Best Independent Living in South Dakota

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 51 independent living communities in SD using SD Dept. of Health (DOH) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in SD
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in South Dakota our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in South Dakota.
51 homes
Other senior care options in South Dakota:

Compare Independent Living around South Dakota

Info below is compiled from the SD Dept. of Health (DOH), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Description of bed or unit types offered (e.g. assisted living, memory care), as reported in state or facility disclosures.
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
A named contact for the facility. Hover the name to see their role — Administrator (state administrator of record or facility-provided administrator), Nursing Director, Medical Director, or Staff. The most authoritative available is shown.
Bethany Home Sioux Falls/Bethany Home-Brandon
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Sioux Falls
112
Facility 112
SD AVG 75
Rank #8 / 44
No
65
Facility 65
SD AVG 41
Rank #12 / 47
-
1
Facility 1
SD AVG 6
Rank #8 / 35
-Amanda Peterson
United Living Community
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Brookings (Brookings Township)
81
Facility 81
SD AVG 75
Rank #13 / 44
No
82
Facility 82
SD AVG 41
Rank #5 / 47
-
1
Facility 1
SD AVG 6
Rank #8 / 35
-Liz Deberg
Good Samaritan Society Sioux Falls Village
IL
AL
MC
NH
Sioux Falls
177
Facility 177
SD AVG 75
Rank #2 / 44
No
2
Facility 2
SD AVG 41
Rank #47 / 47
-
1
Facility 1
SD AVG 6
Rank #8 / 35
-Thomas Fraser
Avera Mother Joseph Manor Retirement Community
IL
AL
NH
SNF
Aberdeen
81
Facility 81
SD AVG 75
Rank #13 / 44
Yes
31
Facility 31
SD AVG 41
Rank #28 / 47
1 Bed / 2 Bed
29
Facility 29
SD AVG 6
Rank #4 / 35
-Paula Henrickson
Good Samaritan Society – St Martin Village
IL
AL
MC
NH
RC
Rapid City
60
Facility 60
SD AVG 75
Rank #23 / 44
No
83
Facility 83
SD AVG 41
Rank #4 / 47
-
1
Facility 1
SD AVG 6
Rank #8 / 35
-Jana Mccroden
The Parkwood
IL
Sioux Falls
133
Facility 133
SD AVG 75
Rank #6 / 44
Yes
10
Facility 10
SD AVG 41
Rank #42 / 47
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
2
Facility 2
SD AVG 6
Rank #7 / 35
A-Nathan Kasselder
The Inn on Westport
IL
AL
MC
RC
Sioux Falls
140
Facility 140
SD AVG 75
Rank #5 / 44
No
63
Facility 63
SD AVG 41
Rank #13 / 47
-
30
Facility 30
SD AVG 6
Rank #3 / 35
A+Jill Dykstra
Edgewood Watertown
IL
AL
Watertown
66
Facility 66
SD AVG 75
Rank #22 / 44
No
18
Facility 18
SD AVG 41
Rank #37 / 47
Private Rooms
1
Facility 1
SD AVG 6
Rank #8 / 35
-Jackie Clark
Ponderosa Lodge Senior Living
IL
AL
RC
Sioux Falls
76
Facility 76
SD AVG 75
Rank #19 / 44
No
30
Facility 30
SD AVG 41
Rank #30 / 47
1 Bed / 2 Bed
1
Facility 1
SD AVG 6
Rank #8 / 35
-Martina Castle
Legends at Lake Lorraine
IL
AL
MC
Sioux Falls
185
Facility 185
SD AVG 75
Rank #1 / 44
Yes
43
Facility 43
SD AVG 41
Rank #20 / 47
-
1
Facility 1
SD AVG 6
Rank #8 / 35
-Kyrsten Fokken

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each independent living community is ranked against every other SD independent living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 51 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of Avera Mother Joseph Manor Retirement Community

Located in a tranquil neighborhood adjacent to Manor Park in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Avera Mother Joseph Manor offers a comprehensive range of senior living lifestyle options, complemented by skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Residents of this community can immerse themselves in the abundant local opportunities available in Aberdeen while receiving exceptional care and support.

Avera Mother Joseph Manor proudly upholds the Christian tradition of the Avera health care system, ensuring immediate access to premier health care services. With a deep commitment to respecting human dignity and valuing each individual, Avera Mother Joseph Manor operates as a division of Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, providing compassionate care to enhance the well-being of residents.

Contact Avera Mother Joseph Manor Retirement Community

The Parkwood

7800 S Western Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Overview of The Parkwood

Nestled in a quiet yet convenient residential area in Sioux Falls, SD, The Parkword is an active senior living community that offers a vibrant and engaging independent living. The community features 133 apartments with 22 unique floor plans, furnished kitchens, balcony and high ceiling, offering a comfortable and elegant residence. With housekeeping, a variety of dining options, and all utilities included, residents are guaranteed to live an easy and worry-free life with more time in their hands to do the things they love.

