Rent Smart: A Local Expert's Secrets to Finding Budget Neighborhoods for Renting in Sioux Falls

I'm Ashley, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I grew up in nearby Lennox and went to Augustana University. While I've since moved out of South Dakota, most of my family still lives in the Sioux Falls area. I come back to visit as often as I can, and I even got married here in 2017. It's safe to say the city holds a special place in my heart.

Sioux Falls may not have the same name recognition as Minneapolis or Chicago, but this regional Midwestern city has so much to offer. It has the charm of a small-town community with the attraction of big-city amenities. Compared to larger metro areas, Sioux Falls has an affordable cost of living — and with no state income tax, your dollar goes even further here.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Sioux Falls

Current Rental Pricing for Homes for Rent in Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls has many affordable rental options, and the hardest part about moving here might be deciding where you want to live. That's where we can help. In this guide, I'll share my top nine neighborhoods where you can enjoy all the city's perks without breaking your budget.

1. Downtown Sioux Falls

Without a doubt, Downtown Sioux Falls is the city's cultural center. There's always something happening here, whether it's a weekend festival or a free concert at the Levitt. You're close to historic landmarks like the Washington Pavilion and the Old Courthouse Museum, where my husband and I got married. Plus, it's only a short distance to Falls Park, the city's namesake and crown jewel. During the holidays, Falls Park transforms into a magical Winter Wonderland, and I visit every Christmas.

Unlike some other neighborhoods in the city, downtown is very walkable. If you rent here, you'll be able to walk out your front door and easily get to the many shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries nearby. Downtown is also known for being dog-friendly, making it a good choice if Fido will be moving with you. Downtown's convenience and location make it a popular area for young professionals, but you're likely to have a diverse group of neighbors here.

2. Northwest Sioux Falls

Northwest Sioux Falls allows you to be close to the action. Its location, near the convergence of I-90 and I-29, makes it easy to get wherever you want to go. It's only a 5- to 10-minute drive to downtown and an even quicker trip to the Sioux Falls Regional Airport, located in this part of town. The airport has added new routes in recent years and plans to expand even more in the near future.

In Northwest Sioux Falls, you'll find other major attractions, like the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. This 12,000-seat venue hosts concerts, sporting events, and the family-friendly Disney on Ice tour. Northwest Sioux Falls is also home to the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds, where the Sioux Empire Fair is held every year. If you've never been to a Midwestern fair before, make it a point to go — it's an experience you should have at least once.

3. Northeast Sioux Falls

Northeast Sioux Falls is largely residential, with a mix of older homes and newer development. This neighborhood is close to major interstates, including I-90 and I-229, so you shouldn't have a problem getting around the city. From here, it's a 10-minute drive to the airport. It's also close to Brandon, a growing city east of Sioux Falls with highly rated public schools.

One of my favorite places in Northeast Sioux Falls is Great Bear Ski Valley, which offers snowboarding, tubing, and skiing. (Yes, you can actually ski in Sioux Falls!) The park makes its own snow on the off-chance it's a mild winter. During the warmer months, you can enjoy the park's hiking and cross-country trails.

4. East Sioux Falls

One of my closest friends grew up in Sioux Falls and moved to the east side a few years ago, and he says he's never leaving. East Sioux Falls has grown significantly, and you can find many newer homes and apartments here. This part of the city also has plenty of commercial development, like the Dawley Farm center, which should satisfy your shopping needs if you don't want to make the drive across town to The Empire Mall.

East Sioux Falls also draws visitors to Harmodon Park, which has seven baseball fields and eight softball fields. Many tournaments take place at Harmodon Park, and it's also where the Sioux Falls schools play home baseball games.

5. Empire Mall

During my teen years, The Empire Mall was my go-to spot in Sioux Falls. These days, I still enjoy visiting this neighborhood because of its close proximity to shopping and dining. The sprawling mall has over 100 stores, a food court, and several casual restaurants. Besides the mall, you're close to other shopping centers, like the newer Lake Lorraine complex, which has a mix of boutique and big-box stores.

This area of the city leans more commercial, but it has plenty of apartments for rent. My sister rented an apartment near 41st Street and Louise Avenue for several years and loved being close to everything in this neighborhood.

6. Western Mall

Just a 5-minute drive from The Empire Mall, you'll find The Western Mall, a smaller shopping center anchored by Best Buy and Scheels. Located on the busy 41st Street corridor, this neighborhood also has a commercial feel, with plentiful access to shops and restaurants. You'll find anything from chain stores and restaurants to local gems nearby. Don't miss Tuesdays at West Mall 7, when the local movie theater offers $6 tickets all day long.

The Western Mall area has more than shops and restaurants, too. It's close to some nice parks and green spaces. The nearby Yankton Trail Park connects to the city's main bike trail, and Sertoma Park (where I went on many field trips growing up) is a kids' paradise, with five play areas and a huge picnic shelter.

7. Central Sioux Falls

Central Sioux Falls was my home for four years, so I know this area well. It's close to both the University of Sioux Falls and Augustana University (go Vikings!). It's also home to Avera McKennan Hospital and Sanford Health USD Medical Center, two major healthcare systems in the region. Central Sioux Falls is a diverse part of town, where your neighbors might be college kids, healthcare workers, or older people who have lived there for years.

One of the highlights of this neighborhood is McKennan Park, the city's oldest developed park. It's a beautifully maintained space where you can enjoy being in nature without having to leave the city limits. There are also a few historic districts in this area of town. I love walking around to admire some of the older homes here.

8. Southeast Sioux Falls

Southeast Sioux Falls has grown significantly in recent years, with new development cropping up everywhere you look. This part of the city has a suburban feel, but it offers access to plenty of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and grocery stores. Like most parts of Sioux Falls, you'll need a car to get around, but you can get downtown in about 15 minutes.

Many families live in this part of Sioux Falls. A major draw is the nearby parks and trails, like Tomar and Tuthill parks, which both connect to the city's 19-mile bike path. Southeast Sioux Falls is close to Lincoln High School, one of the top-rated public high schools in the area.

9. Southwest Sioux Falls

Southwest Sioux Falls has a similar feel to its eastern counterpart. It's a family-friendly neighborhood with lots of new development. On this side of town, you're about a 15-minute drive to The Empire Mall, and it's only slightly further to get downtown. Along 57th Street, you'll find some fun local restaurants and businesses, like The Bridges at 57th Street off Western Avenue, which has unique shopping and dining.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that in Southwest Sioux Falls, you're only a short drive to Tea, a thriving suburb that has boomed in recent years, and my hometown of Lennox. I highly recommend visiting for the town's Old-Fashioned Fourth of July celebration, which includes a street dance, parade, and spectacular fireworks show. Again, it's one of those Midwestern experiences you have to enjoy at least once!