Don't Even THINK About Moving to South Dakota - 7 Things you Gotta Know

[@jaadow77]

Moved to Rapid City 27 years ago, never looked back.

[@TristanEmond]

Glad you are loving life here. :)

[@mystikka1gaming740]

Will be Moving out that way in a couple weeks for a job in Rapid City. Been doing a lot of research, and cannot wait to get out there!

[@TristanEmond]

Awesome! I'm sure you'll love it here! 😀

[@bobbybooshay8641]

I moved to Rapid City from New Jersey one month after my retirement papers cleared. If you are from the northeast you will love this place. No state income tax. No tolls. No hours long traffic jams. No carjackings since you can be armed at all times. No ridiculous car inspections. You can actually go to the store and have your items (the horror!) in plastic bags. They don't do ridiculous virtue signaling here. Little to no crime. I did six months on a grand jury and all the crime revolves around the dregs of society. You do not see muggings and carjackings here like you see every week in Jersey. There is logic behind the "armed society is a polite society" ethos. Rapid City has everything a city in the northeast has and it is very easy to get around. The people are nicer here than they are in Jersey. Much nicer. The winters are the same as they are in north Jersey except for the fact they are about a month longer. I know it sounds hard to believe, but, the winters here are not bad at all. In fact, the snow here disappears in a couple of days instead of laying on the ground for weeks or months like it does in Jersey. It's really strange but the snow does not stay around for long. The summers are not humid. If you are accustomed to north Jersey summers then you will have no problem here. The roads are excellent. If you've lived in north Jersey or anywhere in that region then you will definitely notice the difference. The people here do not drive like maniacs either, another plus. There are always plenty of good paying jobs in all fields here. Excellent medical facilities here. I'm a veteran and the VA medical system here is top notch. In Jersey, you will see the small town police pulling people over every single day. Here, it is rare to see the police pulling over motorists. It happens, but rarely in my experience. In my five years here I have never once seen a Rapid City police car sitting at a radar trap. Not once. They don't do the chickenshit routine here. The cost of living here as far as prices go are pretty much the same as Jersey. Exactly the same in places such as Walmart, Target, et al. I rent here and the price are definitely lower here than Jersey. With the high paying jobs in this area you will be happy if you are renting. If you're from Jersey or that region you will love it here. Don't believe all the myths you have heard about this area.

[@TristanEmond]

OMG wow. Thank you for sharing your experience! It helps to have someone that knows what's it's like in other places talk about it. I can say alot but I've lived here since 1990. 🤣 thank you so much for sharing.

[@billmonroe8826]

SHHHHHH! You're going to ruin the state with people moving in.. You should be saying how cold it is in the winter with blizzards just to keep them from coming. lol

[@TristanEmond]

@@billmonroe8826 Oh I have! Many times! haha. And the hail. And the wind. Everyone I have helped move to the state are stand up people that want to be south dakotans. None of them want anything to do with the crap they came from. 👍

[@scatterman1976]

I'm from passaic county the winters are longer yes but colder and drier here I miss the food yeah auto inspections didn't bother me but I wasn't there when all the crime was prevalent I moved from nj in early 90s shame what they did to ny I miss Manhattan and shopping for clothes going out on long Island..but they both ha e their good points and bad ..glad ur enjoying sd as well

[@bobbybooshay8641]

@@scatterman1976 ---I'm from Hawthorne. I don't see the winters being THAT much colder than north Jersey. Just longer in the five years I've been here. The snow definitely does not stay on the ground like it does in Jersey.

[@moonpup66]

Best decision we ever made to move to RC in 2024! Not living in fear like we did in our former blue state is life changing. The people are great and it has that throwback feel with some really great communities in the Black Hills. And although we are outnumbered by cows/cattle 3 to 1, the state has the friendliest cows we’ve ever met.

[@TristanEmond]

Im so happy you are here - and in the area you love! Took a few years but glad it came about. Love me some grass chomping SD cows. 🐮❤️

[@billmonroe8826]

As long as you coming from a "Blue State" that you didn't bring those same ideas that have ruined the Blue state, you will be happy in South Dakota. It's those a-holes that are planning on changing the state that ruined their blue state that we have a problem with!!!

[@backstrapwhacker9261]

Don’t bring your blue state voting and ideas with you.

[@janaeterzo6436]

We are looking to relocate to RC. I’m glad to see your comment. What blue state did you move from?

[@moonpup66]

@@janaeterzo6436 Illinoid, too afraid to live there and we were 35 miles outside of downtown Chicago.

[@mikeshaughnessy1201]

Will be retiring in a few years there just outside Hot Springs and yes I do have a view where my property is located. Will definitely enjoy both sunrises and sunsets.

