Hot Springs, South Dakota
The wellness capital of the Black Hills. Population 3,500. Natural mineral hot springs, VA Medical Center, Mammoth Site, and Seed Academy home base. The cheapest housing in the network at ~$200K median. Zero state income tax — a $145K salary here stretches like $220K+ in Denver.
3,500
Population
$200K
Median Home
110-132
Y5 Relocations
3,464 ft
Elevation
The Opportunity
Why Hot Springs
The largest satellite city in the network with the most available housing, a built-in healthcare system, and the highest projected relocations of any partner town.
Natural Mineral Hot Springs
The town is named for its warm mineral springs — Evans Plunge has been a destination since 1890. A wellness lifestyle built into the geography.
VA Medical Center
The Hot Springs VA campus is a major employer and provides healthcare access that other partner cities lack — a critical selling point for families and veterans.
Mammoth Site
An internationally significant paleontological dig site with 61+ Columbian and woolly mammoths. Year-round tourist draw and world-class science education.
Seed Academy Home Base
Hot Springs is the home base for Seed Academy — AI, Vibe Coding, and Remote Work training. 25% tuition discount for relocator families.
Fall River County Seat
As the county seat, Hot Springs has the government offices, courthouse, and administrative infrastructure that satellite towns lack.
55 Minutes to BHC Campus
Custer HQ and Grow Campus are under an hour north via US-385. All 11 BHC entities accessible for in-person collaboration.
The Math
Your Dollar Goes Further
A $145K salary in Hot Springs is equivalent to $220K+ in Denver. Zero state income tax. The cheapest median home in the entire network at $200K.
| Category | Hot Springs, SD | Denver, CO | Austin, TX | New York, NY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR Rent | $700 | $1,850 | $1,600 | $3,500 |
| Median Home | $200K | $590K | $475K | $750K+ |
| Groceries | 18% below avg | At average | 3% above | 30% above |
| Gas (gal) | $2.75 | $3.20 | $2.90 | $3.70 |
| State Income Tax | 0% | 4.4% | 0% | 10.9% |
Housing
Most Affordable in the Network
Median home price around $200K — the cheapest in the entire BHC partner network. More available stock than any other town, lowest constraint risk for rapid relocator growth.
Housing Demand Projections
Based on relocator + BHC satellite employee growth
Education & Careers
Seed Academy's Home Town
Hot Springs School District, Seed Academy tech training on your doorstep, and BHC satellite positions at $145K+ minimum.
Education
- Hot Springs School District (K-12, ~550-650 enrollment)
- Seed Academy HOME BASE — AI, Vibe Coding, Remote Work training
- 25% tuition discount for relocator families
- Projected +12-18% enrollment increase by Y5 (81-97 students)
- SD school funding: $6,200/pupil = $502K-$601K new revenue Y5
BHC Presence in Hot Springs
5-8 satellite BHC jobs Y1, all positions $145K+ (equiv. $220K+ in Denver)
Lifestyle
Where Wellness Meets Wilderness
Natural hot springs, Wind Cave National Park, Angostura Reservoir, and the southern gateway to the Mickelson Trail — a wellness lifestyle built into the landscape.
Evans Plunge
Historic indoor hot springs pool since 1890
Wind Cave National Park
One of the world's longest caves, bison herds above
Cascade Falls
Stunning waterfall hike right in town
Fall River
Kayaking, tubing, and fly fishing through town
Hot Brook Canyon
Warm water canyon with year-round swimming
Angostura Reservoir
2,000-acre lake — boating, swimming, camping
Mickelson Trail
Southern trailhead, 109-mile rail trail to Deadwood
Mountain Biking
Single-track networks and Black Hills trail systems
Horseback Riding
Ranch country with trail ride outfitters year-round
Mammoth Site
61+ mammoths, active dig, world-class paleontology
Economic Impact
Largest Satellite City Impact
Adding 110-132 relocators to a town of 3,500 is a 3-4% population increase in 5 years. With the most available housing stock and highest relocator projections of any satellite city, Hot Springs is the growth engine.
| Year | New Relocations | Cumulative | Local Impact (1.6x) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Y1 | 15-20 | 15-20 | $2.40M |
| Y2 | 18-22 | 33-42 | $4.80M |
| Y3 | 22-25 | 55-67 | $7.81M |
| Y5 | 30-35 | 110-132 | $15.28M |
| Y10 | 35-40 | 300-350 | $39.7M |
$9.55M
Combined Local Payroll (Y5)
Relocator + BHC satellite jobs
$152K/yr
New Tax Revenue (Y5)
Property + sales tax
$39.7M
10-Year Cumulative Impact
1.6x economic multiplier
Ready to Make the Move?
Apply today to relocate to Hot Springs. $10,000-$15,000 cash incentive, housing assistance, co-working access at Grow Campus (55 min north), Seed Academy training on your doorstep, and a wellness community that wants you here. Site visit weekends available monthly.