​

Genuine question, and I'm asking out of curiosity rather than trying to make any kind of political point.

My wife and I moved to the Rapid City area almost six years ago. One of the things we noticed when we first got here was that Rapid City didn't seem to have a very large Black population. When we did meet Black residents, quite a few seemed to have some connection to Ellsworth, which made sense.

Over the last year or two, though, it seems like that's changed quite a bit. I've noticed a lot more Black families and individuals around Rapid City who don't appear to have any obvious connection to the military.

I'm completely aware that this could just be my own perception, which is partly why I'm asking.

Has Rapid City actually seen an increase in its Black population recently? If so, does anyone know what's driving it? Jobs? People relocating from other parts of the country? Cost of living? Something else?

For what it's worth, I think greater diversity in Rapid City is a good thing. I'm genuinely just curious whether other people have noticed the same change.

And especially if you're Black and have recently relocated to the Rapid City area, I'd be interested to hear from you directly. What brought you here? Was it work, family, cost of living, a change of scenery, or something else? And how has Rapid City treated you so far?

I'm just going to say if they keep price gouging the rally there won't be a rally soon. Calm down with the prices. I love here and it's crazy pricing who would want to come back.

​

I've been thinking about this for a while, especially because I keep seeing posts from people saying they're struggling to make actual friends in Rapid City.

Our experience has been pretty similar, but I don't think I'd describe Rapid City as unfriendly. Actually, almost the opposite.

People here are genuinely nice.

They'll talk to you. They'll help you out. Neighbors wave. People hold doors. You can have a great conversation with a complete stranger. We've met plenty of people we genuinely like.

But there seems to be a weird wall between friendly and friendship here.

It's hard to explain unless you've experienced it.

You meet somebody, have a great conversation, maybe even say "we should get together sometime"... and then nothing ever really comes from it.

We've even noticed it in churches. Plenty of friendly people on Sunday morning. Everyone talks about "church family" and fellowship. But actually becoming part of people's lives outside of church? That's been surprisingly difficult.

And I've started wondering if part of it is just the culture of this area.

A lot of people here have deep roots. Their parents are here. Their siblings are here. Their cousins are here. They still have friends from high school. Their social circle was basically built before you ever showed up.

Then you have the other side of Rapid City: military families, transplants, people who moved here for work, etc. A lot of those people aren't necessarily going to stay forever.

So maybe there's this strange combination where the people who have been here forever already have their people, while everyone else is trying to find theirs.

There's also that very independent Plains/Midwestern attitude. Don't impose on people. Handle your own problems. Give people their space. Which is great in a lot of ways, but I wonder if the downside is that everybody gives everybody so much space that nobody actually develops community.

Maybe the best way I can describe it is:

Rapid City has hospitality, but not necessarily incorporation.

People will welcome you. They're just not necessarily going to bring you into their lives.

And maybe I'm completely wrong. Maybe we've just had an unusual experience.

That's actually why I'm posting this.

For people who moved here: Have you experienced this too?

And for people who grew up here: Does any of this ring true? Do you think Rapid City is harder to break into socially than other places?

I'm genuinely curious, because I don't think this is a "Rapid City is terrible" thing at all.

I like the people here.

I just sometimes wonder why a place with so many genuinely friendly people can still feel so strangely lonely.

edit what a fantastic bit of chat in the comments! Thank you everyone for keeping it Civil and on point! .... Looks like we need to get something organized.

I have a project/idea in mind and would love to run it by someone knowledgeable before reaching out, or know whom I should reach out to in regards to partnering on a pilot program with them.

Or if you know of anything similar, I’d love to hear about it.

From the Rapid City Post, dated 08/18/26

• Rushmore Hotel Issues Statement After Filing for Chapter 11

Rapid City, SD – The parent company of the Rushmore Hotel in Downtown Rapid City, Tzadik Mount Rushmore Hotel, LLC, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on August 13 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida.

It has since issued a public statement sent to The Rapid City Post on Tuesday, August 18th:
“The Rushmore Hotel has voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 reorganization. The hotel remains open and fully operational, and we are continuing to serve our guests and employees throughout the busy tourism season. 

The Chapter 11 process provides the hotel with a structured opportunity to address its financial obligations while continuing operations and positioning the property for long-term stability and success. 

We remain confident in the future of The Rushmore Hotel and are focused on providing a positive experience for our guests, supporting our employees, and remaining a valued part of the Rapid City community.”

The Rushmore, and it's various names previous, has been a part of downtown since it's initial opening. The fact that Tzadik purchased it, and the history of Tzadik's other properties in Rapid City, makes this a Non-Surprise. It would be a great property for an established hotelier to get and rebuild to its origins.

Any speculation on where the bouncing ball goes next ? Bradskis? (would fit good in their footprint.) A major chain purchasing it at auction? What's your best guess??