[@TristanEmond]

Nice! Those southern hills views can be crazy awesome. 🕺👍

[@user-tz5uq2bt1s]

1. I live in Alaska, the weather is more extreme. 2. Again, the cost of living here is far worse. 3. Alaska, way more remote where I am than anywhere in SD. Main reason I want to move in fact. I am TOO remote. 4. Don’t care about sports. 5. Don’t care about universities. 6. Red state is a positive. 7. Did I miss one? It said 7 reasons not to move… Anyway, I’m sold. Would totally move today if I could! Sadly my field of work does not operate in the state as far as I know.

[@TristanEmond]

SD would be the Caribbean for you! haha I've had a few people state the same thing - SD would be great but their company does not allow working remote here. Which seems really weird to me. 🤷‍♀ I'm here if that changes!!

[@Aethereality]

I want to visit Alaska one day.

[@KGLFFILMS]

As my father once said; “Welcome to South Dakota. If the weather ain’t being stupid, someone else is.”

[@TristanEmond]

This is the most accurate thing ever. 🤣

[@kevinschultz2243]

Our weather forecasts are made up and the seasons are irrelevant.

[@TristanEmond]

@@kevinschultz2243 😁😂

[@ewetoob137]

South Dakota is a great place in my book!!❤

[@TristanEmond]

❤️😎🕺

[@billmonroe8826]

To visit!

[@SmartFarms2024]

I love South Dakota! Home of the #BucketBuddies

[@LornaStewart-wl3yc]

Moved to Black Hills 6 years ago. Best decision we ever made. Will be staying.

[@TristanEmond]

So happy you love it here! 💓

[@Anotharando]

I’ve lived in Huron Sd my whole life and it’s great! Never moving

[@TristanEmond]

I spent a week or so in Huron doing some wood floors many years ago. Nice little town!

[@325xitgrocgetter]

I would love to retire in Sioux Falls. I've lived in the upper midwest for the past 51 years so I totally understand the weather and climate.

[@TristanEmond]

Usually the weather is the thing I make retirees aware of. Glad to know that won't be an issue for you. 😁 SF is a great city to retire in. 👌❤️

[@325xitgrocgetter]

@@TristanEmond What I should mention is that I lived in Sioux Falls with my family in the 1970s...we've been back to visit a few times, most recently in 2020. Many changes and a growing city but we've had many conversations about returning there to retire. I've also lived in BIsmarck, ND and the Twin Cities Metro so minimal adaptions for the climate.

[@TristanEmond]

@@325xitgrocgetter I grew up 30 mins east of Brookings in MN. Sioux Falls was the metropolis to us! And a mall?? 🤣 It's certainly seen some growth since then that's for sure!

[@cielphantomehive2880]

What's the weather like in Sioux Falls?

[@TheJournier]

I'm thinking of moving to Rapid City. I've been to the Black Hills twice and loved the whole vibe of the area. I plan to make a visit this summer to check it out. Thanks for the video!

[@TristanEmond]

We like our vibe! Glad you do too. When you visit look me up and we can have coffee and chat! 😁😁

[@patrickhale2087]

I started visiting South Dakota after I saw the way they handled Covid. I fell in love with the state and its people. I look forward to becoming a future resident.

[@TristanEmond]

It was certainly a blessing to be here then. I'd love to chat with you when you are ready to move to our great state!

[@tompekarna]

SD had the highest number of Covid cases per population then any state in the country. Yeah they handeled it well.

[@Dakotagirl823]

South Dakota is a beautiful state. My mother was raised in Selby, SD and my father was raised in Mobridge. I'm planning to retire to South Dakota but haven't made up my mind between Rapid City or Sioux Falls.

[@TristanEmond]

It has almost any kind of landscape. I did a SF vs RC video a few years ago. The home price info is outdated but the rest is pretty much the same. I do love some west river! 😁

[@LVnemesis]

I have Family in both east( Brookings) and west( Rapid City) SD,and it seems the west side seemed happier with better home prices. Already looking at homes now, Do it soon, prices are jumping up there.

[@TristanEmond]

@@LVnemesis the Hills are a huge benefit for us west siders... :) Prices seem like they aren't going down drastically on either side of the state.

[@hemiram413]

i live in sioux its being invaded by somoli from minnesota

[@Aibeansss]

Somalis are great, you’ll love them. Very hardworking folks.

[@queenofhearts7726]

Eh… pretty much like Alaska in many ways except not nearly as dark in the winter… not as cold as Fairbanks, either. I can live with snow that melts in between. Fairbanks has snow that stays from October to April… we don’t see the ground at all during those months! Looking forward to moving there hopefully this year!

