Moving to Sioux Falls? Here are some reasons why that’s a good decision.
Why should anyone move to Sioux Falls?
Is the Sioux Empire what you’re looking for? There are a TON of factors that go into that decision and I’m going to prove that Sioux Falls is one of the best places to live. Sioux Falls is an ever-growing city with a tight-knit community that gives you a small-town feel. Contrary to popular belief that the Midwest is boring and slow, there’s never a shortage of events or ways to get involved! Also, be sure to check out SIOUX FALLS HOMES FOR SALE. I think you’ll find that it’s an extremely affordable place to live compared to other parts of the country. Keep reading to get a little bit more in depth on our community.
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I’ve started a podcast! It’s about the Sioux Empire so if you’re interested in moving to Sioux Falls or you want to know what it’s like to live here check it out!
Employment
According to Glassdoor, there were 5,800 jobs open for applications in just a generic Sioux Falls job search. It would only take a short drive around the Sioux Empire to notice a lot of construction sites for new office buildings, retail spaces, and cranes starting even more downtown expansion and upgrades. There are new housing developments constantly going up in each part of the city as well as the surrounding towns of Tea, Harrisburg and Brandon. This is one of the better places in the country to get a job and, after being in the top 5 for I4 straight years, Forbes recently rated Sioux Falls the #1 Best Small Places for Business and Careers.
The unemployment rate, according to Google, is at 2.5% (May 2018). Between the health care opportunities, financial services and other industrial areas that are keeping the job growth capabilities alive and well, the list goes on with reasons why you should be employed in this city! There has been tremendous economic growth in the city with a lot of people coming here to take advantage of the local economy.
"You’ve got people from all over, particularly in the region but also nationally, who have opened their eyes to Sioux Falls," —Ernie Gross, Economist, on the optimism and potential future for the economy in Sioux Falls.
2. People
One article that was published had us described as “rural charm with big-city culture.” It’s funny to hear people who have moved here from New York City or Chicago talk about how “weird” we are in Sioux Falls. Some people think it’s weird to smile at strangers on the street. I remember having a conversation with a guy from the east coast who told me that there must be something in the water here that makes people so happy. He was used to people being busy, in a rush and only looking out for themselves. In Sioux Falls, it’s strange when the person in front of you doesn’t hold the door open for you!
Along with a surge in development, the population is increasing just as quick! According to a 2017 International Business Times article, it may not just be the young and affluent moving here. The Sioux Empire is also becoming a place that retirees are wanting to call home. Gallup’s annual “Well-Being Index” ranks South Dakota the No. 2 most content state in the U.S. and lists Sioux Falls among the top five small communities. The ranking organization “Happiest, Healthiest Cities In America” lists Sioux Falls at No. 9 nationwide.
We all want the best for our kids, and the environment in which children are raised matters a great deal. Recently published about Sioux Falls, SmartAsset had the city ranked second best place to raise a child based on metrics that would affect a child’s life. As a father, I’m excited to raise my kids in this city surrounded by individuals with the same morals and ethics.
3. Cost-Effective
Homes for sale in Sioux Falls are some of the most affordable in the nation. You can find a great starter home in one of the many great neighborhoods in Sioux Falls for under $200,000. When compared to other cities in the region, Sioux Falls' housing prices rank among the best. In early 2017, the median existing home price within the city was $179,900 and the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment was just over $700. Multiple varieties of housing options and styles exist, which of course allow for the accommodation of preference for both lifestyle and budget.
As of earlier this year, Sioux Falls has been named among the top 100 best places to live by Livability.com. Also, TheStreet, has us rated #5 in the most affordable places to live as of 2017. A major part of that, is the generous tax structure that has been put in place in the state. South Dakota is among only seven other states in the nation with a modest sales tax rate of only six and one-half percent on most purchases and no state personal income tax. This is huge for workers as they can keep more earnings in their pockets. In addition, there is no personal property tax, inheritance tax or corporate income tax, which has led to many businesses relocating or expanding their workforce in Sioux Falls. Even the experts are telling you that Sioux Falls is on the top of the list of places to plant your roots, not just within the boundaries of the Midwest, but the entire country!
4. Traffic
USNews reported that South Dakota is ranked as the best state in the entire country for commute time! The typical commute across the nation has increased since 2010. In Sioux Falls, the average commute time in the city is just over 19 minutes, compared to 26 minutes average time you see across the rest of the nation. My wife and I spent a week in Denver sight-seeing for our honeymoon and the biggest hurdle to the entire week was the traffic jams! No matter the time of day or area of the city, there was so much time wasted in bumper to bumper traffic. I loved the big city feel but it would take a long time getting used to that part, but that may be because I have become accustomed to the quick travel times within Sioux Falls!
5. Cuisine
What is the best part of a growing community? The new restaurants! No matter what part of town you’re in, you’re never far from your next “Best meal ever!” From great local burger joints to formal sit-down dining options originating from every corner of the world, you will find exactly what your taste buds are craving any time of day.
We also have several different options in multiple price points and themes for whatever you may be looking for. Josiah’s downtown offers a laid-back atmosphere with great lunch and bakery items, easily one of my favorites. Higher-end places like Morrie’s and Crawford’s offer some of the best menu choices in town while creating a romantic ambiance around the guests. Stop by the Phillips Avenue Diner for your All-American meal, Sushi Masa for some of the best rolls in South Dakota, or Swamp Daddy’s for a quick Cajun fix which is something completely different than I’ve ever had. As with any developing city, expect to see new franchises constantly popping up around the city. Can someone get the executives at Chick Fil-A on the phone and find out why they hate us all?! Going out to eat is something I love to do to connect with family and friends and Sioux Falls gives us everything we need to make that happen at a high-level. For dessert, C.H. Patisserie and Parlour Ice Cream located in Downtown Sioux Falls are some of the best!
