Where to live near Ellsworth AFB
PCSing to Ellsworth or just relocating to the Black Hills, here's a quick read on the areas people consider most, with a link to the full guide for each.
Box Elder
Box Elder sits at the gate. Newer subdivisions, a lot of them built with BAH budgets in mind, and the shortest commute on base. It's one of the fastest growing areas in the region.
Rapid City
The largest city in western South Dakota, with everything from older established neighborhoods to new developments, plus the dining, shopping, medical facilities, and entertainment. About 10 to 15 minutes to the gate from the east side.
Rapid Valley
Between Rapid City and Box Elder along Highway 44, a lot of mid-priced homes and an easy drive to the base.
Summerset
Fast-growing with a lot of new construction, wide streets, parks, and quick I-90 access. Close to the city with a suburban feel. Roughly 25 minutes to the gate.
Black Hawk
A mix of affordability and access: established neighborhoods and newer homes, a short drive to Rapid City, and about 20 minutes to the base.
Piedmont
Elbow room and views. Piedmont sits just outside the hills with larger lots and a quieter, more rural feel, with I-90 for the commute. About 25 to 30 minutes to the gate.
A note on crime maps, schools, and fair housing
As a licensed REALTOR and Military Relocation Professional, I provide equal service to every client. I can't steer you toward or away from neighborhoods based on crime, schools, or demographics; that's prohibited under fair housing law. I encourage you to use public resources like the Rapid City Police Department's crime map and the school district websites to look into what matters to you, and I'm always glad to talk through commute times, features, and lifestyle.
Life in the Black Hills
Talk it through with me
Call or text 605-490-2040, or send me a message.
This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the United States Air Force, the Department of Defense, or Ellsworth Air Force Base.