Little Chicago brings 21st century families back home
Sioux City earned the nickname "Little Chicago'' during Prohibition days, when it became a significant seller of alcoholic beverages at speakeasies and gambling parlors, much like those found in The Windy City nearly 500 miles to the east. But today, “the housing market is one thing that Sioux City is definitely known for,” says Barb Maxon, a Realtor with Century 21. “It’s strong and stable."
The top industries in the city of nearly 86,000 are food production and distribution, in the form of Tyson Foods, education, and healthcare. Over the past 10 years, investment has focused on recruiting biotech, agricultural science and information systems companies.
Buffalo Alice is a popular spot for lunch and dinner in Sioux City.
Sioux City locals enjoy shopping and dining at local shops and restaurants.
1/2
Historic cottages, golf course villas and modern condominiums
The median home price of $208,000 is less than half the national norm and reflects a 5% increase over the past year. In the Morningside neighborhood historic homes are common, while Downtown Sioux City offers a mix of new and midcentury condos and century-old townhouses. Homes across the city showcase a variety of prices and styles, from early 20th-century cottages listed from $60,000 to $200,000 and midcentury modern ranch-style homes and split levels from $200,000 to $400,000. Recently built villas overlooking Whispering Creek Golf Course sell for around $500,000. "One interesting thing I often see is buyers who grew up here, worked somewhere else for several years and then decided to come back,'' Maxon says. "Whether they’re returning to have their parents or grandparents help with the raising of their kids, or because the area is relatively safe and traditional, I see a lot of families returning to Sioux City.”
Sioux City condos are dotted throughout the downtown Sioux City area.
Many historic Sioux City cottage homes can be found just north of downtown.
1/2
Investment in the Siouxland Regional Trail System connects the greater community
Sioux City Parks and Recreation maintains 59 parks, miles of hiking and bicycle trails, and outdoor amenities for all seasons. Work is underway to construct the Siouxland Regional Trail System, a 100-mile network connecting the city to Hinton, Merrill and Le Mars. An initial phase opened in late 2024 with the project expected to be done by 2026. State funding and private donations account for the $8.5 million cost.
Stone State Park is the city's largest, overlooking bluffs and ravines of the Big Sioux River. The wildlife sanctuary also overlooks the Loess Hills.
The Floyd River Trail gives Sioux City another way to explore the outdoors.
The Floyd River Trail gives Sioux City another way to explore the outdoors.
1/2
Sioux City Community School District offers 16 public schools
The Sioux City Community School District receives a B-minus from Niche and manages 16 schools. With a B-grade from Niche, Siouxland Community Christian School is the only comprehensive and accredited Christian school in the area. Morningside University, a small private Methodist four-year college, is in the city, as is Briar Cliff University, a private, liberal arts Catholic university. Western Iowa Tech Community College, with about 3,000 students, has five campuses, with its main campus in Sioux City.
The Sioux City Community School District offers 16 public schools.
Sioux City students can move on to higher education like Western Iowa Tech Community College.
1/2
Farmers markets, malls and museums welcome diners and shoppers
Southern Hills Mall, off Interstate 129, is the area’s largest. With more than 60 retailers, it also offers Mexican and Asian eateries, Red Lobster and several professional services. From early May to late October, the Sioux City Farmers Market brings vendors from the larger Siouxland area.
The Sioux City Public Museum, known for its local history displays, recently received a $20,000 grant to expand its exhibits. At the LaunchPAD Children's Museum, play-based exhibits educate and entertain children. Set inside a dry-docked towboat, the Sergeant Floyd River Museum outlines the shipping history of the Missouri River and the Lewis and Clark expedition.
The Southern Hills Mall and surrounding shopping centers provide residents with a wide range of options in Sioux City.
The Sioux City Public Museum is one of many entertainment options in Sioux City.
1/2
Mild traffic and bicycle lanes make getting around easier despite growth
While most residents will use cars to get around, Sioux City Transit provides 11 bus routes with more than 500 stops. Siouxland Regional Transit System offers public transportation to the larger metro area, including handicapped-accessible vehicles to hospitals, medical centers, shopping and workplaces. Major highways include Interstate 29, U.S. Highway 75/60 and Highway 20. Sioux Gateway Airport is 8 miles south of downtown and offers daily flights to Chicago and Denver. Bicycle lanes are easy to find in city parks, along the Missouri River, downtown, and along Floyd Boulevard.
MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center is the largest hospital in the city.
Minor flooding risk and declining crime rates
According to First Street Technology, Sioux City has a minor flood risk. The most flood occurred on June 24, 2024, when the Missouri River crested at 32 feet. Several businesses were damaged or destroyed. The historic flood affected five counties along the Siouxland area from Sioux City north to Rock Valley.
Since 2020, Sioux City’s reported rates of violent and property crimes have been somewhat higher than the national and state average, according to FBI data. However, rates of violent crimes have declined slightly since 2021.
From conferences and trade shows to statewide tournaments and festivals
The Seaboard Triumph Foods Expo Center welcomes athletes and fans to its 80,000 square-foot arena, an indoor turf sports field and a conference center. Trade shows, agriculture events and community expos are a few celebrations held here annually. The Siouxland Showdown is a Midwest destination for a two-day volleyball tournament each February. Out-of-town guests can find fun and accommodations at the Hard Rock Hotel, 2 miles west. The South Sioux City Marriott Riverfront is an upscale riverfront hotel with casual and semi-formal dining options, an outdoor pool and riverfront walking trails. Saturday in the Park, one of the largest outdoor music festivals in the upper Midwest, is held at Grandview Park Municipal Bandshell and attracts nearly 50,000 people from all over the region.
Sioux City flocks to the Tyson Events Center to enjoy national shows, sports and much more.
The Sioux City Convention Center hosts events of all kinds for locals.
1/2
Written By
Sarah Albiston
Photography Contributed By
Seth Johanson
Video By
Patrick Johnson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lisa Pageler,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Sioux City, IA sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Sioux City, IA over the last 12 months is $211,450, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Spacious home on Private .5 Acre Lot with two primary suites. Perfect for multigenerational living! If you’ve been searching for space, comfort, and privacy, this home truly has it all for you. Nestled on a beautifully treed .5 acre Northside lot, it offers a peaceful retreat while keeping you close to everyday conveniences. With its contemporary design and expansive layout, this home provides
Beautiful 9.34 acre building site with an amazing views and access to the private Horse Lake. The land can be used as a building lot or purchased with 31847 West Loop Road as additional acres for $100,000 with and acceptable offer on 31847 West Loop Road. If the land is used as a building lot, it will need well & septic installed. The land is part of the Horse Lake Association. Fiber optics are
Step inside 1330 22nd Street and you’ll see right away how much care has gone into this home! With a beautiful 3-season porch at the entrance, 3 bedrooms, and one fully updated bathroom, this property feels fresh from top to bottom. The entire house has been given a makeover with new flooring and new paint throughout, giving it a bright, move-in-ready feel. The basement is super clean and freshly
Great Potential – 4 Bed, 1.5 Bath Home on the Northside! Welcome to 2306 Douglas St, Sioux City, IA – a property full of potential and waiting for the right buyer to complete the finishing touches and make it their dream home! This spacious home offers 4 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, making it perfect for investors. Major updates have already been completed, including a new roof, new AC unit, new
Welcome to Badgerow Flats, a premier luxury living experience in the heart of historic downtown Sioux City. Located within an iconic art deco building, each one-bedroom apartment combines timeless elegance with modern convenience. Featuring open-concept floor plans, stainless steel appliances, and in-unit washer and dryers, these residences are designed for both comfort and style. Enjoy
100 and 103 Virginia Square were both historic warehouse buildings that have been converted into apartments. These two buildings feature original brickwork, exposed ductwork, and high-end finishes which capture the modern-industrial design of the building. 101 Virginia is a newly built apartment building featuring exposed ductwork and high-end finishes. This apartment community is conveniently
Welcome home to the newest luxury multifamily community in Sioux City. Located in the prestigious Sunnybrook area, District 42 offers you a haven to come home to. With our spacious and inviting studio, one, and two bedroom apartment homes and our two and three bedroom townhomes, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect layout to fit all your needs. Each apartment home has been created with your
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
