Torn...

Rapid City or Sioux Falls that is the question....

Matt and I have been so torn about where we should plant ourselves before we take our family to the next level. Yes, I do mean babies... Not yet though- give us a year or two. We often debate about the pros and cons about living in Rapid or in Sioux Falls. Gosh, why is this so hard?!

Rapid City Pros-
-BEAUTIFUL!!!! It is absolutely beautiful out in the Black Hills... Once a person gets a taste of the beautiful country out here, it is hard to leave it.
-Weather. The winters are a lot less harsh out this way. The snow actually melts before spring! Plus, it is not as humid as it is on the East side.
-Rapid City Regional Hospital. As much as I complain about my job, I actually do love where I work and what I do. The people that I work with are so awesome! They have all taught me so much and I continue to learn more and more each day I work.
-New friends. We have made some great friends out this way and if we move I have a feeling we wouldn't see them hardly ever.
-Location for a family. We feel as though Rapid City would be a better location to raise children.
-No bugs! Ok, we have bugs... just not as many as the East side of the state.
-More to do. We feel as though there is more to do and see out here! We like to be outdoors- camping/hiking... So much fun here!

Rapid City Cons-
-Distance. Our parents are 7 hours away and our siblings are 5 hours away. My best friends are on the east side of the state. Traveling sucks. We travel across the state just to only spend like two days there...
-No family support. Yes, I do have a couple of cousins out in RC, but not my immediate family. When Matt and I have children, we are going to be on our own... I am terrified to have children with no one to really turn to and be here for support. (I know my hubby would be amazing about it though.) I would love it if our kids could grow up close to their cousins like I did. I think it would be so fun to raise kids alongside of my brothers/Matt's brother and close cousins.

Sioux Falls Pros-
-Family. My brothers and Matt's brother all live in Sioux Falls. Plus, our parents are only 3 hours away from Sioux Falls (not 7).
-Friends. Some of my best friends live in SF or near SF.
-Career opportunities. When I am ready for something new, SF offers more nursing opportunities because of the two major hospitals.

Sioux Falls Cons-
-New jobs. Matt and I would both have to find new jobs. Job hunting sucks.
-Moving. We would have to move all of our stuff across the state again. Gross.
-Environment. We just don't love the city of Sioux Falls like we love living in Rapid.

These are just some of the things I have been thinking about lately. Who knows what we will end up doing... Just wish us luck!