South Dakota Senior Living

Aptly nicknamed the Mount Rushmore State, South Dakota enjoys vast open lands filled with breathtaking, rugged beauty; it's also known for its famous Black Hills Gold and the stunning Bad Lands. A lot of history lies in them thar hills, boasting such famous and infamous names as Wild Bill Hitchcock, author Laura Ingalls Wilder, Lewis and Clark, and Sitting Bull to name a few.

As of the 2011, the U.S. Census Bureau informs us that the national percentage of seniors is 13.3% and growing. In South Dakota the number of seasoned citizens aged 65 and over is 14.4%, above America's average. This is good news for south Dakota senior living because the state is able to provide a wide range of retirement living options to meet the demands of its aging population. Senior living in South Dakota has never looked so good!

South Dakota Assisted Living Costs

The state Department of Health regulates the Assisted Living in South Dakota, which are rather rare in that the definition calls upon an Assisted Living Facility to care for five or more persons at a time. These communities are licensed by the states under specific guidelines and are required to conduct at minimum one fire drill every quarter, per shift.

South Dakota offers many Assisted Living Facilities which, on average, cost around $32,955 a year for a private, one bedroom stay, according to Genworth Data. Prices may vary depending on location and care necessities. 

Retiring in South Dakota

According to City Rating, the cost of living in the Mount Rushmore State is lower than the national average, as is the annual salary by a good $12,000. However, S.D. has been stamped by Kiplinger as a tax-friendly state for retirees. There is no state income tax so Social Security benefits are not touched along with other forms of retirement income. For the retiree, South Dakota is peaceful and homey, with all the modern conveniences yet able to maintain its untouched, amazing vistas. Still part wild, this kind of beauty reminds us of our nation's roots. It may be of interest to note it is projected that 20% of the population in this state will be 65 or over within 20 years' time. *www.seniorhomes.com

Did you know that...?

• South Dakota claims no inheritance tax and no estate tax. *www.kiplinger.com
• Stergis, S.D., is home of the famous Sturgis motorcycle rally each year.
• The cost of living is Sioux Falls, while higher than the rest of the state, is still lower than the national average. *www.cityrating.com
• Sales tax in S.D. is just 4% and claims one of the lowest tax burdens in the nation.

Best Cities for Retirement in South Dakota

Hill City, or the 'heart of the hills' is a generally quiet town but attracts tourists in the summer thanks to its proximity to a great many parks and trails. Hill City is known for its artist community, its galleries, art festivals and the Black Hills Film Festival. If you prefer cosmopolitan style, try Rapid City with its busy senior centers and excellent nearby medical facilities. It's also within an hour's drive to a slew of national parks and monuments, with rugged backdrops. Of course Sioux Falls is going to get mentioned; it's a fantastic blend of urban indulgence with a small-town feel. It offers a great many shops, dining choices, and much more. Sioux Falls also claims excellent medical facilities and is high on the list for super cities for retiring seniors. *www.smartmoney.com

Health Care in South Dakota

The mount Rushmore State boasts top-notch healthcare and an aging population where medical needs are understood and catered to. South Dakota prizes and honors its seasoned citizens, offering many medical options.

Quick Medical Guide to South Dakota:

• A Complete List of Local Hospitals
  
• South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations
• Consumer Ratings: South Dakota Hospitals and Ratings

Activities for Seniors in South Dakota

South Dakota is an open land filled with national parks, monuments, museums, galleries, festivals, and even shops. Epicureans will love the wineries and fabulous dining offered in the larger cities. Certainly, visit Mount Rushmore and take the small, historical tour at the base of it. Wind Cave national park and Jewel Cave national park treat you to some underworld beauty deep in the Black Hills, while the Crazy Horse memorial offers historical content. Fort Sisseton Historic State Park was an Army outpost in 1864 and still retains 14 of the original buildings, open for public perusal. Naturally, there is golfing, live entertainment, modern theaters and symphonies. South Dakota has a bit of everything.

Local Weather

This state celebrates four distinct seasons where the summers can get semi-humid and hot and the winters see snow. The tumultuous summers bring thunderstorms and in some locations, tornadoes. It sees a share of winter blizzards, too, while spring and fall are quite pleasant. Check out South Dakota's current weather!

Sharp Seniors has 1 Senior Living Facilities in South Dakota

• 1 of them offer Senior Living