Reptile Gardens in Rapid City Reptile Gardens in Rapid City goes beyond things that slither! Located just outside downtown Rapid City, Reptile gardens was started in 1937 by Earl Brockelsby, who loved reptiles of all shapes and sizes. Since then the amazing attraction has grown leaps and bounds, drawing visitors from all over to Rapid City, South Dakota. The expansion of the park has brought so much more to see than reptiles. The sky dome houses tropical plants, snakes, (which is the largest collection in the world), crocodiles, amphibians, and big bugs! Many plants, reptiles, and bugs in the sky dome gardens are rare or nearly extinct. Next, you can head over to the gator show to see the expert keepers entertain you with the biggest, and deadliest, reptiles on earth. Then, take a walk ... 01/12/2012

  Movies in Rapid City Every year the Friends of Devereaux Library of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology present Nostalgia Films at the historic Elks Theater. These movies emanate from various eras of classic filmmaking and make for an eventful night out in downtown Rapid City. The Elks Theater is nostalgic in it’s own right. Opened in 1912, the Elks has seen Rapid City throughout all its triumphs and growing pains showing movies before they were movies! Now, as an intrical part of the downtown Rapid City experience, with help from the School of Mines and Friends of the Devereaux Library, movies that many may not otherwise think to see are played for the entire community. These movies may be old classics, but many become new favorites. This movie-going experience is not like ma... 01/11/2012

Coffee in Rapid City Some mornings it is the first thing on your brain. Coffee!! Coffee is a huge part of many people’s lives. It is a place to focus your thoughts in the morning, meet up with old friends, or wind-down after a lovely dinner. Rapid City has a selection of Coffee shops in the downtown area; each with their own, unique style and blends to get you properly caffeinated throughout your day. Alternative Fuel Coffee House 620 Main St, Rapid City 605.341.2202 This coffee house is located on Main Street in Rapid City. With a full-service Espresso Bar to make all of your fancy coffee cravings, Alternative Fuel Coffee House also serves tea, energy drinks, sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts. With their recent expansion they now have room to host various Rapid City events and mu... 01/11/2012

During the month of December 2011 there were 8 new residential listings in and around the Black Hawk area.  The total number of homes for sale was 78 compared to 84 last month.  14 homes have sold compared to 7 in November 2011. 01/09/2012

Art in Rapid City For over thirty years, the Dahl Arts Center has been at the center of art in Rapid City. The Dahl Arts Center is a public facility that features an event hall, theater, visual art galleries, interactive kids gallery, and classrooms. Whether as a spectator or an up-coming artist, the Dahl Art Center is a place to discover a passion for the arts. Located in downtown Rapid City near the public library, musicians will find the perfect outlet to play and meet other local musicians every Friday night at the Lien Cultural Café. This is a new program, so grab your guitar and friends to show your support! The exhibits at the Dahl Arts Center change on a regular basis, giving you an opportunity to see amazing works in painting, sculpture, craft, photography, and more all year. E... 01/09/2012

During the month of December 2011 there were 43 new residential listings in Rapid City.  The total number of homes for sale was 295 as compared to 336 last month.  44 homes have sold compared to 49 in November 2011. 01/09/2012

Rapid City, South Dakota and the Surrounding Area The average price of a single family home sold in the Rapid City area is $181,724 which is up from $166,544 this time last year, with an average of 79 days on the market, down from 95 days this time last year.  Sellers have been receiving 95.66% of current listing price which is down from 96.79% in December 2010. 01/09/2012

Rapid City, SD Student Housing With a number of high school graduates looking to get into the fields of engineering and science, many are enrolling at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology was founded in Rapid City and provides affordable degree programs in more than 30 different studies, including computer and engineering technology. Ranked one of the best colleges in America for 12 years, students can experience small, interactive classes that provide access to state-of-the-art technology and instructors who are held in high regard within their fields. It is no wonder students from all over the country are enrolling. If you are a student, or have a student, who may be moving to the Rapid City area for school it is important to know wh... 01/07/2012

Mount Rushmore National Monument near Rapid City The iconic image of Mount Rushmore is a sight to behold. Rapid City is fortunate to play host to as many as three million tourists who journey from all over the world to see this amazing, man-made monument. Nestled into the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore is a story about the birth and growth of our country. Started in 1927, Mount Rushmore features the faces of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt. The granite of the Black Hills provided perfect sculpting material and was completed with little injuries and no reported deaths. Since then, the National Parks Department has built a visitors center for those who wish to learn more about the monument, the Black Hills Forrest west of Rapid City, and more! The visitor’s center als... 01/07/2012

