8 Top-Ranked Towns in South Dakota for Retirees
Retirees seeking low-cost living, outdoor attractions and activities, and friendly neighborhoods, may need to consider South Dakota. Aside from its spellbinding natural beauty, the Mount Rushmore State is a top-rated place to retire. However, there is a caveat: If you want to retire near any body of water, ensure the area is not prone to flooding. Otherwise, South Dakota does not maintain an income tax, maintains a low sales tax rate, and exempts all retirement income from taxation. You will want to consider many other factors, including healthcare access. Bearing this in mind, learn more about the eight top-ranked towns in South Dakota for retirees.
Hill City
If you do not want to live in Rapid City, but still be conveniently within a hairbreadth of it, Hill City should be a consideration. For starters, Black Hills Surgical Hospital in Rapid City is phenomenal and does orthopedic surgery, a surgery that seniors are increasingly needing. Plus, the community here is down-to-earth and friendly, so that one will feel welcomed and accepted. Enveloped in the picturesque Black Hills, this town offers an eclectic menu of outdoor activities.
With a median age of 41, a retiree will get the chance to interact with the young and thereby derive a sense of purpose — or join a circle of fellow empty nesters — and reminisce about the rich tapestry of life. On a different gear, Museum @ Black Hills Institute houses one of the largest privately held fossil collections in the world while the South Dakota State Railroad Museum is often the go-to spot for railroad fans and history lovers. But you may have to set aside $694,000, the median listing price for homes in Hill City.
Aberdeen
With the Kuhnert Arboretum on the south side of town that spans 19 lush acres and boasts lots of paved paths, a lake (in Wylie Park) where one can walk barefoot and enjoy the feel of the sand, and a public university where seniors 65 or older can receive a 45 percent discount on tuition, Aberdeen should pique the interest of any retiree. The median age here is 35, so one will always feel young at heart — while nearly everyone is incredibly friendly and always willing to help out when needed.
With homes listing for a median price of just $199,900 (according to realtor.com), this South Dakota gem also scores big on affordability. Plus, Aberdeen is home to several outstanding hospitals, including the award-winning Avera St. Luke's Hospital and Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center.
Madison
For starters, Madison is home to what could be the best Dairy Queen in the state. Dairy Queen Grill & Chill is famous for its signature shakes and soft-serve ice cream. Retirees with a sweet tooth may, therefore, not need to look any further. Madison is also home to Dakota State University. Retirees who want to keep their brains active and engaged — as experts often recommend — will therefore love this South Dakota treasurer. There are two lakes in the town’s precincts: Lake Madison and Lake Herman, which serve as awesome venues for outdoor fun and adventure.
If seeking to buy a home so you can have your own space, you may love the fact homes in Madison have a median listing price of just about $316,800, which is a steal considering what it offers. Finally, while Madison Regional Health System will meet your emergency medical needs, Sioux Falls is just a 50-minute drive.
Hot Springs
There is a reason Hot Springs is often ranked among the best places to retire in South Dakota. This town is small and home to just about 3,700 residents. One can get on a first-name basis with most residents and will love the close, intimate experience. Fall River meanders through the center of town and imbues it with a cool, rustic appeal. One will enjoy early-morning strolls on the sidewalk along this river — while tagging an excited furry friend along. Hot Springs VA Medical Center, perched on a bluff above the town, provides a range of services to veterans. The median age here stands at about 54 years, implying one will feel part of a big-friendly family.
While the highly-regarded Fall River Health Services will handle medical emergencies, Rapid City is just an hour’s drive away. If you will need an occasional plunge in a natural pool; sans chlorine and irritated eyes, Evans Plunge Mineral Springs will come in handy. Plus, Upper Chautauqua Park, which is tucked in a canyon, is one of South Dakota's best-kept secrets. Just set aside about $369,900, the median listing price of homes in Hot Springs.
Custer
Retirement here means you will be joining about 2,000 residents who already call this Black Hills treasure home. Being in the Black Hills, expect an active and varied outdoor scene, ideal for retirees who want to keep themselves in prime physical shape. Encircled by evergreens and shimmering lakes, including the glittering Sylvan Lake in the awe-inspiring Custer State Park, opportunities for boating and hiking abound. Custer boasts a median age of 57 years; therefore, expect a social scene that is anything but loud or wild. For perspective, seniors 65 and above comprise a whopping 33% of the town’s population.
The Monument Health Custer Hospital is right in town and receives overwhelmingly positive reviews. For those who need options, Rapid City is just 41 miles down the road. In addition, driving through the Black Hills National Forest is therapeutic — and will need to be a routine. However, Custer's housing market is becoming influenced by high demand. Homes are listed for a median price of $625,000.
Miller
Miller is a close-knit, family-oriented community in central South Dakota. Midway Drive-In provides a fantastic outdoor movie experience and is an excellent venue for meeting up with friends and peers. A retiree here should not be worried about access to healthcare. Avera Hand County Memorial Hospital is a town favorite — and has been serving residents since 1947. Alternatively, Community Memorial Hospital in Redfield is a short drive away and is just as good. Miller boasts a median age of 51 and therefore, ideal for retirees who want regular fireside chats with fellow empty nesters.
The best part about retiring here is that homes are relatively affordable, with a median listing price of just $159,900. For the outdoorsy, Lake Louise, which is in the Lake Louise Recreation Area in Miller's backyard, is an awesome spot for boating and hiking. Also, the Shakespeare Garden & Anne Hathaway Cottage is about an hour's drive, and nothing sets the heart aglow like this charming, serene spot.
Brookings
Boasting a population of about 23,500, Brookings is a vibrant, growing town with lots to offer a retiree. The town’s tree-lined streets, quiet and safe neighborhoods, and sunny-faced residents — are features that can captivate and ensnare any retiree. Though it is mostly a young crowd, with a median age of just 24, the community here is fairly conservative. The town’s young median age is due to the fact Brookings is home to South Dakota State University, the state's largest academic institution. The university has tailored some programs for retirees, including Aging Well, Life Planning, and Family Caregiving. Plus, Brookings Health System is in town and is rated five stars by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the highest score possible for all hospitals in the United States.
Finally, you can be kayaking at the Dakota Nature Park, thinking an issue over at the State Arboretum — amid heart-ravishing greenery, or teeing away an afternoon at the Frisbee Golf Course. And with homes listing for a median price of $353,400, Brookings is not eye-wateringly expensive.
Spearfish
Rounding off the top-ranked places to retire is Spearfish, a South Dakota stunner encircled by unmatched natural beauty. Spearfish Creek runs through the city and was once the venue where Native Americans would come to spear fish in the area, hence the town’s name. Spearfish hosts Black Hills State University, making it ideal for those who want to retire in a stimulating academic environment. Monument Health Spearfish Hospital is right in town — and provides surgical procedures a retiree may need. These include total knee replacement, cardiac procedures, and outpatient orthopedic surgery. Being a college town, the town brims with amenities.
Still, if one needs a more varied scene, Rapid City is just under an hour away. Spearfish is also relatively affluent. Homes are listed for a median price of $654,000. Spearfish Parks & Recreation, with its heart-gripping canyon, is among the most beautiful places in the Midwest. Additionally, DC Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery houses the largest collection of fisheries artifacts in the United States.
Boasting a beauty that is largely unknown and celebrated, South Dakota could be the nation’s best-kept secret. The Black Hills area, for instance, is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Plus, this Midwest State is tax-friendly and hence, affordable. It does not maintain an income tax and exempts all retirement income from taxation. If looking for specific recommendations, consider gems such as Hill City, Aberdeen, Madison, and Hot Springs.
