9 Best Places To Live In South Dakota In 2025
South Dakota is an exceptional destination in 2025 for people looking to live near the natural outdoors. The state includes iconic attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Badlands National Park, the Black Hills, and the Missouri River. South Dakota towns also offer positive culture and career opportunities. South Dakota boasts the lowest state taxes and shortest commute times. The state continues to attract businesses and professionals looking for better job opportunities. Check out the following top towns for optimizing a South Dakota lifestyle.
Watertown
Watertown offers businesses many opportunities and has become a thriving town with a strong economy and workforce. Watertown sits near Lake Pelican and Lake Kampeska, making it a winner for outdoor access. Outdoor recreation includes kayaking, boating, fishing, and an extensive hiking and biking trail system.
Watertown is a great family home with the Bramble Park Zoo, Redline Art Center, and the Codington County Heritage Museum. Families will enjoy the close-knit community. Residents are also welcome at the Prairie Winds Country Club. The median home price as of March 2025 is $360,000. Healthcare is local and features two private systems, Sanford Health and the Brown Clinic.
Brookings
Brookings offers a thriving academic environment as the home to South Dakota State University (SDSU). Mixed with a higher education vibe is Brookings’ small-town community feel and several new and expanding neighborhoods. The town boasts a lower cost of living than the national average, a low crime rate, and numerous parks and recreation centers.
Interested in moving to Brookings? Check out the Live in Brookings initiative for support and resources for new residents. Take advantage of the job and moving assistance. There are even special events for newcomers to help get them acquainted and assimilated into the welcoming community. Brookings offers other amenities, including a children’s museum, an art museum, and two performing arts centers. The area also has several local golf courses, parks, and an exceptional trail system for hiking or biking. The median home price in March 2025 is $368,000. Healthcare options exist locally at the Brookings Medical Center & Hospital.
Brandon
Brandon is located just 15 miles from Sioux Falls, so residents can experience the best of a small community and the amenities of a larger city. Brandon has several recreation centers, golf courses, public parks, and an extensive trail system for walking, bird watching, hiking, and biking.
Brandon is home to the Brandon Valley Performing Arts Center and the Brandon Historical Society Museum. Brandon is close to the Big Sioux State Recreation Area for outdoor enthusiasts. Most residents work in nearby Sioux Falls. The same is true for healthcare. Most residents commute to Sioux Falls for quality healthcare options. The median home price in Brandon is higher at $419,000.
Huron
Huron sits just outside of the Black Hills region. Huron is a growing community with exceptional recreational options at the Nordby Recreation Center, the golf course, parks with walking trails, and community sports teams. Huron is also home to the annual South Dakota State Fair and the Splash Central Waterpark.
The community of Huron comes together year-round in a variety of public festivals, including the Huron Ringneck Festival, Antique Power Shos, Wheel Jam, the State Fair, local rodeos, and an extensive parade of lights during the Christmas holiday. Residents also have access to a public library, Huron Community College, and local healthcare from the Huron Regional Medical Center. The median housing price for March 2025 is a reasonable $225,000.
Sturgis
Sturgis is the infamous or famous annual summer motorcycle rally. Sturgis is also more than that. It’s a town that provides quality education from elementary to high school. Students are provided with the tools necessary to succeed. There are also multiple youth sports teams. There are clubs for modern technology and CTE (Career and Technical Education) programs for students not interested in athletics.
Sturgis also offers the Sturgis Community Center for recreational and community activities, including an indoor pool and walking track. The center serves all ages. Sturgis also supports a baseball complex and a vast trail system for biking and hiking. All trails lead to several National Forests within a few minutes.
Residents also receive access to fine arts education classes and private lessons. Sturgis hosts several arts festivals and concerts year-round. Check out the Sturgis Area Arts Council, White Canvas Art, and the Sturgis ArtWalk. The median home price averages $499,000 as of March 2025.
Custer
Custer sits in the heart of the Black Hills region. Custer is the gateway to popular parks and tourist attractions and a vibrant and welcoming community. The Black Hills are perfect for outdoor lovers of any age, offering water activities, hiking, biking, and camping. Check out the local Custer State Park. Just outside town are Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Badlands National Park, and Wind Cave National Park.
Custer is currently in the process of increasing housing options. Prospective residents should check with the city online for updates on new housing projects and incentives. Healthcare is available locally at the Monument Health Center and Custer Hospital. The median housing price in March 2025 is high at $799,000.
Belle Fourche
Belle Fourche offers residents outdoor recreation options and old west charm. Belle Fourche’s welcoming community enjoys the town’s status as a regional trade center and gateway to the Black Hills region. Belle Fourche hosts the annual Black Hills Roundup Rodeo right in the center of town.
Residents looking for outdoor activities will find themselves near the Black Hills for hiking, biking, and fishing. Additionally, residents can quickly access Spearfish Canyon and Orman Dam for water activities and fishing. The town also hosts the Tri-State Museum, Belle Fourche Country Club, and the full-service recreation center at Herrmann Park.
Healthcare is local at the Tri-State Medical Center or the Monument Health Belle Fourche Clinic. The median housing price as of March 2025 is $359,000.
Spearfish
Spearfish blends local history with small-town charm in a micropolitan community. Although Spearfish continues to grow by attracting new residents of all ages, the town remains friendly and welcoming, with a lower-than-average crime rate.
Spearfish Canyon is right next door and is an excellent choice for hiking, biking, and fishing. In town, check out the DC Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery, High Plains Western Heritage Museum, and several recreation centers with over 16 public parks. Plenty of trails to walk or bike without even leaving town. Find exceptional nature trails at Bridal Veil Falls and the Devil’s Bathtub Trail in Spearfish Canyon.
Spearfish is home to Black Hills State University, which offers over 80 academic and 20 pre-professional programs. Healthcare is available locally at the Monument Health Spearfish Clinic or the Monument Health Spearfish Hospital. The median home price as of March 2025 is high at $677,000.
Pierre
Pierre is the capital city of South Dakota and sits near the Missouri River. Residents can check out the State Capital, the South Dakota Discovery Center (science museum), and the South Dakota Historical Society in town. Pierrs is the perfect location for bird and wildlife watching, hiking, biking, and fishing.
Pierre is home to La Framboise Island off the Missouri River for hiking and biking trails. Visit the island for water activities, including swimming, fishing, and boating. Water lovers must check out the Oahe Dam, which offers residents 230 miles of lake for kayaking and water skiing.
Many Pierre residents want to live in a smaller town without losing out on recreational, educational, and healthcare facilities. Pierre offers residents high-quality amenities and a low cost of living. The city supports trails, parks, golf courses, and a historic baseball stadium. Pierre sits conveniently along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail for even greater access. Travel is also easier in Pierre, with a regional airport with direct flights to Denver International Airport.
Healthcare is available locally at the Avera St. Mary’s Hospital, Medical Center, or the Sanford Pierre Clinic. The median home price as of March 2025 is a reasonable $332,000.
Why These South Dakota Towns Stand Out
From family-friendly suburbs to scenic small towns steeped in nature, South Dakota offers a diverse range of places to call home. Whether you're drawn to the strong local economies, affordable housing, access to outdoor recreation, or close-knit communities, each town on this list brings something unique to the table. With a low cost of living, growing job opportunities, and a strong sense of place, South Dakota continues to be an appealing choice for families, professionals, and retirees alike. Choosing the right place ultimately depends on your lifestyle priorities—but in South Dakota, there’s a great fit for everyone.
