Faith, family and community are central to life in Sheldon
Sheldon offers small-town living with amenities close by in Northwest Iowa. Highly rated schools, new entertainment options and long-standing restaurants help define this city of around 5,500 residents. When Tania Herrera Gonzales, Sheldon Chamber and Development Corporation executive director, asks people why they moved to Sheldon, she gets many of the same answers. “A lot of times you hear about the safety, the deep-rooted values of family and faith and the biggest thing is just the feeling of true community and solidarity that exists here,” Gonzales says. The city has 10 houses of worship spanning a variety of denominations.
Historic homes and newer builds offer variety in Sheldon
The area has various styles of housing from the early 1900s through the '20s. Split-level and Ranch-style houses were built mostly in the 1950s to ‘70s, but there are some options constructed as recently as 2024. Homes tend to be around 2,000 square feet, which is on par with the national average.
The average home value in Sheldon is around $240,000, slightly lower than the Sioux City Metro Area’s average of $250,000. The median lot size is just under a quarter of an acre. “We have residential lots for those who are looking to build,” Gonzales says. “If you just have a specific dream home in mind, then you have the opportunity to build that.”
Public schools earn high marks and offer career programs
East Elementary and Sheldon Middle both have an A grade from Niche. Sheldon High School receives a B-plus grade and offers career and technical classes in business education, industrial technology and vocational agriculture. Students can take dual enrollment courses through C-plus-rated Northwest Iowa Community College. “Our schools tend to be praised by the people who move here,” Gonzales says. Sheldon Christian School and St. Patrick's Catholic School are two kindergarten through eighth grade private schools. Neither school has a Niche grade currently.
Recreation includes a wooden playground, an aquatic center and golf
Sheldon City Park is the city’s most recognizable green space. “It’s our central park here in Sheldon,” Gonzales says. “It has a wooden playground, which you don’t see around much anymore.” Hills Park has campsites and is often used for hiking. The Sheldon Recreation Trail has over 7 miles of concrete and asphalt trails that are frequented by walkers, bikers, roller skaters and cross-country skiers. The Sheldon Outdoor Aquatic Center offers daily and annual passes, and the Sheldon Golf Course and Country Club allows non-members to play. Axes and Irons ax-throwing venue and Four Season Swings golf simulator provide new indoor entertainment options.
Community gatherings draw strong volunteer support
Sheldon Celebration Days happens annually over Labor Day weekend. Its festivities include a parade, craft & vendor fair and a classic car show. RiseFest is a Christian Music Festival that runs for two days. Sheldon Farmers Market occurs every Monday from June to September. “Whenever we have community events, we always see people come out and support in whatever way they can, whether they’re just going out to enjoy it or volunteering,” Gonzales says. “You see a lot of people here willing to volunteer their time for different causes.”
Residents support small businesses and familiar favorites
“We are very fortunate to have great retailers and restaurants,” Gonzales says. “A lot of people here really like to support local businesses.” Brady’s Pub opened in 2019 and has Friday specials. Dairy Dandy Drive-In serves lunch in addition to frozen treats. “It’s very nostalgic to those who grew up here,” Gonzales says. "For those who have just moved here, it’s an easy place to recognize.” Hy-Vee and Fareway Meat & Grocery are the two grocers in the city. Downtown Sheldon has small businesses, cafes and shops.
Highways connect Sheldon to airports and nearby cities
Some homes may be within walking distance of downtown, but the area is primarily car-dependent. Iowa Highway 60 and U.S. Route 18 intersect in Sheldon. The around 70-mile drive to Sioux Falls takes about an hour and a half. It takes about that same mileage to get to Sioux Gateway Airport, which has daily flights to Chicago and Denver. Sanford Sheldon Medical Center serves the community. Severe weather can affect the area. “Recently, when there have been storms — because out here in the Midwest, you never know what you’ll get for weather — you see people really come together to clean up the community,” Gonzales says.
