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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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'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."
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
Alex Qualm
AMERI/STAR Real Estate, Inc.
(605) 702-6202
66 Total Sales
1 in Whittier
$145,000 Price
Matt Misner
Coldwell Banker Empire Realty
(605) 667-4872
53 Total Sales
1 in Whittier
$178,700 Price
Shaina Goedtke
Keller Williams Realty Sioux Falls
(605) 640-6030
175 Total Sales
5 in Whittier
$170K - $299K Price Range
Keisha Tran
Amy Stockberger Real Estate
(605) 854-8168
69 Total Sales
3 in Whittier
$100K - $265K Price Range
Abraham Carroll
Real Broker LLC
(605) 231-9225
39 Total Sales
1 in Whittier
$189,000 Price
Rick Trapp
eXp Realty
(605) 789-8060
88 Total Sales
2 in Whittier
$90K - $140K Price Range
| 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
On average, homes in Whittier, Sioux Falls sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Whittier, Sioux Falls over the last 12 months is $219,500.
$1,815 per month
$2,190 per month
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Sioux Falls’s historic downtown is the city's hub of activity
Architectural charm abounds in this historic Sioux Falls neighborhood
A historic neighborhood overlooking downtown Sioux Falls
Neighbors know each other in this affordable Sioux Falls community
Larger lots 3 miles from downtown Sioux Falls
Historic homes just west of downtown Sioux Falls
