Top Small Towns to Live in the Black Hills of South Dakota

by Falina Selchert

Top Small Towns to Live in the Black Hills of South Dakota

Welcome back, folks! We're diving into part three of our series on the best towns to live in the Black Hills of South Dakota. I've saved some of my absolute favorites for last, so buckle up and get ready to explore the hidden gems in the northern and southern reaches of this stunning region.

Belle Fouche: Where I Hung My Hat

First up, we're heading back up Highway 85 to the town that holds a special place in my heart: Belle Fouche. This is where I was born and raised, and when I decided to move back to the Black Hills, it was the obvious choice for my family.

Now, what makes Belle Fouche so darn special? Well, for starters, it's a small, tight-knit community that values family time. In fact, the school district operates on a four-day week, giving kids and parents an extra day to spend together. As a proud parent in the Belle Fouche School District, I can tell you firsthand that this schedule is a game-changer.

"I personally, as a parent in the Belle Fouche School District, love that we have a four-day school week." - Yours truly

Sure, the four-day week might not be everyone's cup of tea, but for those who prioritize family, it's a dream come true. So, let's take a closer look at what makes Belle Fouche tick.

The Heart of the Nation

Did you know that Belle Fouche is known as the "Center of the Nation"? That's right, there's an official monument marking the geographic center of the 50 United States. Pretty cool, huh?

Founded in 1895, Belle Fouche started as a rough-and-tumble wild west town but has since evolved into a community focused on agriculture, oil, and gas. With around 5,696 residents, it's a small town with a big heart.

Pros and Cons of Life in Belle Fouche

Like any town, Belle Fouche has its ups and downs. Here's what you need to know:

Pros:

Historical significance with landmarks and museums dedicated to its central location in the US
Diverse economy bolstered by agriculture, oil, and energy sectors
Community events like the annual Black Hills Roundup rodeo that draw visitors and promote community spirit

Cons:

Remote location can limit accessibility to larger market centers and medical services
Limited educational resources and extracurricular opportunities compared to larger towns
Fewer recreational and entertainment amenities available for youth and families

Housing in Belle Fouche

If you're considering a move to Belle Fouche, here's a snapshot of the housing market:

Average days on market: 73
Homes available (as of my last check): 17
Average price point: $535,200

Newell: An Agricultural Oasis

Next up, we're heading north of Belle Fouche to the tiny town of Newell. Known as an agricultural hub, Newell's economy is deeply rooted in farming and livestock.

The Sheep Capital of the World

Newell is famous for its sheep yards, which were once one of the largest sheep auction markets in the world. Today, around 603 people call Newell home, and the community continues to thrive on its agricultural heritage.

Pros and Cons of Life in Newell

Pros:

Strong agricultural community with a stable economic base
Small-town feel with a close-knit community atmosphere
Low cost of living compared to larger cities and towns in South Dakota

Cons:

Limited job opportunities outside of agriculture
Minimal infrastructure due to the town's small size
Limited access to healthcare, with the nearest hospitals and specialists located in larger cities like Spearfish and Rapid City

Affordable Housing in Newell

One of the biggest draws of Newell is its affordable housing market. Check out these stats:

Available properties (as of my last check): 5
Average days on market: 72
Average price point: $230,800

With prices like these, you can snag a cute three-bedroom, two-bath home for around $180,000. Plus, some properties come with acreage, giving you even more bang for your buck.

Southern Black Hills: Hot Springs, Hill City, and Custer

Alright, folks, it's time to head down south and explore the towns of Hot Springs, Hill City, and Custer. These southern Black Hills communities each have their own unique charm and attractions.

Hot Springs: Where the Waters Flow

First up, we've got Hot Springs, a historic town known for its warm mineral springs. People have been flocking to Hot Springs for its healing waters since the 19th century, and it's easy to see why.

With around 3,711 residents, Hot Springs is also a gateway to the southern Black Hills and home to the Mammoth Site, an active paleontological dig where you can see preserved woolly mammoth remains.

Pros and Cons of Life in Hot Springs

Pros:

Rich in natural hot springs and scenic landscapes
Health and wellness-focused community with spas and clinics specializing in rheumatology treatments
Cultural heritage with historical sites, museums, and the preserved Mammoth Site

Cons:

Economic dependence on tourism, which can be vulnerable to downturns
Aging population that impacts workforce dynamics and healthcare services
Seasonal population swings that can stress local infrastructure and services

Housing in Hot Springs

If you're considering a move to Hot Springs, here's what you need to know about the housing market:

Houses available (as of my last check): 23
Average days on market: 103
Average price point: $501,539

Hill City: The Heart of the Hills

Next, we're heading to Hill City, a town renowned for its proximity to Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and the heart of the Black Hills. With around 1,000 residents, Hill City is a hub for tourism, arts, and outdoor recreation.

Pros and Cons of Life in Hill City

Pros:

Tourist hub with proximity to major attractions, benefiting local businesses
Vibrant art scene with galleries, festivals, and artist cooperatives
Abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, and fishing

Cons:

Local economy fluctuates with tourist seasons, with quiet winters and booming summers
Limited winter economy can be challenging for business owners
Competitive housing market with prices driven up by the town's desirable location

Housing in Hill City

Speaking of housing, here's a look at the Hill City market:

Homes available (as of my last check): 7
Average days on market: 162
Average price point: $1,210,542

As you can see, housing in Hill City can be pricey, with limited affordable options. But if you're looking for a vibrant community with easy access to the Black Hills' top attractions, it might be worth the investment.

Custer: Where History Meets Nature

Last but certainly not least, we've got Custer, the oldest town in the Black Hills. Founded in 1875 during the Black Hills Gold Rush, Custer is named after Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer and serves as a gateway to Custer State Park and the Black Hills National Forest.

With around 1,900 residents, Custer offers unrivaled access to the region's natural wonders, making it a top choice for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Pros and Cons of Life in Custer

Pros:

Gateway to natural wonders with unrivaled access to national parks and forests
Rich history with well-preserved buildings and a quaint downtown
Strong local culture with festivals, arts scene, and community events catering to all ages

Cons:

Heavy reliance on seasonal tourism, which can make off-season months economically challenging
Limited educational resources, with options for higher education and specialized training
Limited access to comprehensive healthcare, which can be a concern for the elderly or those with complex health conditions

Housing in Custer

If Custer sounds like your kind of town, here's what you can expect from the housing market:

Available homes (as of my last check): 30
Average days on market: 125
Average price point: $758,893

Final Thoughts

Whew, that was quite the tour of the Black Hills! From the northern reaches of Belle Fouche and Newell to the southern charms of Hot Springs, Hill City, and Custer, there's a town for every taste and lifestyle.

As a born-and-raised Black Hills resident and your go-to relocation expert, I'm here to help you navigate this stunning region and find the perfect place to call home. Whether you're drawn to the rugged beauty of the northern hills or the rocky grandeur of the southern hills, I've got you covered.

If you would like to watch the three part series of the best towns in the Black Hills head on over to our Youtube Channel and feel free to binge watch. Just don't forget to like, comment and subscribe while you are there.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your sense of adventure, and let's find your dream home in the Black Hills of South Dakota!