[@TristanEmond]

Oh I don't know if I could handle the dark up there. It gets tough when it's dark at 4:30 here. :) Been a very mild winter this year - hopefully we don't get slammed with snow in April. haha I'm here when you are ready to roll!

[@matthewreese365]

Well...and in Alaska we have some impressive elevation in most of the state. Also, South Dakota has cows. We have moose.

[@TristanEmond]

@@matthewreese365 Alaska looks like an amazing place! Yes we got lots and lots of cows... 🐮 Still want to see a moose with full antlers live though.

[@drjesuselshaddai9537]

Hie Tristan. Greetings from Zimbabwe. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to visit black hills

[@TristanEmond]

Wow that's pretty cool! I'm sure you'll have a great time when you visit. Thanks for letting me know you're watching. 👏

[@pdzh]

I moved to SD in 2019, now live in Custer, love it here.

[@TristanEmond]

@@pdzh Custer is a cool little town for sure!

[@keithchase7579]

moved here 4 years ago to be close to the grandkids, wish we would have done it 20 years ago. Love it here

[@TristanEmond]

I've heard that a number of times - but life got in the way and a move didn't happen. Glad you are here now! 💓

[@CyrusOfNaias]

I'm considering moving to South Dakota so I appreciate the info

[@TristanEmond]

@@CyrusOfNaias I've got lots of videos for you to check out. Lemme know if you have more specific questions. I'll be here if you decide to visit - I'll show you some hoods!

[@ELDEREDTUCKERJR]

I love ❤️ my Sheridan Wyoming, no state income tax, 6% sales tax, no concealed carry permit needed, have a 200 yard shooting range on my property, friendly people, low, low crime, very conservative atmosphere, big horn mountains, camping, hiking , snow skiing, 😊fly fishing, atving, snowmobiling, great hunting, the way America 🇺🇸 use to be! To get along, you just need to get along! Gods country!

[@TristanEmond]

@@ELDEREDTUCKERJR Sheridan is such a beautiful town! Love the big horns. I've had a few people choose WY over SD. 😁

[@SarahS1214]

Tristan is so right about SD. Moved to Rapid City from Denver suburbs 7 yrs ago. Can’t get used to the wind! Could sit in my backyard and enjoy it, not here with the wind. Car got hammered the first summer after moving into my house with hail. Garage is a must!! Arctic blasts in the winter-bitter wind chills, strong winds-snow blows sideways. Have trouble with my new trees surviving over winter. Soccer is big here, not much for kids to do. Mall banned kids roaming the mall without parents which is not bad. Miss Denver and the restaurants and museums, zoo, mountains etc. We’re getting a Chick-fil-A next year! Woohoo! I’m not into soccer or fishing so I’m not finding much to do. Looking to sell my house that’s a basic bi-level 3 bdrm due to property taxes. I’m not the only one with this problem. Without sales tax they collect $$ one way or another. There’s around 7 taxes tacked on to the water/trash bill! Small city living is not for me, unfortunately the rest of my family is here. Plan to retire next yr depending on prop taxes & housing. Need something I can afford on $2000 a month (that’s not a trailer!) I may be out of luck! Housing is expensive here too-like everywhere. Take a closer look if you’re thinking of moving here! And we’re not exempt from crime, murders here too. Health care is not the greatest also.

[@TristanEmond]

Wind? 💨what wind?? 😂 Thanks for sharing your experiences to help others make their decisions. Not everyone loves living here and we certainly aren't perfect. 🤷‍♀ I appreciate your comment!

[@westonkenyonmusic]

For me, you just knocked off a bunch of reasons I would move there.

[@TristanEmond]

Many people have said the exact same things as you. Others...not so much. And that's why I make these videos. Gotta know what yer gettin' into! 🤣

[@westonkenyonmusic]

@@TristanEmond I consider South Dakota my third home. The other two states would be where I'm actually from and where I live now. Only visited SD, but I wouldn't mind moving there someday.

[@TristanEmond]

@@westonkenyonmusic glad you can find some love in SD. I'm here if a move becomes a reality, of course. 😎

[@miketracy9256]

That was good balanced information. Thank you.

[@TristanEmond]

Trying to make it as real as possible. There's pros and cons to everything. All depends on your experiences and what you are looking for.

[@christianbrother4724]

I am in Texas, it is overwhelemed now. I would love one of the Dakotas.

[@TristanEmond]

Yah Texas got crazy influx past couple of years. Our cold weather keeps the non-serious ones at bay. haha

[@tyfode224]

Same thing happening here now. I'm gonna leave Rapid City when I retire.....

[@SOHvacman]

We went to souix Falls in march. Already have a hvac job, a house (renting for the first year), and we are leaving Oregon in September. Born in Oregon, so it will be a big change. It's getting a little too blue here. The cost of living is brutal. Will be just in time to experience winter.