At Parkwood, they strive to provide a service-rich environment that fosters strong community connections and maintenance-free living. Here, residents benefit from regular community social events and activities, scheduled transportation, and on-site amenities. Wellness and leisure is guaranteed with amenities like a fitness studio with treatment space, a full-service salon, library, indoor theater, club room, game room, guest suite, and outdoor courtyards with walking trails and dog parks. Here, residents are set to experience a vibrant community filled with meaningful connections and fun experiences.

Contact The Parkwood

Overview of The Inn on Westport

The Inn on Westport is a distinguished senior living community managed by The Goodman Group, bringing 50 years of expertise in developing and managing exceptional healthcare and assisted senior living communities. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care, ensuring that each resident’s unique needs are met with the utmost care and attention. As part of their commitment to holistic well-being, they even provide specialized programs, including a Parkinson’s program, to support residents with specific health needs.
Prepare to be captivated by the serene and beautifully landscaped indoor spaces, including a stunning three-story atrium that serves as the centerpiece of the community. From the cozy café to the tranquil chapel, every corner of The Inn on Westport is thoughtfully designed to create a welcoming and nurturing environment. On-site amenities such as a bank, beauty and barber salon, and more, add convenience and luxury to residents’ lives. Recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of veterans, the home also provides an exceptional environment for assisted living for veterans. Here, veterans can connect with fellow servicemen and women, share stories, and be honored for their dedication and commitment.

Contact The Inn on Westport

Overview of Bethany Home Sioux Falls/bethany Home-Brandon

Bethany Home Sioux Falls/bethany Home-Brandon offers nursing home and skilled nursing care, assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Sioux Falls, SD. Nursing home and skilled nursing care provide licensed nursing support around the clock, while assisted living helps with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication. Independent living provides private housing without daily care, and memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

Because the community offers several care levels, it may be a good fit for a resident whose needs could grow over time and who may be able to remain in the same community as care needs change. The community has 112 beds, and total nurse staffing is 5h 36m per resident per day, representing the daily nursing time allocated to each resident. Amanda Peterson serves as the administrator.

The Independent Homes & Apartments program supports the independent living offering with housing for residents who do not need daily care. Rehabilitation services are available, giving residents access to therapy through the community. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted as payment methods.

A Walk Score of 65 places the area in the somewhat walkable category, meaning some errands can be done on foot and a resident who no longer drives may still reach some nearby destinations independently.

Contact Bethany Home Sioux Falls/Bethany Home-Brandon

Overview of Ponderosa Lodge Senior Living

Ponderosa Lodge Senior Living is a newly established community in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, serving older adults seeking independent or assisted living arrangements. Located at 7400 S Louise Ave, the community provides both independent living options for active seniors who want a supportive residential setting and assisted living services for those who need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management. The home also offers respite care, making it an option for short-term stays.

The community is modest in size at 76 beds and features one and two-bedroom housing options, allowing residents to choose a living space that suits their preferences and needs. Ponderosa Lodge opened recently—within the last year—so the setting is new. Martina Castle serves as administrator. At just over $4,000 per month for starting rates, the community is positioned competitively for the market.

The location scores a 30 on the Walk Score, which means some errands and services are accessible on foot, though most outings will require transportation. The surrounding neighborhood is typical of suburban Sioux Falls—quiet and residential, with relatively easy access to the highway. Families should be aware that the community maintains a no-pet policy, so residents’ pets will need alternative arrangements.

For a newly opened home, an in-person tour is especially worthwhile to see how the community is being developed and to get a sense of the daily operations and the team leading the facility.

Contact Ponderosa Lodge Senior Living

Overview of United Living Community

United Living Community offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing in Brookings, SD. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care; assisted living adds help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps an apartment; memory care provides a secured setting with supervision; and skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

The community has 81 beds. Respite care provides a short stay for a family whose usual caregiver needs to travel or recover, while short-term rehabilitation supports a temporary stay focused on rehabilitation needs. Rehabilitation services include hydrotherapy, giving residents an additional therapy option within the community.

A Walk Score of 82 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still reach nearby destinations independently. Total nurse staffing is 5 hours and 17 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands-on nursing time allocated to each resident. Payment options are Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay; Medicare applies to short-term skilled care after a hospital stay rather than long-term residence, while Medicaid may help when savings do not cover a long stay. Liz DeBerg serves as the administrator, and the combination of several care levels may suit a resident whose needs could grow over time without leaving the community.

Contact United Living Community

Overview of Edgewood Watertown

Located on 14th Avenue Northeast in Watertown, South Dakota, Edgewood Watertown is a community offering assisted living and independent living in Codington County. The community is about 1.25 miles from Prairie Lakes Hospital, giving residents and families convenient access to nearby medical care.

