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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Mark Vos,
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 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Sioux City, IA over the last 12 months is $215,000, up 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Fully Remodeled, Accessible & Move-In Ready! Don’t let the outside fool you! This Riverside ranch is packed with upgrades inside, featuring new flooring, fresh paint, and updated bathrooms. This home offers a clean, modern feel throughout. Enjoy 4 bedrooms plus a bonus non-conforming 5th, perfect for guests, office, or extra living space. This accessible design adds comfort and convenience for
Gorgeous, spacious, and immaculate Northside home offering 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms on a rare 1-acre in-town lot. With abundant off-street parking, a newly poured 100x12 concrete pad for additional parking or trailers, and an oversized 3-stall garage, this property delivers incredible space, function, and views. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets from the dual refurbished and freshly repainted decks or
This recently renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bath home is move-in ready and full of updates. Inside, you’ll find a comfortable living room, an inviting eat-in kitchen, and an updated bathroom, along with newer windows throughout, flooring & carpet, and fresh paint that give the home a clean, modern feel. Outside, the durable vinyl siding enhances curb appeal while offering low-maintenance living. Enjoy
The land has only access from 2 streets, it's best to see from 14th St. There are lots of trees, you can hunt deer with a city permit, or just enjoy nature.
Welcome to 3005 Norman Dr — a spacious 4-bedroom, 2.75-bath home with a functional layout, multiple living spaces, and an inviting backyard oasis. The main level features an expansive living room, a formal dining room, and a well-appointed kitchen with sliding doors leading to the back deck—perfect for outdoor dining or relaxing. You'll find two bedrooms on the main floor, including a generous
Here is an affordable in town acreage building site. With the right mindset this property has much potential. Located North of Military Road between W 30th and W 31st Street off of Amanda St.
This 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom raised ranch home with a 1 car garage offers a functional layout, a fenced-in backyard, and many updates throughout. A welcoming first impression begins with the large front porch, providing plenty of space for chairs. Inside, the main floor features a nicely sized living room with a woodburning fireplace and engineered flooring, along with an opening to the eat-in
Fully rented triplex in midtown. Well kept, it would be a good addition to your investment portfolio, or a good starter! Units are spacious and clean. Tenants have been there for about 4 yrs. Next door lot available for purchase, ask your agent for more details.
Remodeled 2 bedroom 2 bathroom home with all updated pex plumbing, new sewer lines, newer furnace and new vinyl siding. New front and rear decks. Kitchen and both bathrooms fully remodeled as well. Price includes building an oversized 1 car garage 12ft x 25ft for new owner prior to closing (can upgrade garage size as well). This turn-key house is ready for its new owners to move right in ! Seller
Fully Remodeled, Accessible & Move-In Ready! Don’t let the outside fool you! This Riverside ranch is packed with upgrades inside, featuring new flooring, fresh paint, and updated bathrooms. This home offers a clean, modern feel throughout. Enjoy 4 bedrooms plus a bonus non-conforming 5th, perfect for guests, office, or extra living space. This accessible design adds comfort and convenience for
Wood floors throughout this home gives it the cozy warm at-home feeling you're looking for! With all original wood floors, unaltered trim and built ins this house it won't leave you wanting anything else! Some recent updates include: carpet in 3 of the bedrooms, quartz counter tops in the kitchen, new siding, new roof on the garage, new vanity in the bathroom and flooring, spray foam insulation,
Step into this spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath ranch-style home with a touch of Mid-Century Modern character. Set on a large corner lot, this property offers both comfort and entertainment. The fenced backyard includes a grassy area, a shed, and a beautiful 18x36 in-ground pool with a new pool heater installed in 2025. Inside, the main level welcomes you with a bright entry foyer, vaulted ceilings,
Welcome home to this cozy split-foyer in a convenient Sioux City location. This 3bed/3ba home offers a functional layout with space to grow and build equity. Step inside to a bright main living area, updated flooring (2022), and a practical kitchen with ample storage (2024) and new fridge in 2023. The lower level provides additional living space, perfect for a home office or entertaining. Major
Located just minutes from the Sioux City Country Club and golf course, Barrington Park by Broadmoor is more peace-and-quiet than hustle-and-bustle. A smaller community by design, Barrington Park offers a true sense of community and privacy with park-like grounds; on-site amenities such as a swimming pool, fitness center and clubhouse; and secure, controlled access buildings.Choose from a
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 to District 42 in Sioux City, Iowa.District 42 offers thoughtfully designed studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments, along with spacious two- and three-bedroom townhomes, providing flexible layouts to fit a variety of lifestyles.Each home is designed with comfort and convenience in mind, featuring in-unit laundry, walk-in closets, and private balconies or patios.
$1,375 - $2,175 per month
Benson Lofts - Live the Lifestyle you have been dreaming of in our Luxury 1 & 2 Bedrooms
Imagine living a lifestyle that feels like a dream vacation. Enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and breakfast before work, right after an energizing rooftop workout in our 6th-floor Fitness Center. Return home to park in your heated underground spot (limited 1 per unit), then take the elevator to the 7th floor to unwind on the rooftop venue and catch a perfect sunset—or maybe even a concert at the
Welcome to Morningside Lofts in Sioux City, Iowa.Discover modern living in a thoughtfully designed community. Morningside Lofts offers spacious two- and three-bedroom apartments with open layouts that blend comfort and style.Each home features a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, and oven, along with the convenience of in-unit washers and dryers.
Discover modern living, endless views & backyard convenience at 48 South. Located along Southern Hills, our apartments for rent offer a sleek, high-end design with your comfort in mind. Large windows provide great natural light and give you endless views. With over a hundred restaurants, retail stores and recreational activities with minutes of 48 South, convenience is in your
Marvel in the perfect fusion of style and comfort at Urbane 1220, a luxury apartment community, offering the sophistication of apartment living in downtown Sioux City, Iowa. Inside our vibrant, pet-friendly community, you can expect stainless steel appliances with beautiful two-tone deep blue and white kitchen cabinetry, and floating shelves. For a redefined lifestyle set at the center of a
Welcome to Indian Hills Apartments, where convenient, affordable apartments and friendly staff await you! Nestled into a quiet, residential neighborhood of Northern Sioux City, Indian Hills residents enjoy some of the city's best entertainment, shopping, dining, and schools, mere blocks from their apartment. Easy access to Interstate 29 and Unity Point Medical Center, as well as excellent
Located in the heart of Sioux City, Glen Oaks by Broadmoor flaunts an array of restaurants, shopping, entertainment and more nearby. But with community amenities aplenty like a private pool, 24-hour fitness center, sports courts and clubhouse, you might prefer staying home. We dont blame you. Each one- or two-bedroom apartment comes standard with a full-sized washer and dryer, private
Come home to a peaceful, pet-friendly community. Make memories at our playground and sports court in the comfort of your own backyard. Enjoy the fresh air on your balcony with a scenic view. Our community is located near U.S. Highway 75 and Interstate 29, giving you quick access to shops, restaurants, entertainment, and more. Schedule a tour today and come home to East Edge Apartment Homes!
Ridge Oaks Apartments is a pet-friendly apartment community featuring 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartment homes with spacious floor plans, high ceilings, and extra-large closets. Ridge Oaks is conveniently located on the north side of Sioux City, close to numerous options for dining, shopping and entertainment.
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