Few places in South Dakota can be considered massive metropolises. Even the capital city is listed among its small towns, making each municipality a piece of the charm and rugged rural appeal of Mount Rushmore State. From nationally renowned motorcycle rallies in Sturgis to the campus of the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, the state is redefining how people retire when they reach their golden years and are ready for a wild and remarkable change.
Brookings
Brookings is quickly becoming recognized as one of the ideal places for retiring seniors. This comfortable and charming community is home to South Dakota State University, which blends some exciting and active periods of the year with its otherwise laid-back atmosphere. Despite some youthful gentrification, there are multiple places designed exclusively for senior citizens of the community, including the Brookings Activity Center. This hub features social events, educational training and skill coursing, and year-round fitness programs. In addition, seniors find the Brookings Health System to offer state-of-the-art facilities in unique disciplines, so top-quality medical care is right here at home where they live.
Comfort can also exist through relaxing strolls through nature, like at McCrory Gardens, which features twenty-five acres of gardens and a greenhouse. Nature is also readily on display, along with outdoor fun like fishing, boating, and hiking in the local attractions of Lake Campbell and the Dakota Nature Park. Shops, boutiques, and eateries thrive in the historic downtown area, such as the Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge.
Vermillion
Just because you are a senior does not mean that you are ready for life to stall out. Vermillion is designed for people of all ages, mixing small-town life with a vibrant, interconnected community. Here, you will find the main campus for the University of South Dakota, meaning that even aging residents have immediate access to year-round seminars at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, cultural events, performances, and athletic competitions. Affordable housing is readily available, whether you want to buy a new single-family home or join in with highly regarded senior living communities like Dakota Gardens Apartments.
With its connection with the university, life within the town is upbeat and active for residents of all ages. From educational centers like the National Music Museum, housing exhibits of the world’s top musical instruments, to entertainment venues like the historic Dakota Theatre, there is always something to do. Those wishing to be more attuned to nature can find serene settings at the Vermillion River Trails and participate in local pastimes like fishing and watersports.
Spearfish
For those who saw themselves appreciating their senior years among nature, few places best describe this quite like Spearfish. Its placement within the picturesque Black Hills makes it an ideal location for retirees looking for serenity and a vibrant, active outdoor lifestyle. This communion with nature makes Spearfish among the most comfortable towns in South Dakota. There are multiple levels of how you can get involved with the environment and the local wildlife, ranging from hiking the trails at the Spearfish Canyon to taking a tour and visiting the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery.
Of course, the town must check some boxes for aging residents, including quick and reliable access to top healthcare. The Spearfish Regional Hospital offers quality medical services and specialized care. You do not even have to spend your twilight years toiling away at the stove in Spearfish, as there are many popular dining establishments you can reach quickly, like Dough Trader Pizza or The Green Bean Coffeehouse.
Pierre
Despite being the capital city, Pierre is an affordable location for residents. In general, the cost of living for the town is six percent below the national average. With a range of potential options from apartments to historic homes, there are options for every taste and budget in the golden years of your life. The added advantage of the city is on the Missouri River, and being surrounded by natural beauty and a bevy of recreation makes an even more compelling case for a retirement destination. One of the local attractions, the LaFramboise Island Nature Area, is a local favorite for nature trails and birdwatching.
Though many residents have taken a tour of the South Dakota State Capitol building, which adds a metropolitan feel to the community, many elements still exude the small-town vibe retirees look for in a new place. For example, Pierre has many locally owned and operated businesses like the Ranch House Steak & Seafood or La Minestra restaurants. An aging resident’s active lifestyle can continue at the Pierre Area Senior Center, which offers educational and fitness programs and year-round social events and gatherings.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen is between tranquil and vibrant, known for its deep cultural scene. This is evident in everything from the town’s architecture to historic entertainment venues like the Capitol Theatre. Similarly, residents of all ages can enjoy the offerings of the Aberdeen Recreation & Cultural Center, boasting countless courses and classes from dance lessons to pottery making. Elderly-specific activities regularly occur at the Aberdeen Senior Center, where classes and social gatherings foster a more profound and richer sense of community.
