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Oh yea, those bikers are pretty gentle folks in reality. Many of them are professionals who grow their hair long and grow beards to look tough for their one week at Sturgis.
As far as accepting newcomers~the Hills area has always been an attractive place for out of staters and even people from my area. Several people that I grew up with relocated out to the Hills and have spent their lives out there. I've never heard of anyone not feeling accepting or welcome there so you should be fine.
I always hear that South Dakotans are some of the most friendly and welcoming people ever. I wouldn't know, living here all my life, but I think it's true. I for one love to help newbies and I love to give people directions and my opinions on the best hotels-restaurants-sights-etc.
Rapid City itself is not that touristy. People stay in hotels and eat at the restaurants but most tourists stay up in the hills and visit all the sights. I've never felt overcome by tourists but I guess the place where you would see the most of them would be along Highway 16 (Mount Rushmore Road). It's the main route into the mountains and to all the sights; TONS of RVs!
You do not need a permit to go gold panning. There are designated areas for it near Deadwood and if you go out of those areas just ask permission.
Motorcyclists are seriously some of the nicest people in the world. The "bad rep" that they have certainly doesn't show whenever I meet one. I love them and I am the guy who hates Harleys.
Thanks for all the info! Really! I have found 2 states so far on these forums of friendly people, and South Dakota is one of them! Thank goodness. Peoples attitude, responses to others questions/comments, etc. tell me a lot about a state/city.
I am going to be visiting South Dakota in a month or two, so thanks again for all your info.
Curosi-dee, it is great to hear a compliments about South Dakota and its people. I visit many other parts of the country but find it refreshing to be back in South Dakota due to the people (makes me appreciate what is here). By and large people in South Dakota are friendly and that is one of the reasons why I chose to remain here, but there are always going to be a few grumps/bad apples everywhere one goes (even in the friendliest of areas). Good luck with your trip to SD and hope it goes well.
I couldn't agree with you more! People's responses to questions, however silly or ill-informed do say a lot about their attitudes. I myself have found the South Dakota forum to be wonderful! What's in the water there?
I met some very nice people, who've actually sent me info in the mail on possible employment contacts! Who takes the time to do that these days?
I have plans in the works to visit South Dakota this summer, but looks like you'll beat me. Are you considering moving there? As a fellow Northwesterner, I'll be really curious to hear your impressions.
We stayed in Deadwood on the Great Road Trip 2007 (Northern California to Minnesota & back). We were in SD for three days and I am looking forward to visiting again next year. We actually stayed in the Super 8 which was wonderfully cozy. Visited Mt Rushmore, Custer State Park and Bedrock City in Custer. Also, Wall Drug & the Badlands. Loved the whole state. I would love to consider moving there (probably Rapid City area) and am also looking at Mnpls as well. My concern is when I check out hotjobs.com and monster.com, I don't find many accounting positions. I am a full charge bookkeeper with almost 10 years experience and I have no idea where I would even begin to look for work!
I don't find many accounting positions. I am a full charge bookkeeper with almost 10 years experience and I have no idea where I would even begin to look for work!
Try looking at Rapid City businesses instead of job search engines. Due to our low population, we don't have much offered on those sights.
I just wanted to set the record straight on city populations. South Dakotans are always trying to lie to others about city populations to make it sound larger than it actually is. So heres the TRUTH from the U.S. Census Bureau:
Rapid City (city), South Dakota: Population, 2003 estimate 60,876
Outdoor enthusiasts will love this place, but be prepared for lots of snow and winter that can last from October thru April. Aside from the outdoor activities, there isn't much else to do here besides the usual restaurants, bowling alley, movie theatre, etc.
Sioux Falls (city), South Dakota
Population, 2003 estimate 133,834
Larger than Rapid City and a larger "metro" area, but minus the pretty scenery. The east side of the state of South Dakota is flat prairie and farmland. I do not personally find eastern south dakota to be a "pretty" place to live. We have all the usual entertainment again: restaurants, bars, cinema, bowling alleys, art galleries, concerts, etc.
And Rapid City has a lot going for it. If all you want is restaurants and the couple of bowling alleys, then enjoy. But I'd rather get envolved with the Convention Center happenings. Plays, choirs, rodeo's, stock shows, home shows and such.
Rapid City has two great High Schools and Elsworth has a High School. All three have wonderful sports teams that have 3 or 4 games you can go to every week.
Several excellent museums in town. School of Mines has of also.
A short drive can give you things to do like the Playhouse, Spearfish Canyon. The hills have several nice supper houses.
A excellent mall already there and another being built.
Aside from the outdoor activities, there isn't much else to do here besides the usual restaurants, bowling alley, movie theatre, etc.
That's pretty much all there is to do in any city. People in New York probably get just as bored as we do. That's usually where alcohol comes in!
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Curosi-dee!
