Longtime lurker here, Been living here since 2010. Household incomes average around $65,712 in Rapid City. Poverty rate is 7.8%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Is this normal for Rapid City? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
12 upvotes
3 Replies
Luca L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 49, moved here 15 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Sunset and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally better than expected - 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 job market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Seattle, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
34 upvotes
Mason Morales
I work in construction here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is challenging. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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