Pierre, South Dakota

E ven before the COVID-19 pandemic, people were starting to seek out smaller, more affordable towns with ample outdoor recreation facilities. A less hectic atmosphere with room to breathe. Now, with the advent of working virtually, the option of living anywhere in the country is on the table and many are leaving big city life behind in favor of places that can offer peace and quiet, as well as updated amenities and activities. The best of both worlds. The City of Pierre (pronounced peer), South Dakota is one such unique community that presents an abundance of outdoor recreation, quality of life amenities, low cost of living, and much more. One thing that stands out about Pierre the most is that it has a local government that truly cares for its residents, listens to their concerns, and acts on those concerns to improve the city for everyone. Brooke Bohnenkamp, Communications Manager for the city, says, “Our commission is incredibly accessible and approachable, so probably 50 percent of the community has the mayor’s cell phone number. That may be a low estimate.” Pierre is the capital of South Dakota – with a population of about 14,000 it is the second least populous state capital in the U.S. Yet, this small but mighty status is what gives it some of its strength. There are lots of opportunities to get involved with municipal boards and community advisory boards, and government is one of AT A GLANCE PIERRE, SOUTH DAKOTA WHAT: The State Capital; population 14,000 WHERE: Hughes County, South Dakota WEBSITE: www.cityofpierre.org A riverside haven