Sioux Falls is the largest metropolitan area in South Dakota. Located near the stunning, cascading falls of the Big Sioux River, it is a city offering plenty of gorgeous scenery and lots of outdoor recreation opportunities. There are more than fifty parks and greenways throughout the city, so there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Even better, Sioux Falls is a city with a thriving arts and culture scene, and many wonderful welcoming neighborhoods. Even better, it has a vibrant and friendly LGBTQ community. If you’re thinking of making a move to Sioux Falls, chances are, you’ll find plenty about it to love!
A Look at Sioux Falls's History
Sioux Falls is an area that had a long and rich history as Native American tribal land, prior to its modern-day founding in 1876. Many settlers were drawn to the area because of the falls and with the arrival of railroads. Sioux Falls grew quickly from the time of its founding, with many businesses and industries eventually arriving in the area. As it continued to grow, Sioux Falls became a diverse city with much opportunity, and plenty to see and do. It remains so to this day.
A Few Fun Facts About Sioux Falls
Read more fun facts about Sioux Falls here.
Sioux Falls' LGBTQ Community
Sioux Falls is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
Sioux Falls Pride is a community center with the mission of providing a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community in the greater Sioux Falls area. The group provides advocacy, education, and resources, and plans many events and opportunities to build a greater sense of community throughout the year.
Equality South Dakota is a statewide advocacy organization committed to its mission of achieving equality for all people concerning their sexual orientation and gender identity. It has thousands of supporters and is a wonderful way to get involved, connect to community, and truly make a difference.
What's the Weather Like in Sioux Falls?
Those who live in Sioux Falls can expect to experience all four distinct seasons each year. Summers tend to be warm but not excessively hot, with temperatures reaching usually reaching a high of around 84ºF in July. Winters can be cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping to a low of around 6ºF in January. Spring and fall are typically the most pleasant times to enjoy the outdoors, with fall bringing the beautiful colors of changing leaves and spring promising beautiful blooming flowers. Sioux Falls receives about 27 inches of rain, on average, each year, and about 38 inches of snow.
Can’t-Miss Events in Sioux Falls
The Sioux Falls Pride Festival, also sometimes called Pride in the Park, is Sioux Falls’s annual LGBTQ pride celebration, and it’s one event that you won’t want to miss. This annual celebration includes family-friendly entertainment, plenty of vendors, speakers, excellent performances, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to meet friends and have fun!
The Best Neighborhoods in Sioux Falls
Unlike some larger cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Sioux Falls is sprinkled throughout the city. This doesn't mean that there aren't many places to live, however.
The metropolitan area consists of four counties: Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha, and Turner. Of the neighborhoods in the city, some of those with active neighborhood organizations that are ethnic and gay-positive. Include 10tha and Western, the Cathedral Historic Neighborhood, Pettigrew Heights, Whittier, and All Saints. Each of these has active neighborhood organizations that specialize in keeping crime down and beautifying the neighborhood in general.
Ultimately, finding a neighborhood that is the best fit will largely be a matter of budget and personal preference, so finding an agent who knows and loves the city and can help you with your search will be essential. The current median list price of homes for sale in Sioux Falls is around $260,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Washington Pavilion is one of the best places to enjoy the arts in Sioux Falls. This beautiful venue features art galleries, hands-on, family-friendly exhibits, and a variety of excellent theater performances throughout the year.
The South Dakota Art Museum offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy an extensive and comprehensive collection of art from South Dakota throughout the years – work that includes contemporary artists, as well as ancient pieces from the Native American tribes that first inhabited the area. It’s a wonderful place to spend the day learning, feeling inspired, and having fun.
Parks and Recreation
The beautiful Shoto-Teien Japanese Gardens are a must-see in Sioux Falls. These stunning gardens, restored by nationally-acclaimed garden designer Koichi Kawana in the 1980s feature pagodas, lanterns, koi ponds, waterfalls, and more than 200 varieties of trees and other plant life. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a beautiful Sioux Falls day in this gorgeous place.
Sioux Falls definitely receives plenty of snowy, wintry weather each year – but this city knows how to make the most of it! Great Bear Ski Valley is a wonderful place to have fun in the snow with family and friends. Whether you enjoy tubing, skiing, snowboarding, or all of the above, you can find it here.
Sioux Falls Nightlife
Club David is one of the most popular LGBTQ nightspots in Sioux Falls, and one spot you’ll definitely want to put on your list for a night out. It has multiple floors to relax and enjoy a drink with friends, great music, friendly crowds, and fun theme nights too.
Contact a Sioux Falls Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Sioux Falls, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Sioux Falls, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Sioux Falls gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
