Life in Yankton has taken on several forms over the last few centuries. First known as a village occupied by members of the Yankton Sioux Tribe, it wasn’t far from the Lewis and Clark expedition trail, and was at the center of the area agreed upon by the Yankton Treaty in 1858. Home to about 15,000 residents on the southeastern corner of South Dakota, today’s lifestyle in Yankton is an ideal one for folks who want to balance city living with a strong connection to the natural landscapes of the West. Small businesses line the blocks of the city’s downtown area, which connects to the winding Missouri River to the south and well-established residential centers to the north. “It’s definitely a growing community. There are a lot of great things for families here,” says Tanya Hacecky, broker and owner at Yankton Real Estate Company.
Broadway Ave runs thought the hear of Yankton and connects residents to all of the cities suburban amenities.
Riverside Park in Yankton adds to the subberban lifestyle many look for.
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20th and 21st century single-family homes in town
Single-family properties make up a large chunk of Yankton’s home market. The earliest houses in town were first built in the late 19th century, but many of the properties on the market today were first established from the 1960s onward. New traditional houses are common, along with colonial revival, ranch-style and split-level houses. On the high end of the market, buyers can find custom properties overlooking private lakes.
Condos and townhomes are rare options in town. This part of the market is largely represented by late 20th and early 21st century developments, along with a few earlier homes converted into multi-unit properties. Yankton’s median home value of $277,000 sits under national and state median values.
On the high end of the Yankton market, buyers can find custom properties overlooking private lakes.
Many of the properties on the market today in Yankton were first established from the 1960s onward.
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Learning experiences in Yankton School District 63-3
Public school students in town are served by the Yankton School District 63-3, which includes four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. The district earns an overall grade of B on Niche. Yankton Middle School holds an individual B grade. Yankton High School offers a robust career and technical education program, offering foundational learning for 13 different occupational areas; students can also participate in internships and earn early college credit. The school also holds a B grade.
Private learning options in Yankton include Sacred Heart Middle School and Missouri Valley Christian Academy, which both serve kids from kindergarten through eighth grade and are unranked on Niche.
Public school students in town are served by the Yankton School District 63-3.
The Yankton school district earns an overall grade of B on Niche.
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Days under the sun at Lewis and Clark Recreation Area
Just south of the Meridian District, Riverside Park is downtown Yankton’s primary access point for the winding Missouri River. A fishing pier, amphitheater and two baseball diamonds await on dry land at the park, while a boat ramp makes launching a watercraft simple. About 7 miles west, Lewis and Clark Recreation Area is a local favorite for camping, beach days and hiking. For days on the green, Hillcrest Golf and Country Club and the Fox Run Golf Course both sit on the north side of the city. Other city parks such as Morgen Park, Fantle Memorial Park and the youth sport focused First Dakota Soccer Park round out the city’s recreational options.
Yankton typically experiences cold winters with frequent snowfall from November into April, and warm summers with temperatures around 90 degrees in July.
Yankton has some of the best boating around at the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area.
Lewis and Clark Recreation Area is a large outdoor recreation area to the east of Yankton.
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Shops and restaurants in the Meridian District
Most of the city’s large retailers are situated along Broadway Avenue, including mainstays for everyday needs such as Walmart and Hy-Vee. Stops like Menards and Bomgaars are available for home improvement supplies. Meanwhile, some of Yankton’s most popular small businesses are on the south end of town in the Meridian District. Tucked between the Missouri River and Fifth Street, folks can find boutiques, home décor stores and specialty shops. Beloved restaurants in town are also in the Meridian District, including Czeckers Sports Bar & Grill, a laid-back spot for wings and draft pours with an eastern European twist. Additional picks for dining in the area include Muddy Mo’s Coffee House, Tastee Treet Drive-Inn and Willa B’s Bistro.
The Yankton area’s largest employers include Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, the South Dakota Human Services Center, the Yankton School District, Hy-Vee and Kolberg-Pioneer, Inc.
