With so many beautiful states to discover, deciding the best place to retire in the United States is no easy task. However, we’d like to put forward an argument for South Dakota.
The Mount Rushmore State is a haven for outdoor activity, making it a big hit with active retirees. It’s also budget-friendly, which suits retirees who want to make their savings go further. Finally, there is no state income tax, property tax breaks for seniors, and a cost of living below the national average.
Here is a list of the best places to retire in South Dakota to show you what the state offers.
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Sioux Falls
One of the best places in South Dakota to retire is Sioux Falls, a picturesque city in southeastern South Dakota known for its beautiful Big Sioux River waterfall and low cost of living. With a population of over 180,000, Sioux Falls is the largest city in the state.
As such, it offers retirees plenty of amenities, things to do, and retirement living options, including assisted, independent, and community living. Notable amenities include world-class medical centers, recreation centers, and shopping malls.
In Sioux Falls, you can spend your retirement exploring Falls Park, visiting the Old Courthouse Museum, and cycling the Sioux Falls Bike Trail.
Rapid City
Retirees seeking a combination of city life and scenic South Dakota charm should consider retiring to Rapid City, a city renowned for being the gateway to Mount Rushmore and Black Hills National Forest. With a population of approximately 75,000, you can also expect a more laid-back atmosphere.
Besides its apparent beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, Rapid City offers retirees several living options, such as assisted, memory care, and independent living, a cost of living below the national average, excellent healthcare facilities, shops, and restaurants.
Other points of interest in or near Rapid City include the Journey Museum, Skyline Wilderness Area Park, and Schroeder Trailhead.
Madison
If you’d prefer to escape the hustle and bustle of big-city life, head to Madison, a small city with a population of less than 10,000. Despite being a small city, Madison is one of the best places to retire in South Dakota, especially if you love the great outdoors.
At Lake Herman, approximately three miles (5 kilometers) outside the city, active retirees can hike, play golf, swim, fish, and boat. Adrenaline junkies can also ride jet skis.
Meanwhile, Madison offers attractions like the Lake County Museum, restaurants, shops, and medical centers. Regarding living options, this city provides assisted, community, and independent living.
Hot Springs
Another small city with a laid-back atmosphere and many things to see and do is Hot Springs, a quaint city in Fall River County named after its warm springs. In Hot Springs, you’ll spend your golden years soaking up the sun at the Evans Plunge Mineral Springs, exploring Upper Chautauqua Park, Wind Cave National Park, the mammoth dig site, and hiking along the Fall River.
Hot Springs has a population of less than 5,000, so fewer amenities and living options exist. However, you’ll still have access to multiple medical centers, a retirement living community, recreation centers, and grocery stores.
You’ll also be pleased to hear the cost of living is below the national average.
Spearfish
Active retirees who love the great outdoors will quickly fall in love with the charming town of Spearfish and its lush surroundings. This postcard-perfect town in Lawrence County offers countless hiking trails, outdoor activities, and landscape vistas.
Retirees who move to Spearfish enjoy visiting the Community Caves, Crow Peak Trail Head, and Lookout Mountain. The town has its own golf course, and Mount Rushmore is only an hour away.
Regarding the quality of life, retirees can expect a low cost of living, access to essentials such as medical centers, shops, and restaurants, and several retirement living options, including assisted, independent, and apartment retirement living.
Belle Fourche
Nestled in Western South Dakota, Belle Fourche is a beautiful retirement destination with a small-town atmosphere, stunning scenery, and many things to see and do. Despite its remote location, the city is only one hour and thirty minutes from Mount Rushmore and one hour from Rapid City.
The city itself boasts the Tri-State Museum, which details the region’s history, the Belle Fourche Riverwalk, where retirees can walk and cycle, and the Matthews Opera House, where they can watch local talent perform.
Some perks of retiring in Belle Fourche include excellent healthcare, affordable housing, a cost of living below the state average, and multiple retirement living options.
Huron
Huron is one of the best places to retire in South Dakota if you want to make your money go further. In fact, according to Redfin, the city is the most affordable place to live in the state. Retirees can expect low living costs and affordable housing.
Huron is also a fantastic place to live regarding outdoor activities, retirement living options, and amenities. Some of Huron’s most popular things to see and do include the South Dakota State Fair, the world’s largest pheasant, Ravine Park Lake, and the Pyle House Museum.
It’s also worth noting that healthcare in Huron is well-regarded, with reputable clinics and hospitals readily available.
Yankton
Located on the Missouri River in Yankton County, South Dakota, Yankton is a great place to retire if you seek small-town charm, easy access to essential amenities, plenty of outdoor activities, and a low cost of living.
For context, the cost of living in Yankton is over 7% lower than the state average and 17% lower than the national average, so your money will go further. You can use the money you save to do more things you love.
In Yankton, this might include boating, fishing, and hiking. Significant points of interest in the town include the Great Northern Railway Depot, Riverside Park, the Boat House, and the Mead Museum.
Mitchell
The penultimate destination on our list is Mitchell, a tax-friendly city in Davidson County with many things to see and do, several retirement living options, and lush natural surroundings. In Mitchell, retirees can choose from independent, assisted, luxury, countryside living, and more.
They have easy access to excellent healthcare. There are plenty of shops and places to eat in town, and the city has various recreation centers offering a wide range of activities, including swimming and gym classes.
Better yet, Mitchell has a low cost of living. Popular attractions in the city include the Dakota Discovery Museum, Lake Mitchell, the World’s Only Corn Palace, and Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village.
Vermillion
Last but certainly not least is Vermillion, a vibrant city on the banks of the Missouri River in Clay County. If you’re looking for balance, this is one of the best places in South Dakota to retire. You’ll find many cultural, historical, and outdoor experiences and everything you need to thrive.
Sports lovers can play golf at the Bluffs, keen hikers can walk the Vermillion River Trail, and history buffs can learn at the National Music Museum. Regarding amenities and living options, Vermillion has much to offer.
The city offers independent, assisted, and senior living communities, multiple health care centers, and recreation areas.
Conclusion About the Best Places to Retire in South Dakota
That concludes our list of the best places to retire in South Dakota. In this post, I’ve shown you exactly what Mount Rushmore State has to offer and detailed the key reasons why you might want to move.
Now, it’s down to you to decide if South Dakota is the best place to spend your golden years.
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Jack Bolton
Jack Bolton is a content writer and blogger from the UK. He has a strong passion for travel and has an endless bucket list that he’s making his way through!
