Moving to or from Pierre?
South Dakota's capital on the Missouri River — one of only two US state capitals not served by an Interstate highway (Juneau AK is the other) and one of the smallest by population (14K). Pronounced 'PEER' — not the French 'pee-AIR.'
- 14,000 City population
- 22,000 Metro area
- 1880 Founded
- Central South Dakota / Missouri River Region
Why people move to Pierre.
- Being South Dakota's state capital
- Being one of only two US state capitals without Interstate access
- The unique 'PEER' pronunciation
- Being one of the smallest US state capitals
- Missouri River recreation and Lake Oahe
- Cultural Heritage Center (South Dakota state history museum)
Pierre is pronounced 'PEER' (one syllable, like the English word) — not the French 'pee-AIR.' The pronunciation has been a point of civic pride and confusion for generations. Pierre is also one of only two US state capitals not served by an Interstate highway (Juneau AK is the other, due to being accessible only by air or water). South Dakota has never built an Interstate connecting Pierre to the rest of the state; US-14 and US-83 are the main highway connections.
Where people live in Pierre.
A quick guide to Pierre's most moved-to neighborhoods.
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Downtown / Capitol Area
Compact core near state capitol
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Central Pierre
Established residential
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North Pierre
Newer residential
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Fort Pierre (across the Missouri)
Separate small city
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Oahe Dam area
Near Lake Oahe recreation
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Blunt (nearby)
Small town east
Where people spend their time in Pierre.
- South Dakota State Capitol Downtown
- Cultural Heritage Center Capitol grounds
- Lake Oahe North of Pierre
- Oahe Dam North of Pierre
- South Dakota National Guard Museum Pierre
- Discovery Center and Aquarium Central Pierre
Planning a Pierre move.
- No Interstate access — long drives to surrounding larger cities
- SD has no state income tax
- Winter is severe with sub-zero windchills
- Legislative session (January-March) affects downtown rental market slightly
Moving in Pierre: FAQ.
Why is it pronounced 'PEER' instead of 'pee-AIR'?
The city was named after Pierre Chouteau Jr., a French-American fur trader — so the French pronunciation would be etymologically correct. But when settlers named the city in 1880, the American pronunciation 'PEER' took hold and became the standard local usage. Locals take the pronunciation seriously; saying 'pee-AIR' is a quick tell that someone isn't from South Dakota.
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