The Rapid City Commute Map: Where to Live if You Hate Traffic (Spoiler: Almost Everywhere)
If you’re moving to Rapid City from Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, Minneapolis—or honestly any major metro—you’re in for a surprise:
Traffic basically doesn’t exist here.
I’m not joking. Around here, people complain about a “busy” day when the drive across town takes… 18 minutes instead of 15.
But even though the whole area is easy to navigate, certain neighborhoods are especially convenient depending on where you work. So here’s your quick, friendly guide to Rapid City’s “commute map”—and the best places to live if you absolutely refuse to sit in traffic.
If You Work Downtown: Live on the Westside or North Rapid
Best Neighborhoods
West Boulevard Historic District
Chapel Valley
Westside (Pinedale/Corral Drive areas)
North Rapid (Crescent Drive area)
Typical Commute
5–12 minutes
(Yes, you read that right.)
Why it works
You’re close to I-190, Canyon Lake, Memorial Park, Main Street Square, and all the downtown action.
If You Work at Ellsworth AFB: Live in Box Elder, Rapid Valley, or Northeast Rapid
Military families love Rapid City because the commute is easy—and the housing options are flexible.
Best Neighborhoods
Box Elder (fastest commute)
Summerset/Piedmont (north of Rapid)
Rapid Valley (east side of Rapid City)
Copperfield / Valley Park / Homestead)
Typical Commute
7–18 minutes
Why it works
These pockets give you a straight shot to the base while offering more home for the money and strong appreciation thanks to the B-21 expansion.
If You Work at Monument Health or the Medical Corridor: Live on the Southwest or Westside
Best Neighborhoods
Southwest Corridor (south of Catron Blvd)
Westside / Chapel Valley
Red Rock Estates
Sheridan Lake Road corridor
Typical Commute
6–15 minutes
Why it works
These neighborhoods offer the quickest access to the medical district—and some of the nicest homes in the area.
If You're a Remote Worker: Choose Based on Lifestyle, Not Commute
If you work from home, you have the freedom to choose your environment.
Top Picks
Southwest Corridor → Modern builds, quiet streets
Westside → Trees, parks, trails
Black Hawk → More land for less
Box Elder → Best value + new construction
Downtown → Walkability, coffee shops, culture
Typical Commute
0 minutes—unless you count the walk to your home office.
The Truth About Rapid City Traffic (From Locals & Newcomers Alike)
Here’s what people say after moving here from larger cities:
“This isn’t a commute. This is a joyride.”
“I didn’t realize how much time I used to lose sitting in traffic until I moved here.”
“I can drop the kids off, get coffee, and drive to work in less time than it used to take me just to get ON the highway.”
Even at our busiest times—summer tourism, rally season—Rapid City traffic is mild compared to most cities.
Neighborhoods With the Easiest Commutes Overall
If commute time is your #1 priority, you can’t go wrong with:
Westside Rapid City
Southwest Corridor
Box Elder (for AFB)
Rapid Valley
North Rapid near I-90
Downtown Rapid City
Everything is close here. That’s one of the biggest reasons families fall in love with the area.
Want Help Finding a Neighborhood That Fits Your Lifestyle (and Commute)?
Whether you want the quickest drive to work, the quietest street for remote life, or the perfect balance of affordability + convenience, I’m here to help you explore your best options in Rapid City and the Black Hills.
Let’s make your move an easy one.
Chris Twiggs, Realtor & Property Management Expert
Rapid City SD
605-545-1218
chris@christwiggsrealty.com