I like to rank and compare just about anything, so here are my top 5 restaurant that you must go to. Reserve a table at opentable.com tonight!
Morrie’s- One of the better steaks I think I’ve ever had
Crawford’s- It’s hard to separate these top 2 but they have their own atmosphere and distinct character to each
Spezia’s- If you’re looking for Italian food this is the place to go.
Minerva’s- A wide-array of choices on the menu that are all delicious.
Brazilian Carnaval- A steakhouse that’s super good but don’t forget to try their pinapple!
6. Athletics
My childhood was mainly spent watching and participating in any kinds of competition available to me! I grew up watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Lakers, all thanks to my dad. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve held onto those allegiances and I even got to name my son Kinnick after Iowa’s home football stadium! I’m pretty sure my wife hates me every Saturday and Sunday in the fall, watching copious amounts football. It probably doesn’t help that I follow that up with everything NBA during the winter and spring. Live sporting events, no matter the level, is never a waste of time and will be some of my favorite memories with my kids. Sioux Falls doesn’t disappoint with what’s available to us!
Although we don’t have the professional sports teams that bigger cities have, there’s excellent choices to get your fix at an affordable price tag. The Sioux Falls Skyforce is our development league for the NBA team that is getting better each year. With the future option of paying (legally—unlike how the NCAA does it) top prospects to come and join the team to forego their college career, the talent could give plenty of entertaining moments.
We also have the Indoor Football League team Sioux Falls Storm that is never short of a good time. The IFL recently announced an increase in the amount of games it will play each season for even more action. If the tickets are reasonable, and nobody will care if your kids are loud, sign me up!
We also have minor league hockey (Stampede) and baseball (Canaries) teams that are other good options to enjoy a night out with friends. These games are super fun, laid back and inexpensive to go to.
If you love playing golf, moving to Sioux falls may be a very wise move! With several top options to choose from, you won’t be disappointed with a day on the links. We have top rated courses of Prairie Green and Baker Crossing along with Kuehn Park, Willow Run and Spring Creek just outside of town. Each course has their own personality and challenges, but you can’t go wrong with any of them.
The college rivalries in this town also get intense! The best college team resides in Iowa City (Go Hawks!) but there are plenty of memorable moments in the games here in town as well. The “Key to the City” game where the University of Sioux Falls plays Augustana University never lacks excitement. No matter what side you’re on, it’s time well spent at the game in Sioux Falls!
7. Education
Rated as the top in the state, the Sioux Falls school district shines through with several different metrics saying it’s on top of education. Smartasset has Sioux Falls rated second in the entire country when it comes to the school districts in the Sioux Empire. Provided by the good education base of the region’s schools, The University of Sioux Falls and Augustana turn into an excellent source of secondary education. These great universities are all within a short distance of downtown Sioux Falls, so it makes sense that the population in Sioux Falls places a high priority on education.
As for the local high schools, junior highs, and elementary schools in Sioux Falls, there are many resources that can be used to check the ratings of the schools. One of the best resources greatschools.org which provides detailed statistics on the local high schools, can be found here. Be sure to also check out this resource from Niche which ranks the best public schools in town, as well as this “one stop shop” for info about all public schools in Sioux Falls.
8. Nightlife
While the Midwest may not be known for a wild time, Sioux Falls offers a wide array of options when you’re looking for a night out! After enjoying a nice dinner at Crawford’s, take a stroll downtown where you will come across a couple of the Sioux Empire’s “hot spots”. Wiley’s has pool tables, a dance floor and plenty of seating to have a more casual night out with friends. If you’re looking for a more upbeat club-like feel, hit up Pave for a good time. Don’t miss this one in the Spring/ Summer, they just added a rooftop patio sure to bring the big-city feel to our small-town community. If a small dive bar is what you’re looking for, we have those too! Check out Tommy Jacks, Thirsty Duck or Lucky’s downtown! Try your luck at the blackjack table, after taking a short drive out to Grand Falls Casino. They also offer top of the line hotel rooms if you’ve had too much fun, otherwise consider calling Lyft to get you home safely.
9. Sioux Falls Attractions
South Dakota is famous for Mount Rushmore and the Badlands State Park on the west side of the state but there’s plenty to do right here in Sioux Falls. With the main point being the Falls Park, where the city gets its name, has the gorgeous water feature headlining the entire area. While the summer months tend to draw the biggest crowds, during the colder months, this city-owned attraction transforms into a true winter wonderland worth exploring.
We have different hiking adventures just outside Sioux Falls in Garretson that is Devil’s Gulch. With beautiful views and incredible hiking trails it’s a perfect way to spend a sunny day in South Dakota.
We have top-notch choices for educational areas as well. With our Outdoor Campus, Washington Pavillion, and Sertoma Butterfly House, there are plenty of options to explore with your family with a learning aspect!
Consisting of more than 50 new sculptures each year, spread throughout downtown Sioux Falls, Sculpture Walk adds another touch of fun while you explore the shops, restaurants, and hotels in the heart of the city. Whether you seek out as many sculptures as you can, or a certain work of art happens to catch your eye as you're making your way down the sidewalk, everyone is encouraged to cast a vote for their favorite each year.
Final Thoughts on Sioux Falls
If you’re moving to Sioux Falls or are considering it, as you can now see, Sioux Falls is truly a fantastic place to live, work, and play. You’ll never run out of things to do and there will always be more friendly people to meet.
Still have questions about a potential move to Sioux Falls? You can text me at 605.370.2840. I’ve lived here for over a decade and know a thing or two about Sioux Falls. I can provide you with whatever information (but I specialize in the best restaurants) you’re looking for, or at the very least, point you in the direction of where to find it.
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