Brookings sits in eastern South Dakota and hosts South Dakota State University, so part of the population and housing demand is tied to the university community. Housing includes student-adjacent rentals, single-family homes, and suburban style neighborhoods. The average home values by size: two-bedroom ~$243k, three-bedroom ~$283k, four-bedroom ~$331k. The setting is more urban than rural, yet still smaller-city feel; land for new builds exists in suburban fringes. Building new homes might cost in the $250–350 k range in many cases, depending on lot size and finish level. The history: Brookings was established in 1880 following rail expansion, and the university has been a driver of growth and cultural/educational amenities. The city is fairly self-contained rather than heavily adjacent to a much larger city.