South Dakota isn’t known for it’s great weather but if you can get past the frigid cold aspect of our 37th best state to retire to, then you’ll actually find an amazing state to retire to. With no income tax, a low cost of living and an epic landscape, it’s easy to see why retirees would want to retire to South Dakota. Today, we’re going to highlight the 5 best cities to retire to in South Dakota.
Hot Springs
Hot Springs, South Dakota is a great location to retire if you are looking for a quiet, small-town atmosphere with a strong veteran presence. The town has fewer than 3,000 people and is tucked away in the Black Hills of South Dakota. However, there are numerous recreational activities nearby that allow you to take advantage of the beautiful scenery, including fishing, hiking and visiting local sites like Bear Butte State Park.
Seniors also benefit from several health care facilities such as Pioneer Medical Center which offers medical services including primary care, occupational therapy and visiting specialists. In addition, there is a local VA hospital, State Veterans Home, for our veterans. They also have specialty clinics for diabetes care and rehabilitation therapies for seniors who need physical or behavior assistance with health issues such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Note: Hot Spring is known as a retirement town for veterans among the locals. While there are schools that serve the community, there is very little in the community to attract a younger generation.
Yankton
Located on the banks of the Missouri River, Yankton is one of the best places to retire in South Dakota. The median home value in this city is only $155,000. The best thing about retiring in Yankton may be the quality of health care you’ll receive. The city’s main hospital, Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, was recently ranked as “Most Wired” 2018 by Hospitals & Health Networks magazine for achieving excellence in connecting and using information technology for performance improvement. Other nearby cities also offer excellent health care facilities such as Avera St Mary’s Hospital or Sanford Health Care Center at Sioux Falls.
As for things to do after retirement, there are plenty! Yankton’s downtown will really make you feel like you’re in a lively small town that you might see on a tv series. Take a stroll along the boardwalks and trails around Lewis & Clark Lake located just outside town – or spend time exploring the nearby farms and ranches located on Highway 50 Wynot Road south of town And if you’re looking for something recreational: several golf courses, bowling alleys and other entertainment centers can be found within a short drive from Yankton’s downtown area. While there are no big mega malls, there’s plenty of shopping opportunities throughout town with many stores offering discounted items specifically tailored to senior citizens.
Pierre
The capital of South Dakota is right in the middle of the state. The health care system in Pierre is also exceptional, with several hospitals and doctor’s offices that serve the population. In addition to its outstanding health care, Pierre offers an array of activities for retirees to enjoy. One popular activity is paddle wheeling down the Missouri River. For those interested in culture, there is the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center as well as several theaters offering regular performances.
Other points of interest include nearby fishing spots like Lake Oahe or Hunters Pointe Natural Area plus nearby towns offer additional shopping experiences, antique shops and more restaurants if you’re looking for a change of pace. Whatever your interests may be, Pierre has something for everyone seeking retirement in South Dakota!
Mitchell
Home to the Corn Palace, Mitchell, a rural suburban town less than an hour from the popular Sioux Falls community, is becoming a more popular choice among retirees. The median home price for Mitchell is about 15% lower than the rest of South Dakota. Mitchell also offers plenty of fun activities and things to do, from visiting the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village to spending time outdoors at Cedar Shore Resort–an RV park on the Missouri River.
With Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell and more than 45 miles away in Sioux Falls, retirees can access doctors and specialists when needed for their health needs. Downtown has plenty of shops and restaurants perfect for days when you want to put your feet up and spend some time with friends or family members; there’s even a small lake where residents can swim or fish during their summer vacations.
Vermillion
Vermillion, South Dakota is located in the southeastern part of the state, close to Sioux Falls, the largest city in South Dakota. Vermillion is a welcoming community in southeastern South Dakota that is home to the University of South Dakota, and many retirees choose to live here because of its abundance of attractions and opportunities for volunteering. The National Music Museum, which has over 15,000 non-western instruments on display, is a popular destination, and the town’s numerous parks, including those with frisbee golf, pickleball courts, and ample green space, provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Additionally, Vermillion has a thriving college town atmosphere that appeals to people of all ages and offers an affordable lifestyle. Be sure to stop by Mister Smith’s Bakery, which has been lauded as serving the best bread in the world by Oprah Magazine.
In addition to culture and entertainment options, Vermillion has its own hospital (USD Medical Center) and numerous senior-focused housing options including independent senior living communities such as Prairie View Senior Village. With its low cost of living (indexed at 85) there are plenty of affordable housing options whether you want to buy or rent.
