Not to brag or anything, but South Dakota has a lot to brag about. Being the humble folks we are, however, South Dakotans choose to keep mostly quiet about our great state… until today! That being said, let us take a look at some of the things that make us so unique, via these 12 incredible facts about South Dakota.

1. We have all four seasons.
We have all four seasons.
Scottish Dream Photography / Flickr
Not only do we have all four seasons, but we also find things we can enjoy in all of them! Spring brings a chance to get outside and start your garden, crack open your windows, and enjoy the gentle rainfall. In the summertime (when the weather is hot), it is time to get outside and camp, fish, and take in a drive-in movie or two. Come fall, we get to enjoy more comfortable temperatures and colorful leaves. Finally, though often downright cold, winter is still beautiful and brings us skiing, sledding, and snowman building.
2. South Dakota has lots of free music.
South Dakota has lots of free music.
LifeLight / Website
From the LifeLight Music Festival to Hills Alive and Jazzfest, South Dakota is a place that loves music and experiencing it with others.
3. Unparalleled beauty
Unparalleled beauty.
Alex Weimer / Flickr
The stunning natural beauty of the Mount Rushmore State is unlike anywhere else in the country and is something that South Dakotans never take for granted.
4. South Dakota is one of the safest places to live.
South Dakota is one of the safest places to live.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
According to Neighborhood Scout, South Dakotans are 6.8 times less likely to be the victim of a crime than the average American.
5. We have a low cost of living.
We have a low cost of living.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
The low cost of housing paired with no state income tax makes for an overall low cost of living you will not find anywhere else. (Is it just me or is this one of the BEST things about South Dakota?!)
6. Everyone knows everyone.
Everyone knows everyone.
Russell Harrison Photography / Flickr
When someone mentions they know someone from South Dakota, you instinctually ask, "Oh, who?" Why? There's a 50/50 chance you will actually know the person coming from a state with only 850,000 people.

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7. The nicest people live here.
The nicest people live here.
USDA NRCS South Dakota / Flickr
I have said it before and I will say it again: South Dakotans coined the term "Midwest nice." Whether or not this is written somewhere is up for debate, but think about it: Have your neighbors ever brought you homemade caramel rolls in 20-degree weather just because they wanted to say hi? South Dakotans are known for stopping to help, holding doors open, and just being generally pleasant.
8. There are no traffic jams.
Flickr/Nick Perla
Go ahead: Get out on the interstate and drive for hundreds of miles, as we can almost guarantee you will not see any traffic. This being said, make sure to have some good music to keep you entertained because you may not see another car for miles!
9. Our state parks are unreal.
The stunning state parks are unreal.
Shelby Bell / Flickr
South Dakota has some of the nation's most beautiful state parks. From Custer to Palisades State Park, it is worth the time to visit each and every one.
10. East river vs. west river - you can experience it all.
East river vs west river - you can experience it all.
jimmers54 / Flickr
From the east river prairie to the west river rolling hills, South Dakota has stunning scenic landscapes in each corner of the state.
11. There is an amazing art community.
There is an amazing art community.
Exposure Gallery & Studios / Facebook
There is an art revival happening in South Dakota. From a new appreciation for museums and places like the Terry Redlin Art Center to the up and coming Sioux Falls Design Center and The Local Artist publication, our appreciation for the arts has never been greater in this midwest state.
12. SoDak is a great place to open a small business.
SD is a great place to open a small business.
Filly Flair Boutique / Facebook
If you are looking to own your own business, South Dakota is the place for you! In recent years, small businesses like the Filly Flair Boutique have seen enormous success having South Dakota as their home base.

With all of these incredible facts about South Dakota, we cannot imagine anyone not wanting to live here! What are your favorite things about South Dakota? Are you a native or a transplant? We would love to hear your story and favorite things in the comments! For even more incredible facts about South Dakota that you may or may not already know, check out these 7 Things You Didn’t Know About The History Of South Dakota!

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Facts About South Dakota

Annie | June 11, 2019

What are the best things about South Dakota?

It is easier to ask what are the worst things about South Dakota, because the good outweighs the bad! As we just mentioned in this article, a few of the best things about South Dakota are our amazing residents, low cost of living, and gorgeous scenery galore. Do you need even more reasons to love South Dakota? How about the fact that there is always something to see or do, like one of our iconic landmarks, hikes, restaurants, or shops?!

Where are the best places in live in South Dakota? 

You really cannot go wrong with any place in South Dakota, but if you are looking for a good metropolitan area with lots of excitement, you cannot go wrong with Sioux Falls. SoDak's biggest city boasts a low crime rate, plus tons of jobs, shopping, and various attractions. Do you love history? Then you will love Rapid City, which is home to just under 75,000 and is close to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and a number of historic towns. Is the small town life the best for you? Check out Hot Springs, which is also home to a ton of iconic attractions, killer restaurants, and one-of-a-kind shopping.

How many people live in South Dakota? 

According to the United States Census Bureau, South Dakota is home an estimated 882,235 residents.

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