PCS orders in hand and wondering if Piedmont is the right fit near Ellsworth AFB? You’re not alone. Many military families and commuters choose this small Black Hills community for its quiet feel and easy access to the base and Rapid City. In this guide, you’ll learn what daily life looks like in Piedmont, from commute times and housing to schools, utilities, and healthcare. Let’s dive in.
Piedmont at a glance
Piedmont sits along I-90 between Rapid City and Sturgis on the eastern slope of the Black Hills. It is a small, mostly residential city that many Ellsworth AFB personnel and Rapid City workers use as a commuter base. The 2020 Census counted 971 residents, and local estimates suggest continued growth. Expect a small-town pace with quick highway access to larger services.
Commute to Ellsworth AFB
Typical drive times from central Piedmont to Ellsworth AFB often fall in the 15 to 25 minute range, depending on your exact address, gate, and traffic. Always test your specific route during peak and off-peak hours with a map app. Base arrival, gate details, and visitor policies are outlined on the official installation overview page for Ellsworth AFB. For a general sense of distance and routing, you can reference Piedmont drive-time resources.
Housing options: on-base vs. Piedmont
If you’re active duty, start by contacting Ellsworth’s Housing Management Office. On-base neighborhoods are privatized and managed by Balfour Beatty Communities, and availability can vary by rank and family size. Check waitlists, assignment rules, and referral support through the Ellsworth housing site.
Off base, Piedmont offers a primarily single-family home market with limited inventory at any given time. Because the area is small, “median” prices can move a lot from month to month. Nearby communities like Box Elder, Summerset, and Rapid City suburbs usually provide more choices across different price points. If you plan to buy, compare your BAH with current mortgage scenarios and factor in commuting, childcare schedules, and preferred services.
Schools and childcare
Piedmont is served by Meade School District 46-1. Families should confirm attendance boundaries, enrollment steps, bus routes, and start times directly with the district since these can change annually. Start with the district’s official site for contacts and procedures: Meade School District 46-1.
Childcare is often in high demand in smaller communities. If you are active duty, ask your sponsor or the base’s Military & Family Readiness Center for current childcare resources, including licensed providers and waitlists. Off-base options are more concentrated in the Rapid City and Box Elder corridor.
Utilities and internet
- Electricity and natural gas: Black Hills Energy serves the region. Set up your account early through Black Hills Energy customer service.
- Water and sewer: For addresses inside city limits, Piedmont manages municipal water and wastewater. Find contacts and forms on the City of Piedmont website.
- Internet: Options vary by address and may include cable, fiber, DSL, fixed wireless, satellite, or 5G home internet. Check availability and speeds for your exact location using Piedmont internet provider lookups.
Healthcare and hospitals
Active-duty personnel and TRICARE beneficiaries stationed at Ellsworth use the 28th Medical Group for primary care and many outpatient services. For hours, services, and referral guidance, visit the 28th Medical Group overview. For specialty care and hospital services off base, most residents use the Monument Health system in Rapid City. Learn more about locations and services at Monument Health.
Property taxes and cost notes
Property taxes in Meade County vary by assessed value and local mill levies. Public sources estimate the county’s effective property tax rate in roughly the 1.0 to 1.1 percent range of assessed value. For planning, use this as a general ballpark and confirm your address-specific estimate with local officials. You can explore county-level context with this South Dakota property tax resource.
Safety and law enforcement
Law enforcement for Piedmont is provided by the Meade County Sheriff’s Office, with Ellsworth AFB Security Forces handling base jurisdiction. As with any small area, year-to-year crime statistics can fluctuate due to sample size. If safety is important to your decision, check official county reports and talk with your agent about neighborhood-level context.
Relocation checklist for your first 30 days
- Compare on-base housing availability and BAH vs. off-base options, then decide where you want to live. Start with the Ellsworth housing site.
- Test commute times from your short list of addresses to your intended base gate during peak and off-peak hours. Use the official Ellsworth AFB overview for gate details.
- Confirm school enrollment steps with Meade School District 46-1. Have proof of residence, immunization records, and any transfer documents ready.
- Set up utilities with Black Hills Energy and the City of Piedmont. Check trash, recycling, and billing schedules.
- Run an internet availability check for your exact address using Piedmont provider tools.
- If eligible for base medical care, review patient procedures with the 28th Medical Group. Save contacts for Monument Health in case you need off-base specialty or hospital services.
How we can help
Choosing between on-base housing and a Piedmont address is personal. You may want a quieter setting close to I-90, or more inventory in nearby suburbs. Either way, you deserve local guidance that fits your timeline, budget, and commute.
With decades of local experience and a team-based approach, we can help you compare neighborhoods, line up showings around your arrival, and coordinate a smooth closing. If you plan to rent out a property, we can also connect you with property management resources. Ready to talk through your move? Reach out to The Kahler Team for friendly, data-informed guidance.
FAQs
How long is the Piedmont to Ellsworth AFB commute?
- Plan on roughly 15 to 25 minutes depending on your exact address, chosen gate, weather, and traffic. Always test your route during peak hours before you sign a lease or contract.
Is on-base housing guaranteed at Ellsworth AFB?
- No. On-base neighborhoods are privatized and availability changes by rank and family needs. Contact the base housing office early to review waitlists and referral options.
Which public schools serve Piedmont addresses?
- Piedmont is in Meade School District 46-1. Confirm your specific address, bus routes, and enrollment steps with the district, since boundaries and schedules can change.
What are typical property taxes in Piedmont?
- County-level sources place Meade County’s effective rates near 1.0 to 1.1 percent of assessed value. Your actual bill depends on your property’s assessed value and local levies.
Who provides utilities and internet in Piedmont?
- Black Hills Energy handles most electric and natural gas service. Water and sewer for addresses inside city limits are managed by the City of Piedmont. Internet options are address-specific and can include cable, fiber, DSL, fixed wireless, satellite, or 5G home internet.
Where do Piedmont residents go for hospital care?
- Active-duty and TRICARE beneficiaries use the 28th Medical Group for primary care on base, with referrals for specialty needs. Many residents use Monument Health in Rapid City for hospital services.
