Vermillion is a very modestly sized town in the southeastern section of South Dakota. Its 10,000 residents enjoy a close proximity to the Missouri River. It is a unique little town, which feels to some extent like a true rural community, and in others like a cosmopolitan college town.The University of South Dakota is what gives Vermillion its college town flavor. Well before South Dakota was even a state, the Dakota Territory opened this important university. Currently, more than 10,000 students enroll at USD annually, making the population of the university nearly greater than that of the town.
When to Search
Vermillion follows a rental pattern seen in college towns across the country. The best time to get out and start looking for your place is probably in May. This is typically when most students will give their notice after they've graduated and are moving on to other endeavors. You might also find some good options a little earlier, in April.
Staying in the Know
Vermillion landlords are pretty reasonable, and usually quite happy to have someone interested in one of their properties. However, don't take for granted that they will accept just anyone. You still need to come across as professional and put together a good application in order to get approved for an apartment here.
Life in Vermillion
Transportation
Public transportation is more or less non-existent in Vermillion. However, there is a late night shuttle that ferries students from downtown back to the University. The town is small enough though that you can bike or walk anywhere in town without losing too much time.
Where to play
The National Music Museum on the campus features more than 14,000 instruments in its collection. The best trails in the immediate area are located at Clay County Park, only 4 miles south of town. The downtown area in Vermillion is also a designated historic district, and is a wonderful place to simply walk and shop.