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Whittier

Whittier

$218,444 Average Value
$182 Average Price per Sq Ft
13 Homes For Sale

Whittier combines budget-friendly housing with city convenience

If you're looking for a neighborhood that strikes a balance between home prices and city convenience, Whittier may be a good fit. Just northeast of downtown Sioux Falls, it offers a lively mix of cultures. People from all walks of life — first-time homebuyers, renters and young families — are drawn here because homes are still some of the most budget-friendly in town.

Whittier sits near several main roads, making travel easy throughout the area.
Whittier sits near several main roads, making travel easy throughout the area.
Whittier offers easy access to downtown Sioux Falls.
Whittier offers easy access to downtown Sioux Falls.
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Porch chats, dog walks and leaving your car behind

David Shelton, the managing broker of Century 21 Advantage, who's been in the industry since 1989, calls Whittier a "front row seat" to downtown Sioux Falls. "It's a super cool place to live. You can walk downtown, shop, go to all the attractions, and walk back home and never have to take a car," he says. "It's a trendy, cool neighborhood that's been quiet and blue collar. It's still a working person's neighborhood, but it has all of the [city] access right there."

The sidewalks feed into the downtown area and connect to the city's 19-mile bike trail, which runs along the Big Sioux River. "It's very common to walk down the street with your dog, and the neighbors are out on their front porches saying hello and chatting." Downtown is the city's center for arts and entertainment. where you can catch Broadway shows, concerts and other performances at the Washington Pavilion. The pavilion also offers science exhibits and the state's largest art museum. The Sioux Falls State Theatre, Falls Park, Wild Water West Waterpark and the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium are other downtown attractions.

Whittier residents enjoy old and new movies at the Sioux Falls State Theatre.
Whittier residents enjoy old and new movies at the Sioux Falls State Theatre.
The Whittier neighborhood has a Walk Score of 73 out of 100.
The Whittier neighborhood has a Walk Score of 73 out of 100.
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Sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly design

You'll find bungalows, cottages and American Foursquare-style homes in this area, many built from the 1920s to the 1960s and most featuring small yards. This differs starkly from downtown, which is characterized by high-rise condo living. Some homes look brand-new on the inside. Others may still require investment, but Shelton says that's becoming increasingly rare. "There are a few left that could be fixed, but most of them have been. They are cute and cozy. Many have alley access, so you have pedestrian access in front of the home and in the back." The area's extensive sidewalk system adds walkability and community appeal.

Whittier's classic homes include American Foursquares.
Whittier's classic homes include American Foursquares.
Homes of many shapes and sizes can be found throughout Whittier such as cottages and bungalows.
Homes of many shapes and sizes can be found throughout Whittier such as cottages and bungalows.
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Whittier's affordability compared to other places in Sioux Falls

Whittier remains a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers. "It's transitioned from primarily rentals back to resident [owners], and many of the residents are first-time homebuyers or people who are moving in from outside the area looking for homes at affordable pricing," Shelton says. "It's still one of the most affordable places in Sioux Falls. As downtown develops, that may wind up changing, but so far it's holding its affordability." Prices range from the low $100,000s to the high $200,000s. Anything priced in the $300,000s is on the rarer side.

Shops and restaurants within a short distance

Vibrant small businesses fill the area. You'll discover multicultural grocery stores, like East African Grocery and Tienda America, as well as locally owned restaurants like Los Paisanos and Tortilleria Hernandez. Downtown hot spots are just a short walk away. "The Steel District is the newest to be discovered," Shelton says. The mixed-use riverfront corridor broke ground in downtown Sioux Falls in 2021.

Some of the district's restaurants include:

  • Ironwood Steakhouse for steak and seafood lovers
  • Cascata for authentic Italian, including hand-tossed pizzas
  • Jack Rose Social Club, serving classic American dishes
In Whittier itself, there are thrift stores, such as St. Vincent de Paul Society, and small, specialty businesses. Downtown boutiques include Crosstown Vinyl and Simply Perfect for home decor and gifts. Shelton says Dawley Farm Village, a short drive away, is a go-to for chains like Sephora, Target, Walmart Supercenter and other stores.

Crawford’s offers flavorful dishes and innovative cocktails near Whittier.
Crawford’s offers flavorful dishes and innovative cocktails near Whittier.
Manna Bakery offers groceries and baked goods in the center of Whittier.
Manna Bakery offers groceries and baked goods in the center of Whittier.
Los Paisanos is located on East 10th Street near Whittier.
Los Paisanos is located on East 10th Street near Whittier.
The East African Grocery Store in Whittier offers authentic goods.
The East African Grocery Store in Whittier offers authentic goods.
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Walking around Whittier and downtown

The southern and western parts of this neighborhood are definitely the most walkable, as businesses concentrate on and around 10th Street and the western edge closest to downtown. Bus stops line the main roads, and McKennan Hospital is the closest medical center, roughly a mile south. The Sioux Falls Regional Airport is just over 3 miles away

Whittier is just minutes from downtown Sioux Falls.
Whittier is just minutes from downtown Sioux Falls.
Whittier residents have access to all of Sioux Falls through the bus system.
Whittier residents have access to all of Sioux Falls through the bus system.
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Beautification is a part of the area's evolution

Whittier's transition is bigger than its homes. Beautification has also been a part of the journey. Meldrum Park, one of five local green spaces, has become known for its colorful mural created by locals and the Sioux Falls Arts Council. The artwork celebrates the area's diversity and is called "The World Comes to Whittier."

Meldrum Park features a large mural showcasing its diverse history.
Meldrum Park features a large mural showcasing its diverse history.
Meldrum Park has a playground for children.
Meldrum Park has a playground for children.
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Ways to connect with neighbors

Whittier schools and social spaces offer ways to engage with people beyond a casual wave. Popular gathering places to get to know your neighbors include:

  • Whittier Residents Association meetings at Wesley United Methodist Church
  • Churches such as Our Lady of Guadalupe, which offers services in English and Spanish
  • Local parks, including the basketball courts and playground at Meldrum Park
  • Terry Redlin Elementary, a highly rated neighborhood school

Kathryn Ashworth
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Seth Johanson
Photography Contributed By
Seth Johanson
Jason Jacot
Video By
Jason Jacot

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Joe Foss Field

9 min drive

Bus

3rd & Wayland NE Corner

Bus

3rd & Lewis NW Corner

Bus

10th & Cliff NE Corner

Bus

Cliff & 3rd NW Corner

Bus

3rd & Indiana NE Corner

Bus

Weber & 6th NE Corner

Bus

Weber & 4th SE Corner

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Whittier US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Whittier Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$220,000
Median Sale Price
$224,950
Median Single Family Sale Price
$219,750
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
44
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$182

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
1,832
Number of Homes for Sale
13
Median Year Built
1939
Months of Supply
3.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,140
Significantly below the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,432
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,925
Median Age
37
Population Density
45 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$61,734
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$68,521

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
82.9%
College Graduates
12.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.8%
% Population in Labor Force
74.5%
Above the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
28''
Average Winter Low Temperature
9°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
28''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

45 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

53 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

21 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Whittier