[@TristanEmond]

AH winter in SD.... haha Congrats on your move to SD!

[@Hammydavis]

Ladies, this guy is the best looking guy in South Dakota so there’s that

[@billmonroe8826]

Eh, not from my experience of being in South Dakota. There are lots of good looking women and guys but most of the time they are married. lol

[@TristanEmond]

Hey cool! I'll have to add that to my business card. 🤣🤣

[@12paws871]

@@billmonroe8826 and having kids, raising a family.

[@dampergoldenrod4156]

Go look at the greasy throwbacks and creeps and the way they speak in the American mid Atlantic then you can complain about people in South Dakota

[@AaronStephens-j2i]

I'm a southern man from Louisiana looking to move! Give me some hope. Lmao

[@edwardgonfindini7295]

I watched a few of your tours. One thing i noticed about main drags and most areas is a 25mph speed limit? Every time i saw a sign (except xways) was 15 mph less than normal, what gives?

[@TristanEmond]

The main streets (omaha, Mt Rushmore Road, etc) are usually 35. All residential streets are 25mph or lower, depending on the area.

[@edwardgonfindini7295]

@@TristanEmond thank you for the insight, I would go crazy with the distances to travel.

[@edwardgonfindini7295]

@@TristanEmond You are a rarity in your field, straightforward and honest. I would like to find a place with low humidity and no road salt, lots of sun and inexpensive country living. I know good luck!

[@TristanEmond]

@@edwardgonfindini7295 a 4 hour drive is pretty much an easy drive. 🤣 Thanks for your comments - I appreciate you. 👏😎

[@oldauntzibby4395]

@@TristanEmond That's what changed when I moved from Sioux Falls to the Black Hills area. I had thought a few miles was a long way to drive. Now I routinely drive more than 60 miles for my weekly grocery shopping and other errands. We're a car culture out here, very little public transportation. If you live on a gravel road you always have a dirty car and your tires wear out faster, plus the threat of rock chips on the windshields and animals jumping into the road. Get good auto insurance.

[@Ramsprods.17]

South dakota is an amazing state

[@TristanEmond]

We love living here!

[@Ramsprods.17]

@@TristanEmond I know I love living here to

[@RayMarson]

In my opinion one of the very best states to live in.

[@TristanEmond]

Thanks for your comment! I've definitely appreciated it more after hearing stories about some other places. 💯

[@billmonroe8826]

Accept for taxes. Property taxes are high just like Nebraska.

[@KaLiGr]

Hey, Im from Germany. Would you have a problem with me living in SD as a gay man? I wouldnt bother anyone and I look very normal. And I also dont flaunt with it. Would I be accepted there?

[@zippy1279]

If you don’t mind the freezing cold -20 degrees in the winter and short summers than move to RC. Coming from the west and living there for 2 years it never felt like home to me. If you enjoy the sun not the place for you either. I didn’t know hail could total a car until I lived in SD. Wages are low and utilities are very high. Homes are expensive too considering the wages are low. Crime was pretty bad too considering it’s a smallish town. Overall glad to be back west and never leaving the west..

[@TristanEmond]

@@zippy1279 not everyone loves it here. Thanks for sharing you experience!

[@donvalderrama]

This is a creative piece of content. Great job.

[@TristanEmond]

@@donvalderrama thank you! 😁👍

[@richmyklebust9160]

Do you see new home construction costs going down or leveling off any time soon? We own property outside of Sturgis and would love to build but the $200-300 per square foot cost is ridiculous.

[@TristanEmond]

Right? I had some people building a home in 2021ish that had to pay $20k extra due to material costs. I think materials have settled down some, but w the demand for building the labor costs haven't. I can't see the costs going down significantly unless something really crazy happens. 🤷‍♂️

[@interstateruler]

I might disagree with the sports part because I remember the Rapid City has a ECHL Hockey Team called the Rapid City Rush. That kind of like pro hockey right there

[@TristanEmond]

Ugh I thought I mentioned the Rush - true story! Rush hockey in Rapid is a thing. 🤣

[@Mr.SharkTooth-zc8rm]

Good info, thank you!

[@TristanEmond]

Glad I could help! Trying to keep it real!

[@pumpkinspice2886]

Great Video! I cannot wait to move to South Dakota.

[@TristanEmond]

Glad you enjoyed it! When are you hoping to move here?

