Relocating to Black Hills area and not a lot of time (Rapid City: apartments, rentals)

[Nycrefugee2015]

Hi everyone. I searched existing threads and found great info that helped me get this far. I am from NYC and decided to make a move to rural living. Suddenly my relocation plans got sped up warp speed. Through my research thus far, the Black Hills area is my focus. Criteria: nature, space, low population density (again space, as in step out of your home and all you see is nature), access to work in my field
(mental and behavioral health). I will commute for work (doubt I would be so lucky to land both housing and job in the same area, given my criteria and short time frame) but I can also move (settle permanently) after I land and with more leisure. My concern about commuting is time, as I have a dog and don't want to waste too much time driving to and from work. What would be a good landing spot? From there I can do more research etc but I am pressed for time now and just need an initial homebase where I can find work in a reasonable amount of time, ideally within 3 months of arrival.

Also, what is the most popular way to find places to rent? Craigslist? Realtor? I plan to buy as soon as possible but that won't be immediate. I will need something in between.

I guess the most helpful info would be what areas are within reasonable driving distance from the hub(s) (e.g. Rapid City) in which I would be most likely to find work?
Any other info I may not be thinking about but is germane to my context would also be appreciated.

[ElkHunter]

The Black Hills are over 100 miles long, with several towns that could offer employment in your field. Can you narrow it down on where you would like to live/work? Your question is to open to give any kind of informative answers.

[SD4020]

Individual results may vary. If you want be a bit more specific we would glad to offer some insight.

I spend an hour and a half each day driving to and from work. I log a lot of miles commuting.

[uncleharley]

You gotta slow down. The jobs in mental and behavioral health will be in Rapid. Check with a local realtor to see what rentals are available that will accept pets. It shouldn't be hard to find a temporary place. Meanwhile, do some deep breathing. It will help.

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[Nycrefugee2015]

Thanks. I meant areas near employment hubs, my research led me to Rapid City for that. Perhaps you know others. So withhin no more than an hour commute from there.Since I am landing imitially, vs settling, I guess that isnt as important right now as is a peaceful central place commutable to zRC.

[ElkHunter]

Thee would be 4 areas that you could possibly land work.

Hot Springs Veterans Administration. The Hot Springs VA is the Mental and Rehab hospital serving 4 states, However, it is looking more and more like the VA there is going to shut down and divide services between a new facility. in Rapid City and Ft Meade in Sturgis.

Rapid City. A very large medical mecca with a ton of medical facilities.

Sturgis VA. They currently deal with your area of expertise on a small scale, but if Hot Springs folds, Ft Meade will enlarge their facility.

Spearfish. Spearfish is the home of the College and over the last decade has expanded medical facilities.


By far, Rapid City is your best bet.

As far as living arrangements, RC has a lot of apartments and condo's. If you are looking for single family dwelling, I would look at West, South areas or even out toward Black Hawk or Piedmont. If you are willing to get out a little further (20-30 minutes), I would look real hard at Hill City. Hill City is a beautiful little town nestled in the middle of the Black Hills. Absolutely beautiful drive and back and forth to Rapid City. Doing think you can find anything better.

[SD4020]

The Star Academy south of Custer for incarcerated juveniles.