11 Best Towns In South Dakota To Retire Comfortably

Retiring in comfort and security is what most people are looking for when their careers come to an end. South Dakota offers several financial benefits, including a low cost of living and no state income tax, plus a backdrop of stunning natural beauty.

Retirees that enjoy peaceful small towns, friendly communities, and easy access to healthcare will be well suited to find a home among the towns of the state.

South Dakota combines affordability with quality of life, making it a hidden gem for those seeking a relaxed, rewarding retirement.

Pierre

South Dakota's state capital, Pierre, is an ideal spot for a comfortable retirement. One of only four state capitals without an interstate highway serving it, Pierre has all the amenities but with a small-town feel. Located on the Missouri River, the capital offers everything from a relaxing boating experience to a scenic stroll along the river’s edge.

Surprisingly affordable, the median housing price is just $300,000 for a larger town with good city services and health facilities, but no big-city rush. Retirees can take advantage of medical services at the Avera St. Mary’s Hospital and the Pierre Senior Center offering socialization while enjoying meals, playing cards, and traveling clubs.

Madison

Nearby Lake Herman State Park marks Madison as a perfect place for retirees who are looking for a calm lake life. Tree-lined streets with affordable housing welcome residents to this quiet haven, with the median price being $250,000.

With both Lake Herman and Lake Madison within its borders, retirees who enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing will be well served. Dakota State University offers retirees a way to keep up with the tech world through the nationally recognized program for cybersecurity education. The small hospital serves the community well with modern facilities and specialty care, and the close community is welcoming, with the Madison Senior Citizens Center hosting events, fitness classes, and educational seminars.

Spearfish

For retirees who require more medical care or attention, Spearfish is a wonderful option. Not only does it house the Monument Health Spearfish Hospital, a full-service institution that provides surgery and rehab, but it is also the gateway to the magnificent Black Hills, offering residents picturesque views and outdoor trails.

Retirees can live comfortably with a low crime rate and modest housing prices averaging $400,000 in a vibrant community offering a full slate of hobbies. Mornings can be spent walking in Spearfish Canyon, a top spot for photography and nature walks, and then enjoy the active arts community with many galleries and festivals throughout the year.

Vermillion

Vermillion is home to the University of South Dakota that offers retirees a chance to keep sharp with its Lifelong Learning programs. This lively town is nestled along the Missouri River, providing many opportunities for active retirees including great spots for fishing, hours of kayaking and afternoons of swimming. With median property prices coming in at $270,000, Vermillion is an excellent choice for modest income retirees.

The downtown core is a walkable, endearing area filled with local businesses and historical buildings, blending past and present in a wonderful balance. Vermillion residents can also enjoy or volunteer at the National Music Museum, home to over 16,000 musical instruments.

Lennox

For retirees who crave the quiet life, Lennox will fit the bill. Just outside the city of Sioux Falls, this friendly, close-knit community offers a safe environment with very low home prices, averaging $305,000.

Gardeners will be thrilled with the support of local business and the well tilled earth. As home to local wineries, the soil is ready to be seeded with veggies, flowers or plants.

The social calendar is filled with outdoor events, and the community centre hosts potlucks, bingo sessions and book clubs for interested retirees. Those interested can also volunteer their time and energy for the “Old Fashioned Fourth of July" Celebration, with a parade and events that draw crowds from across the region.

Belle Fourche

This lovely town is actually located in the geographical center of the United States and presents retirees with a quiet, frontier-town feel with low property costs (median of $310,000) and a relaxed pace of life.

Local medical services support senior care, and the Belle Fourche Senior Center offers card games, crafts, and a hub for socialization.

Belle Fourche is another gateway to the Black Hills and is surrounded by many historic sites and scenic byways.

Brookings

Brookings comes in as a larger town and one that has been nominated as a top town in America. The slightly higher home prices, the median being $305,000, are still affordable, and being in a larger town comes with all the amenities of one. Brookings is home to South Dakota State University, offering low-cost senior learning programs and a wonderful campus with multiple parks and walking paths.

There is an active cultural scene that includes the South Dakota Art Museum as well as many for retirees including the Brookings Area Senior Citizens center with classes, clubs, and daily activities. Brookings has College-town energy with plenty of green spaces and breathing room.

Brandon

Brandon lies just east of Sioux Falls but is much quieter and more affordable, with median home prices being $350,000. Brandon also offers medical services in Sioux Falls if needed, although the local clinics are exceptional as well.

This family-friendly town has clean, safe neighborhoods and hosts many small-town festivals and farmers' markets. An active social life awaits retirees with support from the Brandon Senior Citizens Center, among others.

Brandon is one of the fastest-growing cities in South Dakota, combining small-town safety with big-city convenience.

Huron

An outdoors person will appreciate Huron, and not only due to the low cost of living and the home prices having a median of less than $250,000.

Within the town limits, residents have access to a large recreational lake, Ravine Lake, where boaters, fishers and others can fully engage in their hobbies and passions. Hunters will also find a home here, as Huron is home to the world's largest statue of a pheasant, a nod to its strong hunting culture.

Retirees can also enjoy volunteering opportunities as Huron is home to the South Dakota State Fair.

Retirees in their later years will enjoy the comprehensive geriatric care at the Huron Regional Medical Center, and those of all ages will appreciate the Senior Center of Huron, where they can take fitness classes, crafts, and social programs.

Milbank

The best feature that Milbank can offer retirees is its serene and safe environment, perfect for retirees who enjoy peace and tradition. The tight-knit residents count on the Milbank Area Hospital Avera to provide healthcare and senior wellness programs, as well as the Milbank Senior Citizens Center for socialization needs.

Known for its quiet charm and open spaces, Milbank also offers low property taxes and median costs of $230,000, which is ideal for retirees on a limited budget.

The small town hosts many events for its residents, as well as a healthy industry of ice fishing in the winter.

Dell Rapids

As it is only 20 minutes from Sioux Falls, Dell Rapids is another affordable alternative to living in the city. It offers low taxes and low median prices for homes, averaging $340,000. For retirees, this means access to Sioux Falls’ hospitals while enjoying small-town prices, although the Avera Dells Area Hospital provides strong rural healthcare as well.

History buffs will enjoy the walkable downtown, where many of the town's historic downtown is made with rose-colored Sioux quartzite, giving it a unique appearance.

Both peaceful and historic, Dell Rapids also enjoys the scenic Big Sioux River and its boating and water sports options.

Retirees who want to live comfortably and who enjoy peaceful small towns, friendly communities, and easy access to healthcare will be well suited to find a home among the towns of South Dakota.

South Dakota’s small towns offer retirees a unique blend of affordability, natural beauty, and community spirit. Whether you're seeking quiet charm, outdoor adventures, or cultural enrichment, each town on this list promises comfort and connection. Choosing South Dakota means that retiring will not just be affordable, but also doing so in a place that truly feels like home.