[@tatankaate2902]

Born and raised rapid city it was a good time ...but now i live in salt lake city utah and i love it..only visit for fourth of july

[@TristanEmond]

@@tatankaate2902 glad you love where you live! ❤️ 😁

[@terracestevenkennedy9198]

I was born in parkston South Dakota1970 never lived there This fall I visited The parkston,Mitchell and delmont areas. It was beautiful

[@TristanEmond]

We had a great fall this year! SD is beautiful in the fall. Plus there is something about the expanse of the SD prairie... 💖

[@LVnemesis]

Moved to SD from a blue stronghold, let's see, power bill on my house is 150 a month less than a 2 bedroom condo in the blue state. Insurance is in half! Pay my property tax twice a year, each payment is equal to 1 months rent for the 2 bdrm condo in the blue state, I gladly pay it! A traffic jam last 6 minutes top...no mistake made here, love this place

[@TristanEmond]

Those turkey crossing traffic jams can be intense! 🤣 Glad you made the move and are loving it here.

[@stetsonnix2144]

We are moving to Hot Springs, SD in a few months and we are excited!!!

[@TristanEmond]

Yay! Hot Springs is a pretty cool town. It'll be nice when they finally get that road completed. haha

[@larryhamlett6554]

I plan to move to Hot springs also (soon 😢) will be visiting in October I really like that small town.

[@TristanEmond]

@@larryhamlett6554 Hot Springs is a great little town for sure!

[@dustintacohands1107]

So many rocks of different shapes and sizes ROCKS I say….

[@TristanEmond]

We do got rocks!

[@dustintacohands1107]

@ yep i been building with them sure is hard to find legal slate though. There’s big rock by wades gold mine I swear has 25k of perfect slate but like most it’s not legal to touch. Need a piece of land I can dig up not destroy just burrows into find treasures.

[@ferrarimatt1]

I got my home a year before Californian came in. I own a automotive repair shop in smithwick.

[@TristanEmond]

That was great timing! We all shoulda been buying homes instead of playing in the sandbox in kindergarten. haha

[@xodroid9853]

Millenials that I know have done alright with computer degrees from SDSM&T in rapid city and DSU. The enhanced concealed carry license is also the most extensive in the nation in terms of other states accepting it. Since COVID there aren't any west side 24hr pharmacy. There were 3 parking spots for the Spearfish ER last time we went. The ER in Rapid City is a lot bigger, maybe 100 spots and the garage and valet. Personally I prefer to be where there's a 24-hour pharmacy and we don't have that anymore on the west side of South Dakota. We did have that for 20 years before COVID though as far as I know. We had it when I was kid and we had it when I visited as an adult before moving back. There's a lot of nice nature stuff going on here but if you have medical problems you should really consider the services in the area. If you're thinking of getting a degree in rapid City at sdsmt or wdti then you can still get a good value for that. I delivered a baby in 2017 in the suburbs of Chicago and then another one in 2019 in rapid City.. rapid City was way better. I did not have ants crawling in my room.

[@TristanEmond]

Thanks for sharing your assessment for everyone! I was in the ER a few times with my wife before the new one was built...the expansion was desperately needed!! It's interesting even the stores that used to be 24 hours still haven't gone back to that after covid. Crazy...

[@aubreya2641]

Hot Springs is alright. We liked Custer. Land got pricey since the covids.

[@TristanEmond]

Custer is probably my favorite town. Love the rock formations and proximity to Custer State Park. Land went stupid crazy lately for sure. Good grief!

[@Dadwithallthecool]

It’s expensive, property taxes are a little high.everything is not readily available , distance is measured by “ only “ as in x hours. Rapid City and Sioux Falls are just like any other city..crime and people. It is beautiful , lots to do , people are generally friendly and helpful.

[@TristanEmond]

A 3 hour drive is like just starting to get somewhere...haha! Thanks for your comment - pretty good summation!

[@michaelrauls4943]

Sounds like paradise to me. I live in southern California and will probably remain here because of family, friends, etc. but if I ever do decide to move SD is on my short list for sure.

[@TristanEmond]

@@michaelrauls4943 I've talked w a number of people in similar situations. Those that have moved here from socal have loved their decision. ❤️

[@Porsche1912]

No. 7 won us over.

[@TristanEmond]

😁 Everybody's got their favorite reason!

[@JeanRoque-dy2kv]

Where be a good state to move to for family and health housing

[@TristanEmond]

I can only speak what I know about South Dakota. Most people moving here like the slower pace of life, less traffic, and friendliness of others. We aren't as affordable as we used to be, but much better than many metropolitan areas. 😉

[@hamjeepr8881]

Add the shadow property tax added on the water bills, particularly in smaller towns. I pay $150 a month and $130 of it are surcharges for city projects. I've heard that cities like Brandon are paying $250 a month for water. These charges NEVER leave.

[@TristanEmond]

Oh I've never heard about those! Rapid City has a storm sewer surcharge but it's like $30 a year...

