After living in Sioux Falls, SD 1.5 years - 4/28/2006

Moved here from near Eau Claire WI. By contrast there are very few Asian beetles,fewer wood ticks (I haven't seen any yet), and fewer mosquitoes (climate is dryer and the wind knocks them down). There is a nice blacktop bike trail running along the Big Sioux river for 20+ miles thru Sioux Falls. There is no state income tax and real estate tax is about 33.3% less. And people here are just as friendly and caring as people anywhere.

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siox falls - 3/31/2006

is it windy? humid? how cold does it get?

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Rita? What? Huh? - 3/29/2006

Rita, get a clue and read my comments. I stated numerous times that I had only driven through there so you must reiterate that for me? It blew my mind how someone could call Sioux Falls dirty when coming from Baltimore?!?! Assumption? Yes, but I will tell you right now that if I'm to drive through Baltimore Maryland or East St Louis..LOL that I would pick just about anywhere else in this country to be less dirty. I mean come on Rita, do you honestly think that Sioux Falls is dirtier than Baltimore? There are certain places that you can merely drive through and can tell they are dirtier cities than others in general and Baltimore is one of them. Tell ya what Rita, move to New York City, Baltimore or anywhere basically citywise on the east coast and then once you get tired of the rudeness in those cities and move back to Sioux Falls then get back on here and we will talk. Geez, surely you can do better than that. My whole point for getting on here and confronting Jay was his unnecessary remarks standing up for his wife from Courtney who didn't even make a bad comment. Brian...Who Can't wait for a reply.

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Comments - 3/16/2006

Well I must say, that alot of kindergarten comments and behavior going on. First, I would like to say, everyone is entitled to their own comments that is one thing I did agree with this person Jay about. It is on what an individual thinks and experiences. As far as this Brian persons comments, this person certainly assumes alot. Never been to Sioux Falls other than driving though and seems he has alot to say. Hmmmm. I myself have been in Sioux Falls for about 7 months and can see both sides of what seems to be a debate on likes and dislikes. I don't see people here as being rude, but most tend to be a bit to themselves and maybe persons who are used to more of a "vocal city", may interpret that. Just a thought I don't know. The businesses here are great! Always friendly and personable. The older persons here are class! I will say I have asked people here why some may be a bit reluctant to newcomers and they do say they are afraid that their city would turn into a worse place to live due to the outsiders. The longtime residents, and I spoke to many, are not too keen on outsiders coming here. I work here, play here and volunteer here so I do consider myself someone who can say something. I have researched at what this Jay person as said regarding the schools, and he was right about an incident at Roosevelt. However, it was an isolated one and the district is, like all districts working on making sure anything like that happening again. Someone said that if it happens bad happens in Sioux Falls, everyone will know about it. Not necessarily. There was a deaf women mutilated and killed not long ago,( a month or 2) and it was not televised nationally to my knowledge. Jay and Courney are on different sides and have their opinions. It is in the attitude that seems to be a turn off. But if you are planning on moving to Sioux Falls, I think it is overall a good place, my view. I would suggest to look at everything to make sure this is what you may want. Good luck. Rita

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Not Sure What To Think - 3/15/2006

I currently am here in Sioux Falls visiting until June and I find it interesting. I would not say the people are rude, but will say they can be distant. I have spoken to people and the older residents of Sioux Falls are not too keen on having new people move here, as afraid of it becoming a problem like the bigger cities. I find in general, the people to be nice. The eating places are very nice and courteous. The older people especially are very friendly. I think as far as cleanliness goes, it's like anywhere, depends on where you go. Judging a place when you haven't been here is not too credible. The only thing I agreed with Jay and the other person is that it is by own experience. All in all though it is okay. Rita

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Courtney and Jay.... - 3/14/2006

Kind of interesting the things you write. I have just driven through Sioux Falls once so I'm not sure who's right however I look at it a couple of different ways. For one, Dee writes that there isn't that much to do? I suppose there isn't any White Sox, Cubs, Bears, Bulls, Ravens, Orioles to watch professionally. You moved from Chicago, Baltimore also very close to D.C. Yes, it is my assumption that you went to sporting events however I'm sure you haven't met every person in Sioux Falls as well. I have vacationed in both Chicago and the Baltimore/D.C. metro area and to hear someone say that the Sioux Falls area is rude...Wow, thats odd. Maybe it is as I really haven't been there but it would have to be just snobville USA to beat those other Cities mentioned. Also, I don't see what Courtney said as something that was of offense and then Jay gets on here (and we don't hear from Dee again) and has to come to the rescue of his wife for something that wasn't really out of line in the first place...Hmmm, makes you wonder if it was actually the residents of Sioux Falls that were the rude ones...About Roosevelt School, I honestly have no idea however do I have enough space on here to go into the Baltimore problems...? As far as Sioux Falls being dirty, Can I go back to the Baltimore issue? Is Sioux Falls built on a Landfill? It would have to be to be dirtier than Baltimore..Jay, you write that she has her experience and you have yours so you can decide. I have no clue as to who you or Courtney is however I am from Missouri and so I will take the word/opinion of a long time resident who herself lives in a good size urban population of Omaha-Bye the way Courtney, I know what you mean about the Cornhusker thing. When I visit friends in Columbia Missouri I'm just bombarded with "Tiger,Tiger,Tiger" "Mizzou,Mizzou,Mizzou". Gets very old....I think that Jay and Dee shouldl move to a BIG Urban community, maybe Seattle-wait, Seattle's too Clean though (wouldn't remind them of Baltimore). Or maybe Miami, how about Atlanta, or Detroit. I'm not sure as to what kind of rudeness youre talking about? The kind like in NYC where when you bump into someone they don't say a word and you say "excuse me, sorry about that maam" and they give you that look like "are you crazy and what does that mean"? I don't think it was every clarified what was done, who was shunned (or whatever). Did Dee and Jay even try to make friends or did they walk their dog down the street and expect people to

