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
Shaina Goedtke,
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.
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On average, homes in Yankton, SD sell after 56 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Yankton, SD over the last 12 months is $270,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This 1857 fully finished ranch twin home features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a 2 stall garage. The open floor plan features vaulted ceiling in the kitchen and living area. There is a walk-in pantry, island, and slider to the deck. The master suite has a trey ceiling, 3/4 bath and large walk-in closet. There is an additional main floor bedroom. Laundry is conveniently located in its own room
This 1857 fully finished ranch twin home features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a 2 stall garage. The open floor plan features vaulted ceiling in the kitchen and living area. There is a walk-in pantry, island, and slider to the deck. The master suite has a trey ceiling, 3/4 bath and large walk-in closet. There is an additional main floor bedroom and full bath. Laundry is conveniently located in
This 1206 sq ft, slab on grade home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open floorplan for kitchen, dining & living room, and a 3 stall garage. The galley kitchen has a large island, pantry and is open to the dining room that has sliders to an oversized, covered, concrete patio. The living room has a vaulted ceiling and allows great entertaining space opening to the kitchen and dining areas. The
This cute little house has been called home to its current owner for the last 30+ years and now is ready for a little TLC from its next owner to call it home again. Looking past the necessary updates needed, this property sits on over a half acre within city limits. With plenty of room to build or expand the potential is endless. priced to sell you can't go wrong.
Here it is—the home you've been waiting for! Driving up, you’ll immediately notice the well-maintained exterior, beautifully landscaped yard, and an oversized 2-stall garage. Inside, the main floor offers three spacious bedrooms, a generously sized kitchen with granite countertops, a cozy dining area, and two comfortable living spaces. Step out back to discover a fully fenced, oversized
You’re going to love all the amazing upgrades this home has to offer! From the moment you walk in, you’ll be greeted by an open floor plan with soaring vaulted ceilings. The master suite is a dream with a tray ceiling, walk-in tiled shower, spacious walk-in closet, and private bath. The kitchen shines with beautiful cabinetry, a sleek tiled backsplash, a center island, and a sliding glass door
Welcome to Gurney Flats, where luxury apartment living meets unparalleled comfort and style in the heart of Yankton, South Dakota. Nestled by Riverside Park and the majestic Missouri River, our community is meticulously crafted to offer sophistication and convenience, making it the ultimate apartment for rent upon its opening in early 2025.Whether youre unwinding on our rooftop lounge or enjoying
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
Living here is easy at Westbrook Estates! Our homes come with fully equipped kitchens, a full size washer and dryer, plentiful cabinet space, and much more. The community is equipped with a Fitness Center, Elevator, and Onsite Management Office.
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