Rapid City

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Rapid City, SD

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Discover rich history and unique attractions in this mountainous city

Affordable Tourism Family-Friendly Mountains History Scenic Restaurants

Located just east of the great Black Hills mountain range and northwest of Badlands National Park lies Rapid City, South Dakota. Natural landscapes, historic sites, and family-friendly entertainment fills this affordable city. Explore incredible hiking trails, historical landmarks, museums, art galleries, scenic driving routes, family-friendly events, and so much more.

Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial in the Black Hills just 30 minutes southwest of Rapid City, being the nearest urban center to this historical landmark. Explore the Reptile Gardens, Dinosaur Park, and Storybook Island, all family-friendly attractions in the city. Ride the City View Trolley to these lively destinations and explore downtown Rapid City along the way.

Enjoy fountains, free concerts, and community events in Main Street Square in the heart of Downtown Rapid City, shop at Rushmore Mall, or try the city’s delicious local restaurants. After you find an affordable apartment rental, explore Rapid City’s bustling downtown, beautiful natural landscapes, and national historic landmarks.

Rent Trends

As of January 2025, the average apartment rent in Rapid City, SD is $858 for a studio, $1,190 for one bedroom, $1,315 for two bedrooms, and $1,484 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Rapid City has increased by 1.2% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,190/month
717 Sq Ft
House
$1,800/month
1,340 Sq Ft
Townhome
$1,456/month
960 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Rapid City, SD

Transportation

39

Car-Dependent

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.

40

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Schools

Corral Drive Elementary - 21

Public

Grades K-5

461 Students

8
out of 10

Pinedale Elementary - 11

Public

Grades K-5

365 Students

7
out of 10

Meadowbrook Elementary - 10

Public

Grades K-5

464 Students

6
out of 10

Grandview Elementary - 06

Public

Grades K-5

406 Students

5
out of 10

South Canyon Elementary - 15

Public

Grades K-5

266 Students

5
out of 10

Southwest Middle School - 38

Public

Grades 6-8

660 Students

7
out of 10

West Middle School - 37

Public

Grades 6-8

612 Students

5
out of 10

South Middle School - 36

Public

Grades 6-8

553 Students

3
out of 10

North Middle School - 35

Public

Grades 6-8

513 Students

3
out of 10

Dakota Middle School - 31

Public

Grades 6-8

664 Students

Rating Unavailable

Stevens High School - 42

Public

Grades 9-12

1,686 Students

6
out of 10

Central High School - 41

Public

Grades 9-12

1,768 Students

3
out of 10

Kibben-Kuster - 52

Public

Grades PK-12

Rating Unavailable

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Museum of Geology
  • The Journey Museum
  • The Outdoor Campus - West
  • Reptile Gardens
  • Black Hills Caverns

Airports

  • Rapid City Regional

Colleges

Top Apartments in Rapid City

Houses for Rent in Rapid City

Property Management Companies in Rapid City, SD

Living in Rapid City

History

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Rapid City is a centuries-old product of the gold rush, first established by settlers and minors who started flooding into the area in the late 1800s. Unfortunately, while no major amounts of gold or millionaire claims were actually found by many, the area became a stopping point for farmers, ranchers, railroad, and merchants. As the population grew, a town started to develop. Rapid City survived into 1900 and became firmly entrenched as a major transportation center and stop for river craft, railroad, and wagon.

Parks

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For those who like the outdoors, Rapid City is a great location to have as home base. With the Black Hills Forest literally right next door, hiking, climbing, mountain biking, camping and walking recreation are literally available most of the year. Furthermore, the Rapid City downtown has plenty to entertain with including restaurants, shops, a main street zone, and plenty of entertainment.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally often brings in riders from nearby states utilizing hotels and restaurants while in the area. Mount Rushmore visitors create a big traffic flow during the spring and summer from all over the country. And they are added to in number by tourists also wanting to see the Custer State Park, the old west town of Deadwood, and the Crazy Horse Memorial as well. This is all in addition to the regular parks that are situated in town itself.

Cost

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The city has a number of apartment complexes available. Almost all the complexes offer units ranging from one to three bedrooms, with the larger apartments taking up the higher end of the rent spectrum. Given the size of the town and the number of apartments available, folks should have no problem finding a place to settle down in when first arriving.

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