Summerset - South Dakota's youngest city flourishing

Nestled between Black Hawk and Piedmont is the growing community of Summerset. Summerset is a blend of both urban and rural living, just minutes from Rapid City.

With a population of about 3300 people, Summerset’s growth has been evident since its incorporation in 2005. The Meade County community has no plans of slowing down, with three new housing developments in the works, allowing for the population to potentially double with these developments.

Although Summerset is growing and expanding, Mayor Melanie Torno explained that her family was drawn to Summerset because of its small-town feel.

“The safety for the kids, the great school, the cleanliness,” she said. “We just fell in love with Summerset.”

Labeled “The City with a Future,” Summerset is working to provide economic development opportunities for anyone looking to make the move to this thriving community.

“We are one of the fastest growing communities in the state,” said Torno. “We want more shops, restaurants. And we are working to bring commercial development to town.”

She noted that sales tax revenue is so important to Summerset because as a community, they want to continue to update roads, park projects, and much more.

“But it all takes money and Summerset continues to work to be incredibly financially responsible,” Torno said.

Sturgis Economic Development Corporation assists with economic development in Summerset.  Executive director Amanda Anglin said that economic development is incredibly important as it helps a community grow.

“Communities need the support of both businesses and residents. Partnerships and collaboration are so important,” she said.