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Moving in the Summer - 3/14/2006

I love the comments made here, and I can understand where they are coming from. I have lived in North Carolina, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, and Illinois. The schools in SD are rated well. I can imagine that any racial problem would get more publicized there than say here in the Chicago area where it is a weekly occurance. For example our local Jr has about a stabing a week, but you won't see it in the papers because they accept it as the norm. I figure that a racial problem in SD would be a big deal as it is uncommon. Racial problems in IL happen every week. The small town feel in any city has its draw backs. People have a tendency not to move around. We have found that certain cities are family heavy and since they and their family have lived there since the dawn of time they do not relate to outsiders. This has happened in nearly every move we have made and it happens to be stronger in smaller communities. I don't think it is truly intentional, they just already have an established life. They take a brief glance at the newcomer and dismiss them. As for nothing to do. I would disagree as there is plenty to do. No this is not New York or Chicago and comparing them is just silly. I grew up in Cedar Rapids, I found that there was plenty to do dispite friends who have visited with me stating it is boring. If you want a fast paced "fun" environment, I bet SD is not where you should be. But a nice place to raise a family safely, with decent school and a good variety of things to do it is. We will be moving to Sioux Falls this summer. I hope to be able to become part of the community that is there. My husband is accepting a professor position and I hope to be able to connect through Church and other avenues. -Julie

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Recently relocated - 3/9/2006

We recently relocated to Brandon from Wisconsin. It seems everyone is from here. If anyone knows families that have no family here like us, would be interested in meeting. We have an 11 year old daughter and its been really hard having no family.

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Oh No Courtney, Here you go! - 2/13/2006

First off, you started by dissing my wife saying that she didn't know what she was talking about. I took offense to that. If you are going to be rude, then you need to be prepared for a defense. If you are implying I called you racist, then again, you missed the point and assumed. We talked about our experience and it has certainly been an eye-opener. Do you read the newspaper Courtney? If you go to the website for the Argus Leader, you will find SEVERAL articles about Sioux Falls and racial diversity acceptance. The very school you graduated from had a major incident in 2003 involving a major racial outburst. Look it up! You said that you spoke with your Mommy and she said she knew of no such thing here. I have lived in Cleveland, Syracuse, NY, Chicago IL and Baltimore, so I am very familiar with cultures. My experience here, I did say mine Courtney, has not been a positive one. It is not a clean city. There is litter everywhere! We are very outgoing people and DO try to get involved with charities etc, but the people here are not opened! We jog every morning, and we would smile and say good morning, and most of the time, they won't give a blink. Yes, doorknobs! The drivers are not pedestrian friendly at all. Again, this is what we experienced! I think is good that you put your point of view in this. But RESPECT ours! Your response to Dee's and my posts just validates the attitude and rudeness that I spoke about. Yes, I can tell you are from Sioux Falls. So, there you go!

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Here you go Jay... - 1/29/2006

I have no idea what you are talking about as far as Roosevelt High School being "racist" (if you are implying that I myself am racist by attending the school, I take extreme offense to that. I am just on here trying to make a case for my beautiful hometown and you are on here ripping me to shreds). I just called my mom to see if I was missing something and she has heard no such thing. RHS (and Lincoln and Washington for that matter) are your normal, typical high schools, and if any racial mistreatment is going on at any of those schools, it should be immediately addressed. I know for a fact that several teachers that I myself had while I went to school there are still teaching there and I can defintely say I never saw any hint of racial bias while attending RHS.

