Waterfront in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Best Places to Live in the US in 2022 Sponsored by: eXp RealtyeXp Realty

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

Sioux Falls, SD is the #38 Best City to Live in the USA

Summer Aerial View of Sioux Falls, SD
iStock.com/JacobBoomsma
Sioux Falls, SD
Quality of Life
Liv Score

626
How We Calculate Our Data
Civics 35
Demographics 52
Economy 74
Education 66
Health 61
Housing 64
Infrastructure 45
Amenities 63

Why Sioux Falls is one of the best cities to live in

Residents in Sioux Falls, SD, enjoy small-town camaraderie but with big-city amenities. As South Dakota’s largest city, Sioux Falls is one of the best places to live in the U.S., with loads of opportunities for entrepreneurs, those looking to grow their careers and young professionals ready to network in a new city. Sioux Falls is also a huge draw for scientists, with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Earth Resources Observation and Science Data Center located in the region. (The center maintains tens of millions of satellite images of the Earth’s land surface, mapping everything from the planet’s minerals to catfish ponds). Affordable housing and a low cost of living plus plenty of free fun (hello, waterfalls and bike trails!) all help residents stretch their dollars further here. Sioux Falls is also on the radar of young professionals who love the cute coffee shops that are perfect for remote work, as well as the cool breweries and ample opportunities for rock climbing.

What are Sioux Falls’ major industries and employers?

Regional and national powerhouses are flourishing in Sioux Falls, and the city is home to a diverse mix of industries, including health care, food processing, manufacturing and finance. Sanford Health, Avera Health and Smithfield Foods are some of the top employers. 

What are the major colleges and universities in Sioux Falls?

Augustana University, University of Sioux Falls & Southeast Technical College

What is the weather like in Sioux Falls? 

Sioux Falls gets all four seasons, but locals don’t hibernate during the snowy winters. Instead, they bust out snowshoes and embrace the cold! 

What is there to do outside in Sioux Falls?

Go paddle boarding or kayaking on Lake Lorraine

Sioux Falls, SD is Remote-Ready

What makes Sioux Falls a great place for remote workers?

Entrepreneurs have something to celebrate in Sioux Falls — not only does the state have no corporate, personal income or property tax, but businesses also aren’t subjected to inventory taxes. The cost of living here is relatively low, and the city has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. Add all this to the fact that there are plenty of coffee shops and breweries to plug in and work from; it’s an excellent place to consider for remote workers needing a change of lifestyle and scenery. 

What Locals Love in Sioux Falls, SD

What is the best local bookstore in Sioux Falls?

Artists are celebrated at Full Circle Book Co-Op, which has an impressive collection of artwork and books from local and regional creatives.

How do you spend a weekend in Sioux Falls?

Bring your A-game to Thunder Road, an entertainment complex with go-karts, mini-golf, batting cages, bowling, ax throwing, a 7D theater, a two-story laser tag arena and arcade games. 

What can you do for free in Sioux Falls?

Thanks to a collection of several dozen impressive sculptures, Sioux Falls feels like an outdoor museum. The Arc of Dreams is a must-see: The colossal stainless steel sculpture stretches across the Big Sioux River downtown and is nearly the length of a football field. 

What’s the best way to spend happy hour in Sioux Falls?

Glacial Lakes Distillery and Brewhouse makes small-batch spirits that shine on their cocktail menu, punching up drinks like Pina Coladas and citrus-lavender G&Ts. 

What’s something only locals know about Sioux Falls?

Get a feel for Japan in Sioux Falls, which has its own Japanese gardens near Covell Lake in Terrace Park, complete with lanterns, cherry blossoms, pagodas and more.

Is Sioux Falls, SD a good place to live?

Friendly residents and small-town charm paired with big-city amenities and a strong job market make Sioux Falls a best place to live in South Dakota.

Thinking of Moving to Sioux Falls?

What is the Sioux Falls, SD real estate market like?

The Sioux Falls real estate offers a variety of housing options to meet everyone’s needs. College graduates and young professionals are drawn to the homes near downtown Sioux Falls for its proximity and ease of walkability to shops and restaurants. The east side of Sioux Falls offers neighborhoods like Diamond Field Estates that appeal to families seeking single-family homes and great schools. The most sought after homes for sale in Sioux Falls is on the west side for offering a plethora of shopping and dining options, great schools, and has a mixture of single-family homes, townhouses, and twin-homes (duplexes). To get more information about the homes in the area, there are several Sioux Falls real estate agents willing to help you find the perfect home.

Quick Facts About Sioux Falls, SD

Average Commute
15.5
Median Home Value
$261,529
Med. Household Income
$67,020
Total Population
198,975
Walk Score
34
Median Property Tax
$2,331

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