Finding a new place to live in Aberdeen is affordable and stable, from quaint residences and cottages to apartments for those needing less space. Travel is not challenging around the community and beyond, with services like the Aberdeen Ride Line and the town being a point of intersection for multiple rail lines – dubbing the municipality Hub City to the locals. However, with a theme park (Storybook Land), scenic protected properties (Wylie Park), and top-notch healthcare at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, you might never need to leave.
Huron
Huron is known for its lively community spirit, reflected in the range of amenities and attractions available to its residents. Much of the town’s attraction comes from its natural wonders, like Ravine Lake Park, which offers a variety of recreational possibilities, such as fishing, hiking, and picnicking, among gorgeous natural backdrops. Huron also caters to its aging population with world-class healthcare at the Huron Regional Medical Center and affordable housing to suit any budget or style of accommodation needed into your golden years.
History plays a big part in Huron’s personality as a community, so locations like the Dakotaland Museum give a deep dive into the region’s diverse development and settlements from long ago. For those looking to enjoy the city’s modern offerings, you can begin with local favorites like The Hangar Restaurant for delicious plates or the Luxury Cinemas to keep you entertained.
Sturgis
Sturgis is renowned across the country as the location of one of the most famous motorcycle gatherings and rallies happening every year. When it’s not Bike Week, Sturgis is a laid-back and comfortable community that showcases the serene mindset of its residents. Ultimately, this has become a popular destination for those retiring to South Dakota, as its placement in the Black Hills provides a lot of natural wonders to combine with a well-developed community nearly as famous as Mount Rushmore (only one-hour drive south of town.) Attractions like Bear Butte State Park showcase this community’s beauty through hiking trails and scenic views.
Sturgis has become a popular retirement location for motorcyclists across the globe who want to stay connected to the culture with the annual rally, but also in culturally enriching museums like the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. The proximity to nearby Rapid City increases the town’s popularity, providing residents with direct access to even more dining, entertainment, and healthcare options.
Watertown
Watertown is aptly named, being positioned along Lake Kampeska, a picturesque addition to South Dakota’s wild landscape. Serenity and comfort abound in this community, beginning with affordable housing ranging from lakeside residences to modern apartments perfect for the downsizing retiree. But that does not mean there is nothing to do, as seniors can stay active in the municipality with the Watertown Senior Activities Center and proximity to the larger metropolis of Sioux Falls for additional amenities and services.
Watertown is the quintessential blend of serene nature and entertainment possibilities, with attractions ranging from the Bramble Park Zoo to the Goss Opera House. Local businesses are also at the heart of the interconnected community, becoming a vital component in the economy and a great hangout spot for the active senior with favorites like Minervas Restaurant and Bar or Dempsey’s Brewery Pub & Restaurant.
Yankton
With a population nearing 15,000, Yankton is a unique blend of a larger community and a very small-town feel. Its placement on the Missouri River provides a beautiful backdrop for residents while simultaneously allowing for a wealth of recreational activities, from fishing to boating. In addition to the natural wonders of Yankton, seniors are often delighted to find the cost of living is below the national average, with housing options that include condos, apartments, and single-family homes depending on your unique situation. While Sioux Falls is a short drive away, residents do not have to travel for amenities like superior medical care, with renowned facilities such as Avera Sacred Heart Hospital within municipal limits.
With locations like Yankton Area Senior Citizens Center, aging residents are as active as they would like with fitness programs, social gatherings, hobby groups, and educational opportunities. While the downtown area bustles around local favorites like The Landing Restaurant, Yankton comes alive for the senior population with community events like Riverboat Days that feature food, festivity, and entertainment.
Mount Rushmore, the most famous attraction in South Dakota, is a collection of the country’s most outstanding leaders. It is fitting that the state would also feature some of the top places for seniors to retire and find a comfortable life when their working days are over. From those who want to get close to nature, like Lake Kampeska in Watertown, to those who want a theme park in their town like you get with Aberdeen, South Dakota is a state that has a lot to offer an active senior.
