Sioux Center (Sioux City, Orange City: apartment, job, housing)

[suaman77]

Hi All,

I have a quick question regarding Souix Center and the surrounding area. I have a potential job set up at the university in Sioux Center and was wondering what the area is like. My main concern is that my Buddhist Thai wife will be joining me and I was wondering if she will be able to find work and be content here. She has just finished her master's degree in Thailand and my goal is to make her transition as smooth as possible.

So, does anyone recommend living in Sioux Center? If not, are there other communities around that would be better?

Thank you in advance for your help!

[disneyrecords]

Sioux Center, Iowa. I haven't thought of that place in a long while. I had a temporary assignment with a company I worked for there almost 10 years ago.
Cute little Dutch Reformed community. very Dutch, very religious, but also very friendly. Your wife will find the Dutch Reformed to be extremely friendly, staunchly conservative-- but seemingly apolitical, nonpreachy (is that a word?), and curious of other walks of faith. Housing is quality built. A lot of locals are involved in the trades.

Of my temporary assignments early in my career, I enjoyed my stay in Sioux Center the best.
The town is clean; the people really take pride in their community.
Dordt College (did you call it University? when did that happen?) is a regionally strong liberal arts school. Look at it this way, try it for a while-- stay longer if you like it.

If I had the right opportunity I would have no reservation of moving to Sioux Center and raising a family.

[metro223]

One thing i'd add to that is in Sioux Center you are in proximity of a Buddhist Temple, there is Pho Mon Buddhist Temple in Sioux City, IA, with what I believe is a predominantly thai/southeast asian pop. attending. And I am willing to bet there is a Buddhist temple in Sioux Falls, SD as well, but not sure.

Either way, Sioux center looks like its within driving dist. of Sioux City, so maybe this will help you guys get established.

[jbdykstra]

I lived in Orange City which is 10 miles away and worked at the college there for 2 years. Those are two of the most conservative and homegeneous populations in the entire country. Do NOT expect a lot of open-mindedness. That's not to say that they won't be nice to you. My wife is Guatemalan and always felt a little uncomfortable there. One time she was followed around in a Christian bookstore, presumably because the manager thought she was up to no good. Another time someone didn't want to rent us an apartment because they thought my wife was Mexican. We didn't necessarily have any big problems and my wife was treated well when she was with me, but be aware that if you are not Reformed or Christian Reformed you will be "different". There are some other small towns in the very near vicinity that are a little more diverse and have catholic populations. None of the towns around there are very big and you will have to drive at least 45 minutes to get to the nearest mall and decent shopping. Other than the fact that it's super safe and clean living, I would never recommend moving there unless you know what you are getting into.

[Chris19]

I agree with the town being Dutch and conservative. The city and area for the most part is clean and safe. People are friendly there but may be clicky (which small towns can be that way, some more than others).