Yankton's Meridian District is the place to go for the best restaurants like Willa B's Bistro.
Yankton's local shops, resturants and community spaces live in the Meridian District.
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Summer fun at the Riverboat Festival
One of Yankton’s most prominent annual traditions is the Riverboat Days festival, held along the Missouri River waterfront in town each August. The festivities include family activities, live performances from popular acts, fireworks launched over the river and more. Year-round entertainment in Yankton includes live music at Ben’s Brewing Co., which also hosts a monthly Books and Beers book club in collaboration with the Yankton Community Library. O’Malley’s Irish Pub is a favorite for karaoke nights and Singo events, while Cinema Magic is a go-to for movie nights in town.
78 miles to Sioux Falls
One of Yankton’s most prominent annual traditions is the Riverboat Days festival, held along the Missouri River waterfront in town each August. The festivities include family activities, live performances from popular acts, fireworks launched over the river and more. Year-round entertainment in Yankton includes live music at Ben’s Brewing Co., which also hosts a monthly Books and Beers book club in collaboration with the Yankton Community Library. O’Malley’s Irish Pub is a favorite for karaoke nights and Singo events, while Cinema Magic is a go-to for movie nights in town.
Crime in Yankton
Violent crime rates in Yankton are generally similar to state levels in South Dakota, while property crime generally runs higher than state rates.
Written By
Tre Lyerly
Photography Contributed By
Seth Johanson
Video By
Andrew Perrius
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jen Tieszen,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Yankton, SD sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Yankton, SD over the last 12 months is $293,000, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Country Living with Space to Spare! This 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home on a half-acre lot offers ample space and recent updates. Boasting 1200 sq. ft. of garage space across two detached double garages, one with an oversized door! Sellers just installed a new furnace and air conditioner. The main level features a vaulted living room, dining area with sliders to a freshly painted deck, and a galley
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Charming 1928 Home with Modern Updates and Classic Character. Step into timeless charm with this beautifully maintained home featuring 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The main floor offers a cozy living room complete with a fireplace and a charming window seat. The dining area showcases classic built-ins, while the large, updated kitchen boasts warm hickory cabinets and plenty of space for
FABULOUS home! Renovated and Affordable 3 bedroom mobile home. What's not to love in the open concept living-kitchen -dining. Lot rent is $300. Move-in ready! Come see this nice home today!! Buyers must be approved with the mobile home park.
EASY LIVING IN STYLE! Welcome to this beautrifully undated end-unit townhouse featuring 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and quality upgrades throughout. Recent upgrades include a newer water heater, fresh carpet in the basement, updated windows and patio doors with built-in blinds, newer stainless steel applicances, modern countertops, and a sink with a water filtration system. Step outside and relax
Located in Westbrook Estates, adjacent to the new Garden Estates development, is this 2 bedroom, 2 bath, slab on grade home offering a spacious feel with vaulted ceilings and an open concept kitchen/dining/living room. From the dining area is access to a 10x12 concrete patio. The primary bedroom has new carpet, a walk-in closet and ensuite 3/4 bath. The second bedroom has a double closet and
Welcome to BlueStem, a brand-new apartment community coming soon to Yankton, South Dakota! Designed to enhance your lifestyle, BlueStem offers spacious floor plans with modern finishes, complemented by natural light streaming through expansive windows.To simplify your monthly living expenses, BlueStem offers a predictable utility structure:$65 Internet Charge$35 Water/Sewer$14
Welcome to Gurney Flats! Experience luxury apartment living redefined at Gurney Flats, where comfort, style, and convenience come together in the heart of Yankton, South Dakota. Located beside scenic Riverside Park and the majestic Missouri River, our newly opened community is thoughtfully designed to elevate your lifestyle.From relaxing in the rooftop lounge to gathering around the fire pits
The Links in Yankton, SD feature BRAND NEW studio, 1 and 2-bedroom floorplans. This beautiful property has everything you’ve been looking for – modern finishes, new appliances and premium amenities. The Links is also pet friendly.
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