Reviews & Comments
Rapid City, SD
Don't let the name City deceive you. It's a Town!! -
4/3/2024I have lived in this city for the last three and half years and I can't stand it!! Let me spell it out for you, but to be fair, let me give you the Pros first:
Pros:
1) As a vacationist, you can enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills and nature as in general, on one time visit well planned, it will suffice. Unless you are a Biker and you come for the annual rally.
2) The city of "Presidents" as it is called, it's worth seeing it at least once, but don't think that you are going to be missing out if you don't.
3) I highly recommend visiting the Needle Hwy, it is worth a visit. But keep in mind that if you come closer to the winter, there are going to be areas closed for the season.
4) Due to the size of the area, the First Come First Serve Principle literally applies. So, plan your visit and/or vacation with as much time ahead as possible, even if it's a year ahead, and that's not exaggerating. Because this place always has some type of activities going on, and everything gets packed in no time, for the very reason that it is a small area. Don't wait for the last minute, because you can find one of two things: a) Nothing available/vacant. - b) If you find, let's say a hotel room, what it normally would cost you $160 per night, due to the season they are going to jack up the price to $1,000 per night, and Yes, you read that right and without exaggeration!! I know!!
Cons:
1) The rental properties are owned by Slumlords in their majority. Yes, you read that right!!
2) People in this town smoke inside their units and leasing offices shrug their shoulders saying; "They shouldn't because it's against the rules. It is in the contract." And it ends there and they do Nothing about it!!
3) The PD shows up when they show up. I'm sorry about your luck if you need them right away, because it's not going to happen, and that, if they ever show up!!
4) Cost of living is High!! But the quality of living doesn't match the high prices which it sucks. So don't you dare to think that for the amount of money that you are going to pay on rent, it's going to compete with other cities where you literally get value for your money. No here, they want your money alright, quality, Ha! You gotta be kidding, you get what you get and you are lucky enough "if" you get it!!
5) The city is growing out of proportion due to the high increase of transplants from all over the country, especially from the West Coast.
6) There are casinos inside the city, which contributes to more crime and poverty.
7) Locals don't like the new transplants, because it has affected the economy not exactly for the better. If anything, it has increased the property taxes, and it has made it more difficult for those who live on a fixed income.
8) Locals are not the nicest people around. They only show apparent interest in you, enough to find out who you are and where you are coming from, but after their curiosity has been satisfied, they look at you, like if you stink, and/or they can't stand you!!
9) To my shock, this city is Sinkhole prone. Last year some streets had to be blocked because automobiles couldn't drive through it. The city and the Black Hills area as in general, it was built on the top of mines, so beneath are tunnels. So this area has what is called "Subsidence" issues. I have seen it with my own eyes twice, since living here in the last three and half years and it's not pretty. One in the area of Black Hawk and here in Rapid City a few blocks down from where I live. No, I'm not putting my hard earned money into a property in this area, because you don't know if a sinkhole would happen. Nope!! No thank you!! I'm good!!