Hey, Crime rate is something to consider — Sioux Falls sits at 483.2 per 100K. Rent is about $993/month for a decent place. It's a a mid-size city city with about 198K people. Median household income is $74,714, which feels about average for the area. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Is this normal for Sioux Falls? Thanks for reading. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
3 upvotes
24 Replies
Isla Wright
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 29, moved here 1 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Greenfield and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited shopping options
3. The weather situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Houston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
38 upvotes
Grace Turner
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much established but now it's better than expected.
36 upvotes
Kennedy E.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is tough in most areas.
32 upvotes
Elena Miller
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
31 upvotes
Roman Bennett
I've lived in Highland for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- The pet-friendliness scene is tough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Definitely worth checking out..
25 upvotes
Owen Williams
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Cedar Grove. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
true_clara64
Saving this thread
20 upvotes
Angel King
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The pet-friendliness is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
kc_isabelle
same here
20 upvotes
Eugene W.
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
18 upvotes
Savannah L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Chicago about 3 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are developing, gas is tough.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
Leah Wilson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Dallas it's solid.
17 upvotes
Grace Castillo
spot on
16 upvotes
Caleb Smith
not my experience at all
16 upvotes
Hailey Hernandez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if healthcare matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
15 upvotes
Oliver Ortiz
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
14 upvotes
Chloe K.
glad someone said it
12 upvotes
Grace Howard
I work in education here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Feel free to reach out with questions..
11 upvotes
Sadie
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
8 upvotes
Benjamin Hill
haha yep pretty much
8 upvotes
Evan Young
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Denver about 4 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is average.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Feel free to reach out with questions..
5 upvotes
Xavier Myers
lol so true
4 upvotes
Delilah Alvarez
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
4 upvotes
Jose C.
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great craft beer places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
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