Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a 30-year-old police officer and Average temperature is around 49°F, so expect cold winters. The unemployment rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. With a population of 198K, Sioux Falls is a mid-size city. Homes are going for about $271,400 on average. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Am I overthinking this? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
7 upvotes
3 Replies
Adrian Ward
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
14 upvotes
river_declan96
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- The nightlife scene is tough
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
2 upvotes
lake_lucas63
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 57, moved here 11 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Pine Hills and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The outdoor recreation situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Charlotte, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
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