Relocation to Rapid City, SD Rapid City, SD is known as the gateway to the black hills. These beautiful hills surround Rapid City have experienced much growth in the last few years. If you are considering relocation or are searching for new opportunities in the beauty of the west, I can help you with your relocation needs. Rapid City was originally known as “Hay Camp” after gold was discovered, due to the Custer Expedition. The miners who stayed dubbed their new town Rapid City after Rapid Creek that winds its way throughout. With the additions of Ellsworth Air Force Base, and Mount Rushmore, Rapid City grew to be a big city with small town charm. With hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and more you will find an active outdoor community working and playing alongside Rapid Creek. People g... 01/06/2012

Italian Food in Rapid City Italian food is one of those things that calls to you in the middle of the day. As far as food goes, Italian evokes a feeling of warmth, family, and comfort. If you have lived in Rapid City for any amount of time you know that when the need calls, the only place to go is Botticelli Ristorante. With a perfect location in downtown Rapid City, Botticelli Ristorante is an ideal place to go if you work or play in the area. Their lunch and dinner menus offer everything Italian; from the classics to more modern fare. The staff treats you like part of the big, Italian family and is able to recommend great food and complementary wine pairings. In the summer, take an afternoon to dine outdoors and watch the downtown Rapid City shoppers go bye. However, Botticelli Ristor... 01/06/2012

Ice Skating in Downtown Rapid City If you find yourself with a free day, there is nothing better than coming downtown to wander and shop! Rapid City has a wonderful downtown, but with the holiday season there is even more to do. Located in Main Street Square, across from Botticelli Ristorante, you can now find ice skating! Ice skating is great for everyone regardless of age, and the affordable prices and size of the downtown Rapid City ice skating rink make it perfect for the entire family. Ice Skating rentals are available if you do not have your own skates. Never been ice skating before? This ice skating rink is the perfect size for beginners. Looking for a new date night destination? Make a stop for couples ice skating! The downtown Rapid City ice skating rink also allows times for h... 01/03/2012

Candy in Downtown Rapid City Downtown Rapid City is experiencing a re-vitalization! Fun shops, restaurants, and boutiques are popping up all over the historic streets of downtown bringing Rapid City into the New Year with flare. One of these fun shops is Zoom Soda and Candy. Harkening back to the candy shops of yore, Zoom Soda and Candy catches the eyes of children young and old with the treats and trinkets you crave. The store stays true to the original candy shops with glass jars and vintage décor, but adds a fun, modern flare. People who find their way downtown in Rapid City will find classic candies like pop rocks, Charleston chews, fun dip, and NECCO Wafers right along side lollipops, liquorish, bottle caps, and jawbreakers. Looking for chocolate? They have plenty!! Hard candy not ... 01/03/2012

During the month of November 2011, there were 16 new residential listings in and around the Black Hawk area.  The total number of homes for sale was 84 in November, compared to 92 in October.  7 homes have sold compared to 11 in October. 12/06/2011

During the month of November 2011, there were 57 new residential listings in Rapid City.  The total number of homes for sale was 336 as compared to 384 last month.  49 homes have sold in November compared to 54 in October. 12/06/2011

The average price of a single family home sold in the Rapid City area is $166,102 for November 2011, which is down from $182,362 from November 2010 month with an average of 85 days on the market, down from 93 days this time last year.  Sellers have been receiving 97.77% of current listing price which is up from 96.49% in November 2010. 12/06/2011

Black Hawk, SDDuring the month of October 2011 there were 13 new residential listings in and around theBlack Hawk area. The total number of homes for sale was 92 compared to 96 last month.  11 homes have sold compared to 8 last month.   11/10/2011

Rapid City, SDDuring the month of October 2011 there were 67 new residential listings in Rapid City. The total number of homes for sale was 384 as compared to 398 last month.  54 homes have sold compared to 63 last month.   11/10/2011

 Rapid City & Surrounding Area The average price of a single family home sold in the Rapid City area is $193,978 which is up from $181,281, with an average of 114 days on the market, up from 77 days this time last year. Sellers have been receiving 97.01% of current listing price which is down from 98.2% in October 2010.   11/10/2011

Rapid City continues to hold its own. Many things remained the same from last month - decreases in number of homes on the market, BUT and increase in number of single family home sales and average sold price on single family homes.      To see the complete breakdown and the struggle of new construction to catch up, take a look at my post:  Rapid City Real Estate - market stats for September 2011   Search for Homes near Ellsworth Air Force Base!   We'll see how the activity happens as the Holiday season draws near.  (I mean really??  Thanksgiving in 3 weeks??) :)   Have a good one, - Tristan   Tristan EmondPrudential Kahler REALTORSRapid City, SDwww.rapidhomesonline.com  11/04/2011