[@hamjeepr8881]

@@TristanEmond The bigger cities dont have to worry about paying for projects. Smaller towns do. Salem is moving forward with an upgrade to approx 10% of streets that includes sewer, water, and storm sewer as well as full road replacement. This is adding $20 to the water bill as of January. The "benefitting properties" will be assessed on top of this as well. Small town SD is painfully more expensive when you consider this. Look up the "special assessment" codes just passed in many and you'll see potential for up to 100% of upgrades. They're pricing people out of their homes, particularly the elderly.

[@TristanEmond]

@@hamjeepr8881 Good info to know about when thinking pro vs con of small town SD. Thanks for sharing the info!

[@katme8055]

Overpriced and terrible public transportation. Huge homeless and Indian welfare population. High crime rate.

[@27Zangle]

Cost of living has gone up everywhere. I was paying for a meal for two at Culvers and it was just under $20 back in early summer 2022, I bet it was even lower than that back in 2019, but we didn't move near a Culvers near that time. Now, for two of the same meals for me and my wife the cost is nearly $36 or more.

[@TristanEmond]

Yeah I get the deluxe butter burger meal and it's over $12 now. Prices up all over the place. 🤷‍♀

[@SOHvacman]

Here in Oregon, we went out and had Chinese food last night 2 people cost over 60 dollars.

[@teresab126]

Very low Wages in western SD! Cost of living much higher than wages! 😮😮. And don’t forget the blizzards !

[@TristanEmond]

The blizzards are legendary!! And you are not wrong about wages, unfortunately. 😢

[@Prariegirl2023]

We love it here after 1 year!!!

[@TristanEmond]

Glad you are enjoying living in the Black Hills!!

[@tman8939]

3 to 1 cow ratio, gravel roads, small towns, conservative sounds good to me..

[@TristanEmond]

:) Many people agree with you.

[@lokkenfarms]

Don’t forget all of our gnats and skeeters in the summer

[@TristanEmond]

Especially bad on the east side of the state. Keep em over there! haha

[@davidmager2827]

I noticed you did not mention that SDSU has multiple engineering colleges available , along with nursing, math, pharmacy, and many others.

[@TristanEmond]

Thanks for the add! SDSU is a pretty great place I hear. 👍

[@marieb1422]

Wages are low, and housing prices have greatly increased. You're in a better position if you move here with a remote job and $ from the sale of a home elsewhere. I feel very bad for locals trying to buy a home here these days, making local wages...

[@TristanEmond]

@@marieb1422 true story. We had to help out kids just out of college get into places. I remember selling homes for $150k a few years ago...now that's a complete fixer upper. 🤷‍♂️

[@jamesvandemark2086]

Many relatives in SoDak. I was always armed when I visited them, due to PHEASANT SEASON! Two of them teach at Sanford School of Medicine.

[@TristanEmond]

We don't have a giant pheasant in Huron SD for nothin' 🤣

[@katiejo1095]

You want it all to yourself! I ❤ South Dakota ❤

[@TristanEmond]

I don't mind walking in the Black Hills all by myself haha

[@Walkingtheworld24]

Still batter than San Diego paying 2200 for studio. Thinking to move

[@TristanEmond]

I've helped a few people move here from the "other SD". 😂 They are enjoying an easier life here.

[@canadagood]

I am turned off by the guns, freedom and motorcycles ethos. (Which I am sure is the big attraction for many people).

[@TristanEmond]

Everyone is different!! Its great there are so many places for everyone to be happy. ❤️

[@jarrettrozycki3954]

turned off by freedom? smh

[@patrickhale2087]

Must love paying taxes?

[@TristanEmond]

@@jarrettrozycki3954 🤷‍♀😁

[@TristanEmond]

@@patrickhale2087 Better than some, worse than others. 🤷

[@CFurnace-72]

Sounds like the place for me!! Just need the right house, garage, and basement.Warehouse with living quarters? Lol..

[@Michael-u8b3l]

Love SD, but you forgot to share the fact that we have a lot of cattle and horses, and with them flies. Flies that bite and pester humans. The other thing you did mention is clean air. That may be true in Rapid, though I doubt it. The wind brings dust and dirt, a lot of dust and dirt. Nothing stays clean for very long. Absolutely love SD besides the dirt and flies. Even if I do have to kill the occasional rattlesnake in my garage

[@TristanEmond]

yes! True story. I used to go out on vet calls with my dad. It can certainly get dusty! Still better than big city smog in my opinion. 🤷‍♀ And I'll take flies over the host of crawly flying things they got in Florida. haha

[@Michael-u8b3l]

@@TristanEmond oh heck ya... South Dakota is great. Don't encourage to many people. I had to spend a year in GA... it's like jurassic park. My brother in law lives in Arkansas. Dear God, why

[@TristanEmond]

@@Michael-u8b3l haha! Don't worry - the cold and snow are keeping alot of them away.

