Ellsworth USAF Base is just east of Rapid City. The USAF is hiring 500 people to fill new (civilian) positions. If interested in living in Black Hills region, this could be your chance.
Most employers in western SD are genuine cheapskates. They pay less than half of union wages for skilled trades but charge their customers full rate. For example, I know licensed electrician's that only make $11.50 an hour! Yet typical customer pays $60. per hour for that electrician's labor. Crazy but true.
The winters here are not for the timid. Every year a couple dozen summer tourists fall in live with the Black Hills and buy homes. After a couple winters they're headed back to Ohio, or Calif., or wherever.
I was born and raised in rural Park County, Wyoming but departed for a number of reasons. Western SD has alot to offer. But when I hit retirement age, I'm headed to easier winters with affordable utilities and safe roads. Parts of New Mexico and Texas look pretty good to me. You betcha!
TR