The 6 Best Sioux Falls Neighborhoods To Call Home In 2025

Sioux Falls is South Dakota’s largest city, and it continues to grow as one of the Midwest’s most livable destinations. With a strong economy, a vibrant arts scene, and over 80 city parks, it's easy to see why more people are choosing to call Sioux Falls home. Residents enjoy a low cost of living, four distinct seasons, and access to outdoor spaces like Falls Park and the Big Sioux River Greenway. Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of McKennan Park or the creative energy of All Saints, Sioux Falls has a neighborhood that fits every lifestyle. This article highlights six of the best Sioux Falls neighborhoods for 2025, each offering a unique mix of culture, community, and comfort.

McKennan Park

McKennan Park is a historic, tree-lined neighborhood located south of downtown Sioux Falls. Anchored by the namesake park, the area is known for its active community life and access to green space. McKennan Park hosts seasonal favorites such as the "Storyland Children’s Theatre" series, which runs each summer, and the annual "Evening in the Park" event featuring live music and food vendors. The park also includes tennis courts, a rose garden, a playground, and walking paths used year-round.

The area surrounding the park is mostly residential, offering a quaint environment for locals. A few businesses are available for regular needs, such as Wood Shed for home improvement, 4th Avenue Yoga for fitness, and Slim Chickens for a meal. Just a short walk north, the Washington Pavilion offers art exhibitions, science displays, and regular performances in the Mary W. Sommervold Hall.

McKennan Park is served by a network of quiet streets and sidewalks, making it easy to navigate without a car. The neighborhood also connects quickly to the Big Sioux River Greenway, offering extended paths for walking and biking. Moreover, the McKennan Hospital is a short walk away, offering specialty medical services and a 24-hour emergency department, so residents can rest assured when it comes to healthcare.

All Saints

All Saints blends historic architecture with a lively, walkable setting near the heart of Sioux Falls. Centered around the Prairie Gothic-style All Saints School building, now home to apartments and studios, the neighborhood offers a strong visual identity and a mix of residential and cultural space. Tree-lined streets and preserved early 20th-century homes give the area an established character.

Residents have easy access to nearby attractions such as the SculptureWalk, an outdoor exhibit that winds through downtown just a few blocks away, and First Friday, a monthly event featuring extended shop hours, local art displays, and live performances. Local businesses like Zandbroz Variety, an independent bookstore and gift shop, and CH Patisserie, a French-style bakery run by a "Top Chef: Just Desserts" winner, attract regular foot traffic. The neighborhood is within walking distance of the Levitt at the Falls outdoor music venue, which offers over 50 free concerts each season. As All Saints is adjacent to McKennan Park, the park and hospital are also within a short drive.

Whittier

Whittier offers a practical balance of affordability, accessibility, and community resources just northeast of downtown Sioux Falls. Known for its cultural diversity and ongoing revitalization efforts, the neighborhood has become a popular choice for first-time homeowners, renters, and young families. Housing remains among the most affordable in the city, with many single-family homes and duplexes available below the citywide average.

Whittier is home to Whittier Park, a large open space with playgrounds, picnic shelters, and seasonal soccer leagues that draw neighborhood involvement. The nearby South Dakota Annual & Arts is a top draw, beckoning locals to stay fit and healthy. The business is open to people of all ages, teaching various forms of aerial fitness so that children, adults, and seniors can have fun while working out.

Local businesses include Franklin Food Market, a great place to get groceries within walking distance, and Steak-Out Charbroiled Delivery, a popular shop for steaks. The neighborhood also provides quick access to downtown employers, the Big Sioux River Greenway, and religious institutions like Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Cathedral Historic District

The Cathedral Historic District combines architectural heritage with close access to downtown Sioux Falls culture. Centered around the Cathedral of Saint Joseph, this neighborhood features early 1900s homes and converted buildings that now house apartments, galleries, and small businesses. While homes here can vary in price, rental options and shared housing keep the area relatively affordable compared to other downtown-adjacent neighborhoods.

The district is steps from major attractions such as the Washington Pavilion and the Orpheum Theater Center, offering regular performances, film screenings, and gallery exhibitions. Residents often walk to the Downtown Block Party series in summer, a recurring outdoor event with food trucks, live music, and local vendors.

The Cathedral neighborhood also borders Falls Park, one of the city’s major landmarks. This park includes an observation tower, a year-round visitor center, and access to the Big Sioux River trail system. Meanwhile, the Sanford USD Medical Center and Hospital is a short drive south, revered as one of the Top 100 hospitals in the nation with a Level 1 Adult Trauma Center. With a compact layout and cultural landmarks in every direction, the Cathedral Historic District attracts artists, students, and longtime residents alike.

Augustana

Located near the campus of Augustana University, this neighborhood offers a steady mix of students, faculty, and long-term residents. The presence of two major institutions, Augustana University and the University of Sioux Falls, creates a setting filled with academic activity, green space, and walkable amenities. Despite its central location, housing remains relatively affordable, especially in rental units, duplexes, and older single-family homes. The neighborhood is home to the Sioux Empire Medical Museum and the Center for Western Studies Art Museum. From historic displays on medical practices from the 1900s to rotating art exhibits such as “Berdahl-Rölvaag House,” there is a lot of knowledge in these sites.

The area features several locally owned businesses that cater to both the university crowd and nearby households. These include Azteca Mexican Restaurant, known for its fresh ingredients that have been turned into authentic Mexican food. Slim Chickens, a staple for casual, affordable meals, serves great wings and other popular pub food. Musical events, guest lectures, and art installations from the university calendar are open to the public and provide steady cultural engagement. Furthermore, the neighborhood is a short drive north along South Minnesota Avenue to central Sioux Falls.

Downtown

Downtown trades affordable housing with a busy atmosphere as it holds the strong central core of Sioux Falls. The neighborhood contains a mix of housing, retail, civic, financial, and entertainment throughout the District. Many properties add to the historic feel of the area, with converted warehouses, brick storefronts, and preserved landmarks giving the streetscape a distinct character. Even so, green spaces like Fawick Park along the Big Sioux River create a scenic contrast. Thus, locals can spend their time walking along the Fawick Park Greenway Trail for some fresh air and views.

Cultural offerings anchor daily life here. The Washington Pavilion features science exhibits, visual art galleries, and a performing arts center regularly hosting symphonies, plays, and traveling Broadway shows. SculptureWalk, an outdoor art display that rotates annually, encourages residents to explore on foot.

Local businesses thrive along Phillips Avenue and 8th Street. Residents can grab coffee at The Breaks, dine at Parker’s Bistro or MB Haskett, and browse vinyl at Total Drag. Nightlife options include Fernson Downtown for local beer and Icon Lounge for music and dancing. The neighborhood's walkability and proximity to nearby parks provide residents with ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Moreover, it is great for staying over, as major hotel chains like Hilton Garden Inn and Holiday Inn are all within walking distance.

Which Neighborhood Is The Best For You

Sioux Falls has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a lively neighborhood close to the action. The six neighborhoods we’ve explored offer a balance of affordability, community spirit, and local charm, making them great places to call home in 2025. No matter which area you choose, you’ll be surrounded by everything this vibrant city has to offer, from parks and culture to great food and friendly neighbors. Happy house hunting.