QUALITY OF LIFE

LOCATION

Rapid City is so situated geographically, and the Black Hills region is so removed and isolated, that Rapid City is the natural eastern gateway to the great-growing empire known as the West River Region. Diversity of enterprises for a city of this size is the keynote to the rapid growth of Rapid City. Rapid City is the center of a multi-faceted economy that has lively growth in medical, finance, forestry, agricultural, government, and tourism industries. It is also home to the state's premier engineering school.

Distances to Rapid City

Rapid City is the hub of a trade area that stretches out for more than a 200 mile radius. Residents in this trade area depend upon Rapid City for retail trade, medical and professional services, and recreation. Located within the Mountain Time Zone, the area offers an excellent location for conducting business with both coasts.

Regional Trade Area Data

Covering an area on the western border of South Dakota of about 100 miles north to south and 50 miles east to west with elevations from 3250 to 7242 feet, the Black Hills area is the home of many scenic wonders such as the world famous Mount Rushmore National Monument. The needles of the Black Hills, standing a mile above sea level, are glorious granite spires, the result of millions of years of the erosive effect of frost and wind.

In the heart of the Black Hills lies Custer State Park, the second largest state park in the United States. Here are found large herds of elk, deer, buffalo and goats. The South Dakota Badlands, with its colorful high peaks, sharp ridges, and buttes, lie a short drive east of Rapid City on Interstate 90. Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, and Devils Tower National Monuments are all within easy driving distance of the city. The total affect of the Black Hills National Forest, in terms resorted to by poets, geographers, scientists and philosophers, is "indescribably beautiful."