The community opened about a year ago. It features a two-story building with 66 beds and private rooms. Residents are moving into a newer community rather than one with many years of established operations. Edgewood Watertown is part of the Edgewood Senior Living family of communities, led by administrator Jackie Clark.

Daily support includes housekeeping, transportation, interior and exterior maintenance, and assistance with activities of daily living. Residents also have access to specialized programs that focus on movement and neurological health, including LSVT Big and Loud, the Parkinson’s Care Program, Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery, Rocky Steady Boxing, and the CaringEdge therapy program. Together, these services highlight the community’s focus on supporting residents living with Parkinson’s disease and similar conditions. Transportation services, fitness programs, and recreational activities are also available here.

The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 18, making it a car-dependent location where most errands and outings require a vehicle. Families traveling from outside the area should drive when they visit.

Contact Edgewood Watertown

Overview of Legends at Lake Lorraine

Legends at Lake Lorraine (Formerly Grand Living at Lake Lorraine) is a distinguished senior living community that sets the standard for luxury independent living, assisted living, and memory care services in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This home is climbing the charts of excellence, offering unparalleled service and a truly engaging lifestyle that captivates residents and their families alike.

Indulge in the grand spa and fitness center, where you can rejuvenate your body and nurture your well-being. Legends at Lake Lorraine also goes above and beyond to provide life-enriching experiences through a variety of programs. From world-class music entertainment performances to delightful cocktail evenings and friendly games of bocce ball, there’s always something exciting happening.

Contact Legends at Lake Lorraine

Overview of Good Samaritan Society Sioux Falls Village

Good Samaritan Society Sioux Falls Village offers nursing home care, assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Nursing home care provides ongoing nursing support for residents who need a higher level of medical care, while assisted living helps with dressing, bathing, medication, and other daily tasks without giving up an apartment. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care. Memory care provides supervision for residents living with dementia.

The range of care levels may suit a resident whose needs could grow over time and who may move between care settings without leaving the community. The home has 177 beds. Medicaid, Medicare, and private pay are accepted. Medicaid may help eligible residents whose savings do not cover a long stay, while Medicare applies to short term skilled care after a hospital stay rather than long term residence.

Total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 15 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily nurse staffing time allocated to each resident. Thomas Fraser serves as the administrator. One bedroom and two bedroom units are available, with a two bedroom layout able to suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion.

Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services give residents access to therapy at the community, and local transportation is available for medical appointments. A salon, wellness center, whirlpool, chapel, and religious services provide places for personal care, wellness activities, bathing or relaxation, and worship.

Contact Good Samaritan Society Sioux Falls Village

Overview of Good Samaritan Society – St Martin Village

Good Samaritan Society, St Martin Village provides nursing home, assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care in Rapid City, SD. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks while a resident maintains an apartment, memory care offers supervision in a secured setting for someone at risk of wandering, and nursing home care provides licensed nursing care around the clock. Independent living supports private living with community services and no daily care, while respite care offers a short stay for a family whose usual caregiver needs to travel or recover.

With several care levels in one community, Good Samaritan Society, St Martin Village can suit a resident whose needs may grow over time without requiring a move to a different community. The community has 60 beds, and Jana McCroden serves as administrator. Rehabilitation services are available for residents who need therapy during recovery or ongoing care.

A swimming pool and wellness center support exercise and water-based activities, while walking trails and a community garden provide outdoor spaces for recreation. The community also has a salon, chapel, library, coffee house, woodshop, and scheduled activities, giving residents places for personal care, worship, hobbies, and social time. Home-based services and caregiver support are also available for residents and families who need assistance beyond the community setting.

The area has a Walk Score of 83, making it very walkable, with most errands possible on foot. Shops and other daily destinations within a short walk can help a resident who no longer drives get out independently.

Contact Good Samaritan Society – St Martin Village

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
No paid rankings Communities cannot pay to influence placement.
How we're paid: If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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Independent Living in South Dakota at a glance

Avg Walk Score: 41/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in South Dakota. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 75The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in South Dakota. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Visit our Contact Support

What government services provide money for senior housing?

Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview:

  • Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement.
  • Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay.
  • Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation.
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program.
  • State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options.
  • Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
  • Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.
How do you pick the homes you recommend?

Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.

Do you help families that need Medicaid?

Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.

How much does this service cost?

We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up. 

What services do you offer?
  • Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities
  • Finding and ranking the best nursing homes
  • Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities
  • Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them
  • Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Memory care specialists
  • Finding and ranking the best independent living communities

Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in South Dakota

What is independent living?

Independent living communities are residential settings for active older adults — typically with private apartments or cottages, shared amenities (dining, fitness, activities), and no built-in medical care.

How many independent living communities are listed on this page?

This page features 51 independent living communities in South Dakota. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community in South Dakota?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in South Dakota, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting independent living communities in South Dakota?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.