Brookings, South Dakota consistently ranks as one of the best small cities in the Midwest to live in — and for good reason. Home to South Dakota State University, a vibrant downtown, excellent schools, and a tight-knit community, Brookings punches well above its weight for a city of 25,000. Here’s what life actually looks like when you call Brookings home.
Education: A Top Reason Families Choose Brookings
The Brookings School District is consistently one of the highest-performing districts in South Dakota. With a graduation rate above 95% and above-average ACT scores, families relocating from larger metros are often pleasantly surprised by the quality of K-12 education here.
- Elementary schools: Camelot, Medary, Hillcrest, Oscar Howe, and Mickelson
- Middle school: Brookings Middle School (6th–8th grade)
- High school: Brookings High School — home of the Bobcats
- Higher education: South Dakota State University (SDSU) — top-ranked agricultural, engineering, and pharmacy programs
SDSU’s presence also means access to university events, cultural programming, athletic competitions, and continuing education opportunities that few cities of Brookings’s size can match.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Brookings has invested heavily in its parks and recreation infrastructure. With over 20 parks and more than 40 miles of trails, outdoor activity is woven into daily life here.
- Sexauer Park: The largest park in the city, featuring sports fields, playgrounds, and a disc golf course
- Dakota Nature Park: A 130-acre natural area with trails, wetlands, and wildlife — a true gem for nature lovers
- Larson Ice Center: Year-round ice skating and hockey facility
- Fishback Soccer Park: Premier youth and adult soccer complex
- Big Sioux Recreation Area: Camping, hiking, and the Big Sioux River — just 8 miles from the city center
Downtown Brookings: Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Main Avenue in downtown Brookings has undergone a quiet renaissance over the past decade. Locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and galleries line the corridor, giving the city a distinct identity that avoids the chain-dominated strip mall feel common to many SD communities.
Notable local establishments include the Ram Bar & Grill (a Brookings institution since 1977), Pheasant Restaurant, Stokes Coffee House, and a growing craft brewery scene. The Swiftel Center hosts concerts, trade shows, and community events year-round, drawing talent from across the region.
Cost of Living in Brookings
Brookings offers a cost of living approximately 8–12% below the national average. South Dakota has no state income tax — a significant financial advantage for residents. Property taxes in Brookings are moderate, and groceries, utilities, and everyday expenses run below national averages. For families and individuals relocating from the coasts or larger metros, the purchasing power difference can be dramatic.
- No state income tax — keeps more money in your pocket
- Median household income: ~$58,000 (boosted by university employment)
- Grocery costs: ~5% below national average
- Healthcare access: Brookings Health System provides full-service regional hospital care
Community Culture and Safety
Brookings has one of the lowest crime rates among South Dakota’s larger cities. The community has a strong civic culture, with active volunteer organizations, a thriving arts scene through the South Dakota Art Museum (located on the SDSU campus), and strong youth programming. Whether you’re raising a family, pursuing a career, or retiring, Brookings offers a quality of life that’s genuinely difficult to replicate at its price point anywhere in the country.
