Rapid City lies east of Black Hills National Forest in western South Dakota. It’s known as “The City of Presidents,” due to its proximity to Mount Rushmore, and 43 life-size bronze presidential statues throughout its downtown. Founded in 1876, Rapid City is split by a low mountain ridge that divides the city’s western and eastern sections. The city covers 55.1 square miles, and it has a median age of 37.2 (2022). Its economy is mainly driven by tourism, government services, and financial services.

There are a variety of housing options in Rapid City, where the typical home value is $322,518, up 13.8% over the past year (Zillow, 2022). The city hosts annual events that engage and entertain both residents and visitors alike. They include the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup, and the Central States Fair.

Major highways serving Rapid City include I-90, I-190, and U.S. Highway 16. Ashland Heights, in the city’s northeast, offers single-family homes and mobile homes. Colonial Pine Hills, in the city’s southwest, contains townhomes, while Wilson Park features apartment complexes and high-rise apartment buildings.

Rapid City appeals to people not only for its low cost of living, but its easy access to the best attractions in the state.