Moving to Wakonda from Northern California (Sioux Falls, Yankton: buying a house, employment, buying)

[agr8cwo]

What can anyone tell me about Wakonda in Clay County?

[agr8cwo]

Okay, so I didn't get any replies with my original question; so about southeastern South Dakota. I have some relatives in Wakonda and Irene areas and was thinking about moving back there to get back to the simple life after living in California. I'll probably be looking to work in either Vermillion or Yankton as they're only about 20-30 min drive.

I'm an electrician and am sure there has to be work back there. Any input?

Thanks,
agr8cwo

[Jammie]

OK, now I have some input. Sorry, but if I've ever been to Wakonda it would've only been passing through it.

The job situation isn't that bad in southeastern So. Dak. You shouldn't have a problem with that at all. If all else fails in those towns, Sioux Falls always has employment opportunities.

Since you mentioned the Irene area, we used to go through there quite often.
I remember it so well because a family friend married a gal from Irene.

Is there anything specific you're wondering about? Where do you live in?

[agr8cwo]

I'm currently living in the East Bay area of Northern California about 20 minutes east of Oakland.

How is the housing market and schools? Our son will be about 16 when we move back. Not sure how he'll take the change of environment.

Are there a lot of manufacturing plants in South Eastern South Dakota? With my experience I could easily work in a plant of some kind. I'm also looking for electrical contactors that keep busy for possible employment.

[Jammie]

Yes, you may want to check out the Sioux Falls Argus Leader. At least it should give you some leads for employment agencies. Sioux Falls would be your best bet for factory employment. If you're interested in the Yankton area, the Yankton Press and Dakotan could be a bit of a help.

For electrical employment, have you considered checking out building contractors since there's a lot of new houses going up in Sx. Falls?

As far as how your son will feel~it will be quite a bit of culture shock for him, but hopefully he'll adjust and love it there.

[ballou's dad]

If you are a wire bender, there is a hot dog electrician in the town of Viborg, not 10 miles from Wakonda. He does commercial and residential, and has lots of men hired from the area. Most of his work is in Sioux Falls, which is about 40 miles from Viborg. He has more work than he can handle.

The firm name is Sorlien (pronounced soar-LEEN') Electric. His lst name is Tor..give 'em a holler and see if he needs any help. Very nice guy, from a good family.

[brich]

If you are looking at manufacturing plants, etc. there are several located just 15-20 minutes (NE) from Wakonda in Beresford. Their website: City of Beresford South Dakota

A paper manufacturing plant (envelopes, etc.) called Quality Park Products, or Mail-Well, www.mailwell.com, also Showplace Wood Products, which does cabinetry, etc. Showplace Cabinetry for the home also, Sioux Steam Cleaners, manufactures pressure washers, etc. They also have a very large John Deere dealership and several smaller manufacturing companies.

Many electrical companies are located int the area also, you might be able to work for one of them, or even the City of Beresford Electrical Company.

They have a great school system, new schools, etc. THe community was named S. Dakota community of the year a few years ago. They are located right on the interstate (freeway), just 30 miles from Sioux Falls and 50 from Sioux City.

[dpf]

Check for jobs in the Yankton area too. I promise that a good electrician or plumber can always find work.

[agr8cwo]

Thanks for everyone's advice. I'm still looking around but am set on Wakonda for either building or buying a house to be close to family. You're right that there's always a need for electricians. Good ones that is.

[mrsbills]

Welcome to Wakonda, SD

Here is a web site about Wakonda. I think this may be so old you have already moved :-)