvotes
Lucy
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Sunset for 9 years. Moved from Baltimore for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.

**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are surprisingly 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And traffic can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
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