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.
Des Moines
Des Moines combines city living with authentic Midwestern hospitality. The state capital offers varied housing choices, from downtown apartments to single-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 faculty, 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. 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.
Sioux City
Nestled along the Missouri River where Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota converge, Sioux City combines historical heritage with modern amenities. The downtown area features the Sioux City Art Center, which showcases works by regional and national artists, and the restored Orpheum Theatre. Stone State Park offers hiking trails through the distinctive Loess Hills, while the Missouri Riverfront area provides recreational spaces, including the Anderson Dance Pavilion and Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. Housing options in Sioux City remain relatively affordable, with current average rents ranging from $811 for studios to $1,375 for three-bedroom units, showing modest year-over-year increases between 1-8%. The rental market includes various housing styles across different neighborhoods, from downtown apartments to suburban communities. The Morningside neighborhood features tree-lined streets near Morningside University, while the Historic Fourth Street District offers loft apartments in restored buildings. Several higher education institutions call Sioux City home, including Briar Cliff University and Western Iowa Tech Community College. The city's history as a river port earned it the nickname "Little Chicago" during the Prohibition era, and today it maintains its distinctive character while continuing to develop.
