Two major interstates, a recently upgraded regional airport, and a major river make Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a destination for activity, but it’s the Midwestern values, friendly neighborhoods, quality schools, and no state income tax that contribute toward making it one of the best places to live, work and play in the nation.
Here at the intersection of Interstates 90 and 29, and mostly south of the Sioux Falls Regional Airport, are five core neighborhoods that showcase their own distinct character and benefits while also sharing a common highlight: median home prices much lower than the national average.
Downtown
With real estate options that are predominantly lofts, condominiums, and townhomes, Downtown Sioux Falls is the best neighborhood for walkability, upscale cultural amenities, and nightlife. That makes it a haven for the young, the educated, the upwardly mobile, and empty nesters, but there’s also plenty for families.
Besides the bustle of business and entertainment between 10th and 11th streets and along Phillips Avenue, the landmark attraction for Downtown is Falls Park, the 128-acre must-see attraction with 100 feet of waterfall action along the mighty Big Sioux River.
Bridging that distance between Falls Park and the urban center of Sioux Falls is the SculptureWalk, a year-round showcase of 65 masterpieces, including local landmark the Arc of Dreams that spans the Big Sioux River.
SculptureWalk leads to the Washington Pavilion, home to arts and culture destinations like Broadway productions at the Husby Performing Arts Center, the kid-centric Kirby Science Discovery Center, eight visual arts galleries, the South Dakota Symphony, and the Wells Fargo CineDome Theater.
Downtown also features the Orpheum Theater Center, the Old Courthouse Museum, the Pettigrew Home and Museum, and the nearby Butterfly House & Aquarium.
For families, there’s the Terrace Park Family Pool & Aquatic Center on Covell Lake, highlighted by its Japanese Gardens, as well as the Drake Springs Family Aquatic Center & Nelson Park.
Hospital & University District
Just south of Downtown Sioux Falls, the Hospital & University District is the best neighborhood for not only historic homes and rich architectural beauty along tree-lined streets but also for the college vibe.
It’s named for the six colleges and universities within the metro area, highlighted by Augustana University and the University of Sioux Falls, along with the region’s pair of major healthcare headquarters on either side of Minnesota Avenue: Sanford USD Medical Center & Hospital, and Avera McKennon Hospital & University Health Center, plus the VA Hospital.
The District is also home to highly ranked elementary schools Challenge Center - 51 and Sonia Sotomayor Spanish Immersion Elementary School, as well as O’Gormon High School, according to Great Schools and Private School Review.
Families near and far enjoy the Great Plains Zoo, Midco Aquatic Center, McKennan Park, the Sioux Empire Medical Museum, and the U.S.S. South Dakota Battleship Memorial.
South Sioux Falls
Continuing south across Interstate 229, you'll find some of the newest Sioux Falls real estate and the best neighborhood for family-friendly townhomes, modern housing developments, great education, and parks and trails.
Here you have local access to high-rated Endeavor Elementary School, Sioux Falls Lutheran School, Central Preschool & Kindergarten, and Sioux Falls Christian Schools.
Along the interstate and Big Sioux River corridor are Tuthill Park and Yankton Trail, part of 34 miles of trails known as the Big Sioux River Recreation Trail & Greenway and offering walking, biking, rollerblading, hiking, golfing, hot air balloon launches, ice skating, and sledding.
There’s also Sky Zone Trampoline Park, Laurel Oak Park and Family Aquatic Center, and Good Earth State Park. And dining and entertainment options are concentrated along Louise Avenue and 69th Street, including Look's Marketplace.
Southwest Sioux Falls
Another hub of fresh real estate development is in the city’s southwest section, which is the best neighborhood for newer suburban housing with plentiful access to shopping and entertainment.
Southwest Sioux Falls is highlighted by The Empire Mall, a newly renovated 140-store shopping center, and Lake Lorraine, which sports a Lake Walk and bustling shops and restaurants.
Families flock to Wild Water West, the state's largest waterpark and only wave pool. It’s a tropical setting for waterslides, swimming, lazy river relaxation, an adult-only pool with a swim-up bar, and fun-filled activities like bumper boats, sand volleyball, go-karts, and mini golf.
The neighborhood also has highly rated R F Pettigrew Elementary School.
East Sioux Falls
East of I229, you’ll find larger tracts of real estate and lots of family-friendly amenities. East Sioux Falls is the best neighborhood for spacious yards, proximity to wildlife, and outdoor activities.
Among the highlights here are downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and hiking at Great Bear Recreation Park, and the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum with its winding trails amid wetlands, woodlands, ponds, gardens and native prairie grasses and plants. Next door is the Arrowhead Park bird sanctuary, a destination for hiking and its restored 1888 barn.
Education is strong here as well, with top-rated Fred Assam Elementary School and Abiding Savior Academy.
Is Sioux Falls safe?
Sioux Falls is ranked #10 in Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live and in the top third of WalletHub’s 2022 Safest Cities in America. South Dakota’s largest city consistently ranks high for lack of traffic, safe drivers, low crime, and healthy residents.
Things to do in Sioux Falls for adults
Situated back to back, Downtown Sioux Falls and the Hospital & University District combine to be the broad destination for residents or visitors seeking exciting dining, shopping, and nightlife opportunities, but there are lots of other options spread across the city and beyond in Minnehaha County and Lincoln County. The W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds is also home to livestock shows, flea markets, bull riding, and more throughout the year, culminating with the Sioux Empire Fair at the end of summer.
