Forever home search, South Dakota...

[Smitty77]

My DW and I changed our Domicile to South Dakota form California when we went full timing. We went back and forth between Texas and South Dakota at the time we were choosing Domiciles - and two areas of South Dakota won us over for a future forever home. We like the Black Hills area (Who doesn't!), and we also liked the vibe and health care and college town of Sioux Falls area.

As we still plan to travel for another 10-15 years or so, we're now more interested in getting a foothold on some property in one of these regions. Thinking we'd get the land, electric, water and either sewer or septic established. And then set up a RV Site and probably a Green Pod (Or similar.).

Prefab Homes in Seattle

We figured we'd do the option of doing two of the Pod's in a "L" shape config, and when we built the convention Sticks & Bricks in the future, keep those as guests quarters for family and friends.

I'm hearing different answers when contacting Real Estate Professionals on the ability to buy land, and do make this a three step process: 1) RV site, or two; 2) Green Pod(s); 3) Sticks & Bricks... I've had both a Sioux Falls region and Rapid City region Realtor tell us that buying land and living in a RV is not easy to do?

I've searched on IRV2, and other forums, as I believe I remember a couple who had bought some acres between Sturgis and Spearfish areas, and had I think it was three RV Pad put in. (For themselves and friends and families.).

We're planning a swing thru these two regions in 2020, and I'll go into the Counties of the regions we're considering to ask questions in person. But I was hoping someone might have gone down this path, or know others that have, before.

So reaching out for input from the collective!

TIA for any thoughts on this, best to all,
Smitty

[Old-Biscuit]

Have you ever stayed in an RV during WINTER?


Have you ever been to Rapid City OR Sioux Falls during the WINTER?




I grew up in WY/UT
I have been in WINTER weather in an RV
NOT something I would enjoy doing again.




As for living in an RV on your property
Check witht the County/City Planning Office as to whether it is allowed, what permits/requirements are needed and then check with local contractors as to pricing


Best of luck!

[twogypsies]

You'd choose South Dakota 10-15 years from now? Have you thought about the winters? I don't know how old you'll be at the time but you might want a better climate as you age.

Before buying land, etc. why not spend a full year there to see how you like it? Even if, during this year, you would rent an apt. instead of staying in the RV, you'd get a feel for the year-round weather. See if you could find enough to do during the off-seasons when all tourists leave and places close up.

[skypilot_1]

Not as easy to do today in rural areas as they have zoned you out. Can't get hooked up to the power grid unless you met the current zoning requirements. Which was a minimum of 2000 sq ft living area in FL where we were lookin.
In some areas you may be able to buy a place that has the power still on and put in your RV pads. if your neighbors don't turn you in. We have found that if power has been off for more then 6 months, to get re-connected you will have to met any newer zoning codes then what place was built to at the time. Understand that its not the same all over. So do your due diligent s.

[jarata]

Originally Posted by twogypsies

You'd choose South Dakota 10-15 years from now? Have you thought about the winters? I don't know how old you'll be at the time but you might want a better climate as you age.

Before buying land, etc. why not spend a full year there to see how you like it? Even if, during this year, you would rent an apt. instead of staying in the RV, you'd get a feel for the year-round weather. See if you could find enough to do during the off-seasons when all tourists leave and places close up.

+1 15 years is a long time away alot can change enjoy traveling

[Smitty77]

My bad gang, I neglected to say we'd also have a summer location to... Appreciate the, well - frank - question of my sanity! (We're still talking about 'where' the winter location will be, and how elaborate a setup we'll have... And, we could reverse things, and get a Condo in South Dakota, keep our RV in storage. Admit we're still kicking around options - and surprise, after 41 years of marriage - we don't always both have the same ideas!)

So many local cities with affordable housing shortages, are changing zoning to allow the tiny houses to be added to a lot with an existing house, to help on both affordable housing and or multi generational family sharing of an existing home/lot.

And I know some states basically leave you the heck alone, when it comes to how you want to use your land... Was hoping that possibly some counties in SD might allow this... But, we do not want to be too far away from certain things...

Thanks for the input, and if I find out anything else, I'll come back and share.

Best to all,
Smitty

[twogypsies]

O.K. Now you're back to being sane!

[Smitty77]

Originally Posted by twogypsies

O.K. Now you're back to being sane!

Positive my DW would question this... I think I really lost her when I suggested, that four pair of shoes, and two pairs of sandals, are enough in retirement...

I'll also share, that one Realtor I talked with suggested we Hart Ranch! A nice place for sure, friendly group too (Well, when we visited!).

Best,
Smitty