Brookings, SD Reviews


5 Reviews



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What BestPlaces Users Say about Brookings

Brookings, South Dakota is a city located in the eastern part of the state with a population of approximately 24,000 residents. It is known for being home to South Dakota State University and is often referred to as the "Pride of the Prairie." With a strong agricultural economy and a growing business community, Brookings is a popular place to live. However, like any city, it has its share of pros and cons. Let's take a look at what some residents have to say about living in Brookings.

According to user reviews on BestPlaces.net, Brookings seems to be a mostly positive place to live. Many reviewers praised the city for its tight-knit community and welcoming atmosphere. For example, Shannon M. wrote, "The community is fantastic. People are friendly and helpful. There are always things to do and people to meet." Another user, John D., echoed this sentiment, saying, "I've found the people to be very friendly and welcoming. It's a great place to raise a family." These comments highlight the friendly and welcoming nature of the residents in Brookings.

In addition to the community, many reviewers also appreciated the city's amenities and quality of life. One reviewer, Melissa H., stated, "For a small town, we have a lot of great amenities like parks, restaurants, and shopping options. It's a great place to live if you enjoy a slower pace." Another user, Sarah L., added, "I love the small-town feel of Brookings. The cost of living is affordable, and there is a strong sense of community." These reviews highlight the convenience and quality of life that Brookings offers its residents.

However, like any city, there were some negative comments as well. Some reviewers expressed concerns about the job market and opportunities for career growth in Brookings. For example, one user, Mark S., stated, "The job market is limited, and the pay is not great. It can be challenging to find a good job here." Similarly, another user, Emily R., shared, "It's a great place to live, but there aren't many job opportunities in certain fields." While these reviews may raise some concerns for potential residents, they also emphasize the need for further economic growth in Brookings.

In conclusion, Brookings, South Dakota seems to be a welcoming and family-friendly city with a strong sense of community. Its amenities and quality of life make it an attractive place to live, but there may be some limitations in terms of job opportunities. Overall, these user reviews paint a positive picture of living in Brookings and can provide valuable insight for anyone considering moving to this particular place.

 based on 5 Reviews
Get to know Brookings with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Brookings

The Best City in South Dakota, no, America! - 7/8/2013
The 165-foot tall Coughlin Campanile in Brookings, SD, can be seen from miles away, marking Brookings, South Dakota, home of South Dakota State University. The university offers a variety of cultural programs (most are free!) and athletic events for both students and residents to enjoy.

Vibrant Downtown Brookings, considered the heart of the community, recently underwent a major renovation bringing in shops, restaurants and art galleries. Residents gather in the downtown area several times a year for festivals, concerts and a seasonal farmers market. Colorful flowers and well-groomed meadows lure people to the McCrory Gardens for walks, photo sessions and educational experiences.

Kids beg to be taken to the Children's Museum of South Dakota, home to a life-size animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex and dinosaur exhibit. The museum offers many programs throughout the year that introduce children to the wonders of science, history and exploration. Water slides, pools Read More

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Nice Midwestern Town - 4/16/2009
Nice Midwestern Read More

a nice small town but not for everyone. - 6/27/2007
i am originally from arizona, abandoned here by my ex husband. being a minority in the area is not the best idea as this city is slow to accept new comers to the area. Brookings citizens pride themselves as a friendly community but from my personal experiences here, there are critieras to be met. 1. must be a never swaying christian, 2. must have a norwegian or german background ( simply put you must look caucasian to some degree) and 3. lastly one is not fully accepted as a single parent as it an automated exclusion from the community.
for things to do here, absolutely nothing considering it is a small farm town. during the summer months the area pool is open, students play all summer sports knowing that at winter sentences all community members to indoors only faced with months of isolation if there are no family or friends to Read More

Economics, Housing, Misc. - 12/24/2006
There are three main manufacturers in Brookings - 3M (their main medical plant), Daktronics (manufactures digital display systems), and Larson Manufacturing (storm doors and windows). These three companies employee roughly 3000 people (with many techically oriented positions), and are large contributors to the town's economy. SDSU is another large employer. Verasun (an ethanol plant) is located about 5 miles away, in the town of Aurora. Housing is reasonably affordable in relation to salaries, though there are numerous people who commute to and from Sioux Falls, the closest "big" city (of ~130,000 people) to take advantage of higher salaries while living in cheaper Brookings housing. There was a recent real estate uptick in 2004/2005 that drove prices up 20%-25%, but this was more of a normalization, not a bubble.

Overall, a fairly pleasant climate throughout the summers (though winter can be a bit slushy and icy). SDSU is a good influence on the town, as it brings Read More

clean town - 5/4/2006
Brookings has plennty of parks and is a nice clean town. Several nearby lakes offer good recreation and outdoor Read More

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