[@KindHumbleWise]

How are painter careers in SD?

[@TristanEmond]

@@KindHumbleWise anything in the home improvement/building side of things are usually pretty good. It's tough to find a contractor not a few weeks out.

[@duaneulman9915]

Thank you I Love South Dakota :)

[@TristanEmond]

Yaaassss!! 🥰

[@danfreeman9079]

Everything changes everywhere.

[@TristanEmond]

Change is the only constant, right? 😎

[@VictoriaWilliamson-x9x]

I wo u ld definitely move there. We dpent the weekend in Rspid City getaway it was a 3 hour drive from our place very nice drive. through canyons. Had a great time walked all over in.mid Febuary even though it was well. Below zero itcwas the same as where I live in Wy. A hige snow storm rolled in so it did take us about 7 hours to get back jome roads there and Wy wete a wreck If I moved it wpuld be there for sure its a lot like where I live now but bigger with more opportunities and things to do Would love to.move there 😅

[@TristanEmond]

@@VictoriaWilliamson-x9x Wyoming has its advantages for sure but we do love our Black Hills. I'll be here if you decide to pull the trigger!

[@billmonroe8826]

Very similar to Nebraska in many ways but Rapid City is being ruined by the riff raff moving in from other states! I hate going to Rapid City now days!!!

[@tyfode224]

Yep, grew up here, it sux now!

[@DebbieLee-dr3hr]

Stay off our lawn, right?

[@charles979]

Wouldn't it be "we have a little bit of everything but not not a whole lot of anything?" A little bit of everything but not a whole lot of everything is saying the same thing twice.

[@neilca2987]

I love South Dakota 🍁

[@neilca2987]

Buffalo Gap

[@billyoung8118]

Moving to a state where Kristie Noem is the governor? I'm all in!

[@TristanEmond]

She has certainly had no problems taking a stand! I really appreciated being here during the whole pandemic nonsense. 🤷‍♀

[@MrSnakobe]

These are good reasons to choose South Dakota.

[@TristanEmond]

Many people think so! 🙌

[@jackfabulous758]

Sounds like my kind of place. Now if I can just convince my wife 😭😅

[@TristanEmond]

I've heard that a few times. 😂

[@Nick-xn3pu]

Great place to visit. Great place to live for a couple years. Great schools. Other than that. A drive through state or fly over 😅

[@TristanEmond]

@@Nick-xn3pu haha! Different strokes for different folks for sure. 👍

[@amysims6520]

I have lived in Sioux Falls all my life, and I am so disappointed how much it has changed. We have property taxes and home prices that have skyrocketed. Our sales tax is 4%, so it really adds to your grocery bill. One thing he doesn't mention is that we have a high methamphetamine drug population as well as prescription drug abuse. Our homeless rate has also increased. Truly check out all things before you come here. I think he sugar-coated some topics.

[@CFurnace-72]

Sad😢

[@splurgeglurgle1106]

your here acting all like woah 7 things you gotta know or don't even think about moving here; free thing people have diverse thought look out everyone. I hope closed minded people that disagree with the ideals that found a state safer than one founded on less safe ideals find there way to a state that genuinely suites what the preach in the same way I hope that depopulants begin with themselves

[@TristanEmond]

Some people love it, some people hate it. 😂

[@dorenehendricks6627]

I'm in the northwestern part of south Dakota

[@TristanEmond]

I've been through there. :)

[@MarkRobinson-o3c]

Wide open space always want me to culture job. I love animals. I like to plant stuff to eat. Good fishing there probably only steak besides Montana and Wyoming. You could actually ride a horse everywhere. Good day.

[@TristanEmond]

Yep everything you described you can do in SD. Agriculture is our #1 industry. 👌

[@jacko5186]

Hello, I'm from Viet Nam. I hope that I will move to SD after 5 year.

[@TristanEmond]

Sounds great! l👏👏

[@JennySullivan-l7t]

Don’t even think about moving here! Stay away! We love it just the way it is. 😂

[@TristanEmond]

hahaha! Yep - and everyone that is brave enough for our winters wants to keep it that way.

[@camara-ds7om]

I really wish that people who've never been here or lived here would stop saying stupid reasons not to move here

[@TristanEmond]

@@camara-ds7om same. Like. Alot. 🤣

[@elijahwildhorse6735]

How is it for Native Americans to move there

[@oldauntzibby4395]

There are a lot of Natives in the state, many reservations, so you can find pow wows, sun dances, and other cultural and religious events. There are Native educational opportunities at places like Oglala Lakota College and Thunder Valley. And some very spiritual sacred sites in the area: Mato Paha (Bear Butte), Black Elk Peak, Mato Tipila (Devils Tower, Wyoming). But you'll find some deep racism as well. Sorry.