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A hidden pearl resting quietly on the prarie -Ryan - 1/26/2006

As a ten-year resident of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, I must say that it has a unique life to it. We have heard comments from the pessimists, who would find something to complain about no matter where they lived. We must dismiss them as negative opinions formed on a lack of indulgence into the culture and privileges offered. Where you live becomes what you make of it. If you look around, you will find thousands of opportunities no matter where you are. I recently returned home from Germany, where I lived for the past two years. I loved it. Now I am back in Sioux Falls, and I love it. I lived the first ten years of my in Minneapolis, MN, and I loved it. Sioux Falls is ranked as having one of the best health care systems in the nation, one of the biggest variety of restaurants, some of the cheapest (yet, high quality) homes, top education, and much to do and see. I could get into a list on that right now, but suffice it to say that Sioux Falls has more than several beautiful parks, a variety of professional sports clubs, a number of museums, athletic facilities, over 20 golf courses within a 30 mile radius, great shopping, friendly people, every variety of weather (hot summers, cold snowy winters, rainy days, very many sunny days, wind, etc. etc.) it has a hot economy, with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the region, and nation for that matter (more than 2% under the national average), an airport, low crime, low pollution, very clean. It also has an unbelievable growth rate. When my family moved here in the mid 90's, Sioux Falls had around 95,000 residents. Now, 10 years later, it is approaching 140,000....why? because of jobs and opportunity, and because it is a great place to live and raise a family. You have everything you need, very busy and high-traffic areas, old-fashioned areas, quiet peaceful areas, and you never have to drive more than 20 minutes to get an amazing view of the stars at night, with the rural surroundings...a PEARL! Ryan- 2003 Graduate, T. Roosevelt High School

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Very Excited about Moving to Sioux Falls from Mesq - 1/20/2006

After vacationing in SFSD Sept 2005 - I was smitten. I began searching the SF housing market and put my TX home on the market in Oct 2005. As of this date, my family will be moving to SF Feb 2006. Having purchased an older established home in the TutHill section of SF, I am overjoyed. The expectation of becoming one of the smiling faces in the one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited - makes my heart soar. A TX native, I have lived in CA, GA and overseas, so I am not exactly a worldly person. However there is just "something" about Sioux Falls. The river, the downtown, that mall...! The trees, and yes, the people. I felt drawn to this place, Sioux Falls. To live in a land where their buffalo roam and the deer and the antelope are sometimes right in your backyard...! The snow.. now that is really a bonus. Texas snow is the equivilant dust. TX year round summers are depressing and create a harsh enviroment to live and breathe in. South Dakota, the Empire of the Sioux Nation, Mt. Rushmore, Custer State Park... there is no end to the beauty within the boarders of this great state. I was born a Texas but I am smart enought to CHOOSE to be a South Dakotan...!

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Follow Up Courtney - 12/25/2005

Everyone has their opinions due to experience. As far as Courtney saying she didn't know what Dee was thinking says something. She states she is a proud graduate of Roosevelt High School. This is the same school that is known for it's much publicize prejudices against racial harmony. I would suggest one looks at all facts, as well as, their won experiences in order to make their decision. She has hers and I have mine. You decide.

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Not What Is Is Cracked Up To Be - 11/25/2005

We have not been in Sioux Falls for very long and cannot wait to leave. The people here are not the most personable and do not like "outsiders" coming to their town. The educational system may be advanced for the State of South Dakota, but is very behind the rest of the country. If you like to be left alone and not into socialization, this may be your "cup of tea". But if you are looking for something exciting to do and don't want to feel you are on a sominex trip, look elsewhere. The words that I describe Sioux Falls, unfriendly and overrated.

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I LOVE SIOUX FALLS! - 11/25/2005

I moved to Sioux Falls when I was 8 years old and moved away when I went to college. In my experiences since then, I have yet to see another community like Sioux Falls. Sioux Falls is a beautiful city with nice people (I don't know what Dee was thinking...we do not have personalities of doorknobs) and lots of things to do. The nice thing about Sioux Falls is that even though it is a small-to-medium sized city, it still maintains a small town atmosphere. Sioux Falls is home to one of the largest malls in the country, and a revitalized downtown with many cute and sometimes zany shops. SF also has many restaurants, both chains and local ones, for you to whet your appetite. The school system is fabulous (I should know, I'm a proud 1998 graduate of Roosevelt High School), and most of my classmates ended up going to college. The housing market is great...you can get a brand new house in a great neighborhood for very cheap. Oh yeah, and crime is virtually non-existent. You can leave your front door unlocked if you wish! Unfortunately, I live in the Omaha area and I hate it. I long for the atmosphere and people of Sioux Falls (it would be nice to live in an area where people don't automatically judge you for not worshipping the Nebraska Cornhuskers), and I'm trying my best to convince my husband to move. Wish me luck!

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Not What It Is Cracked Up To Be! - 11/7/2005

I have just moved to Sioux Falls and must say, I am disappointed with it thus far. The people are rude and are not fond of people who come here from another area. Nothing much to do, schools are behind, discourteous drivers, and lack of resources are just some of the downfalls I have found. They advertise and say what a great place it is. It seems to be on lists of the best places to live. I suppose if no one really speaks and there is nothing going on, maybe this could be a reason why it makes these sorts of lists, as there is nothing happening and in some eyes this can be a good thing. In my opinion, it is overrated and people have personalities of doorknobs! The moral I have learned in this experience: "If it is too good to be true, it most likely is." But if you want a place where you don't want to be bothered and visa/versa, it can be a paradise! I have learned the hard way! This is just MY experience and opinion of it. Dee

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