12 Surprising Drawbacks of Living in South Dakota You Should Know

MJP –

South Dakota, where the prairie meets the Black Hills, and you’re never too far from a giant stone face or a buffalo herd. If you’ve thought about making the move to this rugged and wild state, you might want to pump the brakes.

Here are 12 reasons why South Dakota might not be the best fit for you—unless you’re ready for open skies, cold winters, and a whole lot of small-town charm.

The winters are practically arctic

South Dakota winters can turn your eyelashes into icicles. If you’re not a fan of subzero temps and snow drifts taller than your car, brace yourself.

There’s just too much open space

Miles and miles of rolling plains might be breathtaking at first, but it’s a lot of nothingness. If you need hustle and bustle, South Dakota might have you craving some traffic and skyscrapers.

The population is… small

With more bison than people in some areas, South Dakota isn’t exactly crowded. If you like blending into a sea of strangers, good luck finding it here.

Wind is a lifestyle

The prairie wind doesn’t just blow; it howls. Get ready to chase your hat, fight with your umbrella, and wonder why you even bothered with a hairdo.

Buffalo is kind of a big deal

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From statues to herds crossing the road, buffalo (or “bison” if you want to be precise) are everywhere. You’ll quickly learn to stop the car, wait, and watch these big beasts take their time.

You’ll have to develop a love for pheasant

South Dakota takes pheasant hunting seriously, so if you’re not ready to appreciate pheasants—stuffed, mounted, or fried—you might be missing out.

Mount Rushmore’s always in the conversation

South Dakotans are understandably proud of the famous stone faces, and if you’re not, you’ll hear about it anyway. Be ready to visit it at least once and learn a fact or two.

You’ll be expected to love camping

South Dakota’s scenery begs you to pitch a tent, but if “roughing it” isn’t your thing, you’ll stand out. Camping is practically a state pastime, and you’ll be missing out on some of the best spots if you avoid it.

Farmers rule here

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Agriculture is king, and you’ll learn way more than you ever wanted to about corn, wheat, and cattle. If you’re not into the farming lifestyle, get ready for some very educational conversations.

Small towns are the norm

South Dakota is a collection of small towns where everyone knows everyone. Prepare to answer questions about your family history before you even finish unpacking.

The sky is too big

With endless views of open sky, you’ll feel like you’re in a giant dome. Beautiful? Yes. But it’ll also remind you just how small you are on this big, empty prairie.

People here are way too friendly

In South Dakota, waving at strangers isn’t weird; it’s standard. If you prefer to mind your own business, get ready to adjust to the friendliest neighbors you’ll ever meet.

So, if you’re still set on the South Dakota dream, just remember: it’s a place where buffalo roam, winters freeze, and friendly waves abound. But if you can handle wide-open spaces, long winters, and friendly faces at every turn, South Dakota just might win you over with its rugged charm.