[@elijahwildhorse6735]

@@oldauntzibby4395 thank u I been hearing about Governor Noem . But other than that sounds Fascinating beyond belief

[@oldauntzibby4395]

​@@elijahwildhorse6735NOem is term-limited so she can't run for reelection. SD is a very red state, so we'll have another republican governor, but some are better than others, especially when it comes to interacting with the tribes and on social issues.

[@gbr1960]

@@oldauntzibby4395 .. and if there are ever any discoveries of an extraordinarily valuable commodity/mineral to be exploited on those reservations then one could reasonably expect some gentrification to take place rather quickly. Right, General Custer?

[@ferrarimatt1]

South Dakota has a lot better weather than Seattle.

[@TristanEmond]

We sure see alot more sun, that's for sure. 😂

[@MauriceLabandeira]

Westside is not as good as east side….write this down!

[@TristanEmond]

Oooooo! Someone with a different opinion than most. I like it. 😆

[@Zap2300]

Compared to moving to Little Rock no you did not scare me off.

[@TristanEmond]

:) At least you gotta know the things to make a good decision!

[@donhagerty5669]

❤❤❤ THE THING I REMEMBER ABOUT SOUTH DAKOTA IS A PLACE CALLED FARGO AND THE GIANT BUFFALO❤❤❤❤

[@TristanEmond]

Fargo is North Dakota...I bet the giant Buffalo was really cool!

[@DAPSRULE]

you had me on #7

[@TristanEmond]

😁😁 Here for you. 🤣

[@rocketman3158]

3 best states: South Dakota, North Dakota and Alabama.

[@TristanEmond]

Love me some Dakotas! (except ND in the winter haha)

[@elizabethwelch4715]

I recently moved here and am paying 500 less a month then in Omaha.

[@TristanEmond]

Rental prices aren't cheap but they are usually less than most bigger cities. Hope you are loving it here in the HIlls.

[@angelsegui2629]

I’ve been thinking about moving to south or north but I’m not sure yet doing my research first I’ve seen good jobs in both states cheap rent And I like conservative states

[@TristanEmond]

Many people have liked moving to the dakotas. Gotta be ok w small towns, snow and wind tho. 🤣

[@MissAmandasChannel]

Haha yes people, do not move here. Let's keep rapid small!

[@kevinjacob4907]

While agree with you on most of your analysis, I would take issue with the political aspect. We had Tom Daschle and Tim Johnson, both Dems, in the 90's. Tom serving as Majority Leader for a short time. We have gone more conservative recently, I agree. One of our Senators, John Thune, will most likely become the majority leader in the Senate. And he didn't even want to run for re-election in 2020.

[@TristanEmond]

Thanks for your addition! I didn't pay too much attention to politics in the 90s so wouldn't be able to present that info with any amount of authority. 😂 I appreciate your comment. 👍

[@geraldarcuri9307]

Does everyone in South Dakota speak so rapidly, or only in Rapid City?

[@TristanEmond]

Well I talk fast for alot of people. 🤣🤣 Northerners tend to talk faster in general, but I could win a fast talking award. 😁

[@coolj4334]

Jokes on you, I was born and raised here

[@TristanEmond]

😎 We moved here when I was 14. So glad we did.

[@henryhua9270]

I am a Taiwanese-American, I voted for Trump, do you think I will be getting bullied if I move to South Dakota?

[@TristanEmond]

Most people in SD are very welcoming as long as you are friendly, take care of yourself, and not here to change things. 👍

[@gbr1960]

Probably should stay in your lane, so to speak.. And don't expect or advocate anything to change there - ever. I'd add that change hasn't happened there much since, oh.., 1876. The indigenous folk (Lakota people) know this, and are careful to stay in their lane (sans a few sent to prison).

[@noname2031-w5r]

lol imagine not wanting FREEDOM

[@TristanEmond]

Everyone defines freedom differently...🤣🤣

[@kevinschultz2243]

Our weather forecasts are made up and our seasons are irrelevant.

[@ParisianThinker]

What a horror of a place to live! Why would anyone retired live there?

[@TristanEmond]

Only the ones that like winter. haha!

[@ScottYdo]

Oh yah! SD is for me! Minimal liberal nonsense! Woohoo!

[@TristanEmond]

Alot of people feel the same as you do. haha

[@freddyj5845]

If it wasn’t for the cold I would leave commie-Illinois and move to SD.

[@TristanEmond]

@@freddyj5845 that has certainly been a concern for many people. 🤣

[@carlcromwell8713]

I am from the future: Justice for Cricket!🐶