We would like some info on the pluses and minuses of living in Sioux Falls (low crime)

[treu79]

My family and I are from Minnesota and we are looking into moving to Sioux Falls next year after school is done. I am searching for the good things and the bad things about living in Sioux Falls. I have done research and I know that the crime is low and there are great schools but I am looking for more info on the area. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks much, treu79

[MJ1986]

treu79, Anything specific information you are looking for? I'd be happy to help.

[Chris19]

Overall, the Sioux Falls area is a good place to live. The city has many positives, but there are few negatives and things I wish it would have.

Positives:
-Reasonable cost of living, living is not overly expensive and one can live comfortably.
-Low crime, most people feel safe and have very little problems with break-ins, violent crimes, etc. Many crimes, violent ones, happen betwen people who know each other and have a few marbles missing.
-Most areas in Sioux Falls are clean and safe.
-The city is a growing and progressive city. It is growing at a good clip, but not too fast to where it is way behind the ball.
-Most people are friendly. Yes, the area has a few grumps (me, for instance-just kidding).
-A mix of kids, young adults, middle-aged folks, and senior citizens.
-Eating and shopping options with more on the way (with Dawley Farm Village breaking ground later summer/early fall and Galleria coming up in the next few years).
-Economy/jobs are strong and stable. Yes, things are a little slower than a few years ago. They are still better than many other areas and the area is holding up well so far.
-There are a number of nice smaller towns to live in if one likes the small town lifestyle with the city close by.

Negatives
-Some drivers are slow and clueless and traffic does not move as efficiently, considering that the city has a fairly easy road system relative to other cities.
-Decent east to west roads, due to the Big Sioux making a U shape in the city cutting off the eastern, central, and western parts from each other with limited crossings.
-SD's conservative politics (good in a fiscal sense but not good with funding education (teachers) and roads, which need improvement) and Republicans having too much power in the state.
-Arena is alright, but a new events center is needed to get better acts and expand entertainment options. There is talk about it, but hopefully a good plan is in place that makes it worthwhile and a good investment.
-Weather. There are times when the weather is good, but there are times when the weather can get annoying or nasty. Spring-sometimes too rainy or stormy. Summer-sometimes too muggy/humid or too dry (depends on the year). Winter-ice, snow, and cold are annoying but the snow and ice bother me more than the cold.

There is no perfect place. Given the good and bad, Sioux Falls area is a place where I am proud to live in.

[nanjosbrand]

I like the fact that there is usually always something to do or going on in Sioux Falls. It seems as though every weekend in the summertime at least is consumed with some sort of celebration. Hot Harley Nights, Jazz Fest, DakotaRockFest, and The Sioux Empire Fair are celebrations that have occurred in the past weeks.
You'll hear people whine and complain that there's nothing here, but you just have to look for stuff and you'll find it.