Spearfish is known as “The Queen City,” named for the three peaks surrounding the valley that form a crown. This outdoorsy, suburban city of 13,000 in the northern Black Hills of western South Dakota attracts outdoor enthusiasts, families, retirees and second-homeowners with its natural beauty and small-town vibe.
“Spearfish is different from any other town. Imagine mountain towns in Colorado like Breckenridge, Vail, Aspen and Telluride. It’s like that only on a less expensive, less bougie scale,” Christian Morrison, a Realtor with Keller Williams Black Hills, says.
Located 45 miles from Rapid City and just above the Black Hills National Forest, Spearfish is 12 miles east of Wyoming. Niche named it the second-best place to retire in South Dakota. Neat streets and cul-de-sacs fill 17 square miles surrounded by mountains. The tallest of its three peaks is nearly 6,000 feet high.
Its economy is robust, with industries including tourism, health care, education, mining and timber. Instant access to Interstate 90 makes it an easy spot to travel and commute.
Homes range from modest to magnificent
Homes range from manufactured to luxury estates that can sell for over $2 million.
Morrison says most of those who Airbnb their homes are locals, contributing to the city’s strong sense of community.
The median list price of $550,000 is higher than the U.S. median of $406,000. Homes can sell for $79,000 for a small, manufactured home, $342,000 for a 2-bedroom single-family home, or $2.5 million for a lodge-like estate. Spearfish still has plenty of land available, and new homes are constantly being built.
Niche ranks Spearfish School District No. 10 out of 169 in S.D.
The Spearfish School District serves 2,423 students and has three elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. Niche ranks the Spearfish District as the No. 10 best district out of 169 districts in the state, giving it an overall grade of B-plus. Spearfish is also home to three parochial schools and Black Hills State University, a four-year public university with a longstanding focus on teacher training.
Outdoor activity from skiing to mountain biking to fly-fishing
Serious hikers, rock climbers, snowboarders and cross-country skiers can find whatever level of challenge they’re looking for in the city’s over 50 miles of rugged trails in and around Spearfish. At over 5,000 feet, Big Hill offers a stunning overlook of Spearfish Mountain and Spearfish Canyon. It, along with Eagle Cliff, are two of the city’s most popular spots for cross-country skiing. Some of the country’s best fly-fishing can be found at Spearfish Creek. Spearfish Canyon offers spectacular fall foliage. One of its three waterfalls becomes a popular ice climbing spot in winter. Spearfish has a highly variable climate, with an average snowfall of 40 inches. The city is at risk of fires in the warm months, with a severe fire factor rating of 7 out of 10.
The city has 16 developed parks connected by an 8-mile path. It also has five sports field areas, a skate park and a winter ice rink. Two golf courses and two disc golf courses are also located in the city. The Spearfish Recreation and Aquatics Center includes fitness classes, pickleball courts, a gym, pools, slides, and an indoor climbing wall.
Walkable downtown offers dining, shopping and entertainment
Downtown Spearfish is a walkable, welcoming space whose clocktower and diagonal parking give it an old-town feel. Eateries include steakhouses, bistros, and cafes. After dinner, diners can check out the city’s brewpubs, sports bars and wine bars. Shopping options include antique stores, organic food stores, outdoor sporting goods shops, and Walmart. People can find more shopping options in Rapid City. “You won’t be able to get your Lululemon or all of your favorite chains here, but you can find what you need,” Morrison says.
Matthews Opera House and Art Gallery providing artistic offerings since 1906
The Matthews Opera House and Art Gallery feature performances and art exhibits year-round. In the summer, the city hosts Downtown Friday Nights free concerts. In September, the city rings in the fall season with Autumn Fest.
Interstate 90 runs right through Spearfish
Interstate 90 runs through the city. Those who prefer not to drive can take advantage of the intercity bus service or use one of two bike-share stations.
The Rapid City Regional Airport, 50 miles away, is the closest major airport. It offers service to nine cities from five major airlines.
Crime
According to FBI data, property crime rates have fluctuated widely in the past two years, sometimes exceeding state and national levels and sometimes falling below those levels. During that same period, violent crime tended to exceed national and state averages.
Written By
Anne Amoury
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Spearfish by the Numbers
50
Average Days on Market
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)$520,000
Median Single Family Price$559,800
Average Price Per Sq Ft$263
Months Of Supply3
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Top Schools in Spearfish, SD
Source:
Best Public Elementary Schools
#1 Mountain View Elementary - 08
B
Niche
#2 West Elementary School
B
Niche
#3 Creekside Elementary School
B+
Niche
5
GreatSchools
#4 Black Hills Academy At Canyon Hills - 08
#5 Black Hills Academy At Canyon Hills Elementary - 09
Best Public Middle Schools
#1 Spearfish Middle School
B
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#2 Black Hills Academy At Canyon Hills - 08
#3 Black Hills Academy At Canyon Hills Elementary - 09
Best Public High Schools
#1 Spearfish High School
B+
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#2 Black Hills Academy At Canyon Hills High School - 07
#3 Black Hills Academy at Canyon Hills High School - 10
I have been a real estate agent in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota for over 13 years. My experience in the area is extremely helpful when buying or selling real estate. I love what I do, helping people make their real estate dreams come true! My hard work ethic ensures that I will be with you every step of the way and will make the process of buying or selling real estate seamless.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
