Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, South Dakota's largest city, showcases the natural beauty of the Big Sioux River and its cascading waterfalls at Falls Park. The downtown area features the city's namesake falls alongside local art galleries, shops, and restaurants. Housing choices include downtown apartments and established areas like McKennan Park, with its historic architecture and mature trees. The rental market remains steady, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $950 monthly, showing a 1.3% decrease from the previous year. The area near Augustana University and the southeastern district surrounding The Empire Mall offer additional rental opportunities. Major employers Sanford Health and Avera Health contribute to the city's stable economy. Residents enjoy an extensive 29-mile recreational trail system, while the Washington Pavilion houses performing arts venues and an interactive science center. The Great Plains Zoo and the downtown SculptureWalk, displaying over 55 outdoor art pieces including a replica of Michelangelo's David, enhance the city's cultural landscape. Sioux Falls has grown substantially from 81,182 residents in 1980 to 192,517 in 2020, evolving into a metropolitan area while maintaining its welcoming atmosphere. The city's past includes its notable role as the "Divorce Colony" in the 1890s, when its progressive laws drew people seeking divorces - a distinctive chapter in local history.
Richmond
Featuring a historic charm and progressive attitude, Richmond is the capital city of Virginia. Nicknamed the “Creative Culture,” art, history, and a strong sense of community define this eclectic city. Walk through the cobblestone streets to find murals, sculptures, and other forms of public art decorating local businesses and storefronts. From the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to the Poe Museum, the arts are represented throughout the entire city. Not just for art lovers, foodies thrive in Richmond. The city has been crowned as one of the best spots in the country for great eats, and residents can get a taste of all it has to offer through the countless local restaurants that encompass every cuisine from southern comfort to Korean barbeque. With all the hustle and bustle of the city, residents need an escape into nature, and the city certainly provides. The James River runs through Richmond allowing thrill seeking residents to explore the whitewater rapids. For those not ready to make the plunge into the rapids, the Virginia Capital Trail is a hiking trail that follows along the river. Those lucky enough to live in this dynamic capital city have a large selection of rentals to consider.
Des Moines
Des Moines combines city living with authentic Midwestern hospitality. The state capital offers varied housing choices, from downtown apartments averaging $996 for a one-bedroom to family homes in established neighborhoods. The East Village neighborhood features local boutiques and restaurants in beautifully restored historic buildings. The area around Drake University draws students and professionals alike, while Windsor Heights provides peaceful residential streets just minutes from downtown's climate-controlled skywalk system. The Des Moines Art Center, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and Science Center of Iowa anchor the city's arts and culture scene. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy 76 city parks and three public golf courses, including the popular Gray's Lake Park with its scenic 1.9-mile lakeside trail. Current rent trends show modest annual increases of 0.6%, keeping Des Moines housing costs lower than comparable cities. The insurance industry drives the local economy, with major employers Principal Financial Group and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield maintaining significant operations downtown. Throughout the year, residents gather at signature events like the Iowa State Fair and the Downtown Farmers' Market, one of the largest open-air markets in the Midwest.
