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The feeling of not caring what time it is, hopping on a plane on a whim, going out to camp in the middle of the week, enjoying a slow brunch somewhere in flip flops and a T-shirt — are retirement experiences worth looking forward to. South Dakota, where folks are mostly warm and friendly, which does not saddle retirees with an income tax, and which boasts a yummy range of outdoor recreational opportunities, can make for a fantastic retirement destination. The trick is to scope for a safe, welcoming community that, even if charming and laid-back, provides access to desirable amenities, including grocery stores and hospitals. Starting with Madison, discover below eight welcoming towns in South Dakota for retirees.

Madison

Retiring in Madison means one has doorstep access to the well-established Madison Regional Health System, whose distinguished history goes back more than 130 years. Plus, one will be close to one of the best Dairy Queens in South Dakota. The eponymous 2,800-acre lake is perfect for skating in the winter and swimming in the summer. For avid golfers, however — or those just starting out — Madison Golf and Country Club can easily be a much-beloved diversion. Taking the cue, Lake Herman serves a yummy range of recreational activities, including fishing and boating. Worried about being priced out? Not much of a chance. The median listing home price in Madison was just $316,800 in July 2024. Finally, linking up with fellow empty nesters will be a breeze, even if one is not a social butterfly. This is because Madison residents aged 60 and above comprise 28% of the town's population.

Hot Springs

Although a retiree can enjoy the view of an ice-capped mountain, no words can capture the experience of retiring next to the water. Fortunately, Hot Springs is big on water; it is right there in the name. There is the small but beautiful Cold Brook Reservoir, perfect for swimming and boating — and the aptly named Hidden Lake — where one can lounge, camp, soak in some sun, or just spin around in a canoe. Still on the water theme, there is the Evans Plunge Mineral Springs, the º£½ÇÉçÇø's largest natural warm water indoor pool. Other highlights worth noting include Angostura Reservoir as well as Hot Springs Waterfall, located right in town. Wait for the most exciting part: Hot Springs residents aged 60 and above comprise 44% of the town's population. Think of a big, loving family. And if under the weather, Fall River Health Services is right at your doorstep. No need to endure 3 hours on an empty road. That said, the median listing home price in Hot Springs was $510,000 in July 2024. Whoever said the best things in life are free was not thinking about Hot Springs, South Dakota.

Dakota Dunes

Retiring cannot get any better than it does at Dakota Dunes, a calm town with pools, large houses, and heart-warming greenery. There is the Big Sioux River, where empty nesters can boat, fish, and swim — and the nearby Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve, a cool place to refresh the soul. For even more options, McCook Lake is close by — as is the Missouri River — which flows along the town's southern edge. On a different note, there is the chance to occasionally enjoy a round of golf at the Dakota Dunes Country Club amid lovely views and delicious food. For those who want to be close to a big city but not right inside, Dakota Dunes particularly fits the bill, especially because Sioux City is just 7 miles down the road. Do not worry about that stubborn flu. Dunes Surgical Hospital is just around the corner. On the social side, residents aged 60 and above comprise 25% of the population, meaning an empty nester will not feel out of place. According to Realtor, the median listing home price in Dakota Dunes was $624,500 in July 2024.

Spearfish

Spearfish is a quaint town tucked away on the western edge of South Dakota. It has a movie theater called Northern Hills Cinema, where a retiree can have a good laugh and enjoy some light moments; a recreational center — Spearfish Rec & Aquatics Center — which provides families with a delightful range of recreational activities; Lookout Mountain, with its scenic hiking trails; a grassy dog park close to Interstate 90, the awe-inspiring canyon, and of course, Spearfish Creek, from which the town gets its name. Monument Health Spearfish Hospital meets the medical needs of residents — as does Spearfish Regional Surgery Center, which has been around for over 50 years. The median listing home price in Spearfish, however, was $709,000 in July 2024. On the social side, Spearfish residents aged 60 and above comprise 31% of the population, meaning about 1 in 3 are fellow empty nesters.

Hill City

Although small and home to just about 1,000 residents, Hill City scores big on access to big-city amenities. Rapid City, for perspective, is just 30 minutes down the road. Hill City, therefore, provides the best of both º£½ÇÉçÇøs. The Stables at Palmer Gulch for horse-riding, Major Lake, the Prairie Berry Winery for some therapeutic glass of wine, Newton Fork, and Spring Creek are Hill City features that make each coming day worth looking forward to. If you twist an ankle, don't fret. Rapid City hosts several excellent hospitals, including Black Hills Surgical Hospital, a recipient of America's 100 Best Joint Replacement Award. Considering what Hill City provides, including proximity to Rapid City, a median listing home price of $467,000 looks like a steal. Finally, empty nesters aged 60 and above comprise 21% of the population. The upshot? You will easily find your crowd.

Huron

Coffee shops. A sparse suburban feel. A nice public library. A waterpark. Great diversity. An annual state fair. These — and more — put Huron in a prime spot for attracting retirees. Hispanics and Asians make up 15% and 12% of the population, respectively. There is the James River, Ravine Park Lake, Stony Run Lake, and the nearby Lake Byron, all serving a delicious range of outdoor fun and adventure opportunities. Huron Regional Medical Center is at hand to meet the healthcare needs of retirees. Its history goes back more than 70 years. It is on budget-friendliness, however, that Huron steals the show. The median listing home price in Huron was just $240,000 in July 2024. Wondering if you will find peers in the same age bracket? Huron residents aged 60 and above comprise 25% of the population, meaning 1 in 4 are fellow empty nesters.

Millbank

One of Milbank's most exciting features is its affordability. The median listing home price in Milbank was only $299,900 in July 2024. Even by South Dakota standards, this price point should make a prospect’s eyes sparkle. Yet Millbank is not just affordable. It also provides access to top-notch outdoor venues. There is the South Fork Whetstone River, Lake Farley Park (ideal for routine biking or walking), the immaculately maintained Whetstone Creek Golf Course, Big Stone Lake, which is a short drive away — and Hartford Beach State Park. Worried about healthcare access? Milbank Area Health Care Campus is in town. Alternatively, the highly rated Ortonville Municipal Hospital is a heartbeat away. The social scene also hits the right note, with residents aged 60 and above comprising 33% of the population.

Brookings

Brookings hosts South Dakota State University, making it ideal for retirees seeking an academic environment. The university was established in 1881; hence, is more than 140 years old. Places to spend time here include the South Dakota Art Museum, loved for its pioneer-life paintings, the well-maintained Edgebrook Golf Course, the South Dakota State Agricultural Heritage Museum, and Dakota Nature Park, a nice place to catch sunsets. If starting to feel unwell, Brookings Health System, feted with the Outstanding Patient Experience Award for 2024, is right at the doorstep. An empty nester will enjoy rolling with a young crowd here, partly because of the university. Still, residents aged 60 and above comprise 18% of the population. The median listing home price in Brookings, South Dakota, was $372,400 in July 2024.

The Takeaway

Although often overlooked by retirees seeking convenient retirement destinations, South Dakota boasts a delightful range of retirement-worthy allurements. The people are mostly warm and friendly, something associated with the Midwest; most towns are small and close-knit, and best of all — there is zero income tax. If you want to retire in South Dakota, for the allure of its big, open skies and outdoor offerings, seek out the most welcoming communities. You need to feel accepted, that you are part of the crowd. For specific recommendations, the most welcoming towns in South Dakota include Spearfish, Madison, Hot Springs — and the rest of the towns highlighted here.