Custer Highlands, Custer, SD
About 25 minutes southeast of town, Custer Highlands is a rural subdivision known for its wide-open skies, large acreages, and self-sufficient lifestyle opportunities. Buyers who choose Custer Highlands often want privacy, room for livestock or gardening, and the ability to live more independently while still being within reach of Custer and Hot Springs.

This area is one of the most affordable ways to own substantial acreage in the Black Hills. It appeals to families seeking space, retirees looking for quiet living, and homesteaders interested in alternative energy or off-grid living.
Why People Choose Custer Highlands
- Large Acreages – Multi-acre lots suitable for farming, gardening, or recreation.
- Affordable Land
– Lower cost per acre than closer-in neighborhoods.
- Wildlife Presence – Frequent deer, turkey, and other native animals.
- Rural Lifestyle
– Perfect for buyers who want space and independence.
Home Styles & Real Estate in Custer Highlands
Homes vary widely, reflecting the flexible land use:
- Custom-built houses designed for rural living.
- Cabins and smaller homes for seasonal retreats.
- Homesteads and off-grid builds with solar, wells, and septic systems.
- Raw land parcels ready for new construction.
Typical price range: $250,000–$500,000+ for homes; land is often more affordable.
Location & Accessibility of
Custer Highlands
🌲 Rural Living with Wide-Open Space
Custer Highlands is located southeast of Custer, set in a sprawling subdivision known for its larger parcels and peaceful, wide-open landscapes. This area offers more seclusion than in-town neighborhoods, giving residents room for cabins, horses, or simply extra privacy surrounded by the Black Hills’ rolling terrain.
🎯 Direct Access to Nature
Living in Custer Highlands means the outdoors is literally at your doorstep. Trails, forest service land, and open meadows are all nearby. Custer State Park can be reached in about 20–25 minutes, Sylvan Lake and Black Elk Peak in 30–35 minutes, and Mount Rushmore in about 45 minutes. Rapid City is just under an hour away to the northeast, making it possible to balance country living with access to a larger city when needed.
đź“Ť Everyday Essentials Within Driving Distance
Because of its rural setting, groceries, schools, healthcare, and restaurants are not walkable — but Downtown Custer is a manageable 20–25 minute drive for most daily needs. Residents typically value the trade-off: more space and freedom in exchange for longer trips to town. Utilities and internet service are available but can vary by parcel, so buyers need to verify what’s in place for each property.
✨ Local Insight
Custer Highlands tends to attract buyers who want land and privacy — often families seeking elbow room, retirees looking for a quiet retreat, or outdoor enthusiasts who want easy access to backcountry recreation. In my experience, it’s also popular with those interested in hobby farming, horses, or long-term investment in larger acreage close to the Black Hills.
Is Custer Highlands Right for You?
Custer Highlands is located southeast of Custer, known for its larger acreage parcels, open landscapes, and rural character. It’s a great fit for buyers who want space, privacy, and a more self-sufficient lifestyle while still staying within reach of town. It’s an excellent choice for:

- Families who wish to room for kids, pets, or even horses, and don’t mind driving a little farther for schools and services
- Retirees seeking a quiet, countryside setting with wide-open views and a slower pace of life
- Full-time residents who prefer rural living but still want to be within 20–25 minutes of Downtown Custer for groceries, healthcare, and shopping
- Investors or second-home buyers looking for larger lots or cabins with long-term appeal as private getaways
- Buyers who value freedom and space — especially those interested in hobby farming, ranching, or building a custom home with extra elbow room
With its
wide-open spaces, rural charm, and larger parcels, Custer Highlands delivers a lifestyle that feels truly removed from the bustle of town while still keeping Black Hills recreation and Custer’s amenities within a manageable drive..
Browse Custer Highlands Homes for Sale
Contact the
Jabusch Realty team for advice. We’ll help you decide if Custer Highlands’ blend of
privacy, space, and rural independence is right for you.
Talk to a Local Agent Who Knows Custer Highlands
Choosing a home in the Black Hills isn’t just about square footage or acreage — it’s about finding the right rural community that matches your lifestyle. Our team has worked with families, retirees, and acreage buyers specifically in Custer Highlands, so we know what makes this neighborhood distinct.
We’ve helped buyers:
- Evaluate large parcels for hobby farms, horse properties, and custom homes
- Understand the trade-offs of rural living — more space and freedom in exchange for longer drives into town
- Balance the appeal of wide-open views and privacy with the practical need for utilities, internet, and year-round access
That experience
enables us to offer a realistic, local perspective that
extends beyond MLS data. Whether you’re looking for a full-time residence, a retirement homestead, or an investment in land with long-term potential, we’ll help you decide if Custer Highlands truly fits your goals in the Custer area.
FAQs About Custer Highlands
What’s the average price range?
Homes in Custer Highlands typically range from $250,000 to $500,000+, depending on square footage, updates, and parcel size. Land-only purchases are often available at lower entry points, which appeals to buyers interested in building custom homes or holding acreage for future investment. In my experience, well-maintained homes on larger lots tend to sell quickly, as they provide a rare blend of affordability and space in the Black Hills market.
Who lives in Custer Highlands?
Custer Highlands attracts a mix of families, retirees, and acreage buyers. Families value the room for kids, pets, and outdoor projects, while retirees enjoy the quiet pace of life and panoramic views. The subdivision also appeals to buyers looking for ranch land, hobby farming opportunities, or simply a more self-sufficient lifestyle with fewer close neighbors.
What makes it unique?
Custer Highlands stands out for its affordability, larger acreage, and rural setting. Few subdivisions in the Black Hills offer this much space at these price points. Buyers also appreciate the flexibility — some properties are perfect for custom builds or hobby farming, while others serve as private retreats away from town. The combination of value and wide-open living makes Custer Highlands especially appealing to those who want freedom and privacy without leaving the Black Hills region altogether.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes — but with planning. Families moving here often appreciate the affordability and space but must account for longer commutes to schools, shopping, and services in Custer or Hot Springs (typically 20–25 minutes). For many, the trade-off is worthwhile: larger yards, quiet streets, and room to grow compared to in-town neighborhoods.
Is Custer Highlands good for long-term value?
Yes. While the market here is more rural and spread out than in-town neighborhoods, demand for affordable acreage in the Black Hills has remained steady. Buyers often see Custer Highlands as a long-term investment in lifestyle as much as property value — one of the few areas where you can still secure space, privacy, and natural surroundings at an accessible price.
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