Louise Lopez expertly guides queer individuals to vibrant, inclusive U.S. and North American neighborhoods with 15+ years of dedicated experience, ensuring they find not just a home, but a community where their authenticity is celebrated and protected.
Sioux Falls is South Dakota’s largest metro area and is a popular place to live – in large part thanks to its beautiful scenery, including the Big Sioux River’s spectacular, tumbling falls, and abundance of options for outdoor leisure. For queer folx, however, moving to LGBT Sioux Falls is a bit of a mixed bag.
The first openly gay house representative has recently been elected in South Dakota but the queer community in Sioux Falls is still more than a little reserved about their lives, and many who are out must deal with South Dakota‘s anti-discrimination laws. That doesn’t mean if you are thinking of moving to LGBT Olympia that you will not find the accepting environment that you or your family need to thrive in.
Like Spokane, St. Petersburg, Syracuse, Tacoma and other small to mid-sized cities in the USA, there is a queer scene here but it is much more low-key than say, New York or Los Angeles. This is why a gay realtor in Sioux Falls is worth their weight in gold as they can help you find your new perfect home in the most gay-friendly neighborhood of Sioux Falls.
Despite the rather hidden LGBT culture, you shouldn’t feel uncomfortable about moving to this intriguing city. The majority of people in Sioux Falls welcoming, generally liberal and accepting of the LGBTQ community. The recent increase of Citibank and other significant white-collar firms has increased the demand for diversity and culture and you will now discover many businesses, shops, and services that will proudly serve us. Thankfully many make it easy with Pride flag displays or stickers on the window to let us know we are welcome.
Consider this article to be an LGBT Sioux Falls relocation guide that will help you know what to expect when relocating to this wonderful city. Leave all of your preconceived notions at the door because moving to LGBT Sioux Falls is not what you think it is.
In this article we will cover...
- Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Sioux Falls
- Does Sioux Falls Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
- Is Sioux Falls An Expensive City To Move To?
- The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Sioux Falls
- LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Sioux Falls
- LGBT Owned Businesses In Sioux Falls
- Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Sioux Falls
- Finding Gay Realtors In Sioux Falls South Dakota
Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls residents are well aware that their city has more to offer than its namesake waterfalls (as gorgeous as they are) and the city is no longer the sleepy Midwestern town it once was. Once you live here, you will discover there is plenty of reasons to love living here and that Sioux Falls is brimming with culture, arts and beautiful sights just waiting to be discovered.
Securing a relocation here will also allow you to meet others with similar interests, thanks to a quirky yet highly involved LGBT culture, which includes a few fantastic queer spots of interest in the city’s most popular neighborhoods.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of the aspects that make up this incredible city before we get into the details.
Outdoor Activities
There are four distinct seasons in South Dakota, and certainly, the winters can get extremely cold and very lengthy. The good news is that Sioux Falls offers a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy throughout the year.
In the winter, Great Bear Recreation Park offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing as well as ice fishing on Catfish Bay. In the summer, you can enjoy swimming at Terrace Park or biking along the Big Sioux River Greenway. You can also play disc golf at Tuthill Park. You’re also welcome to watch the Moonlight Movie Series hosted at Fawick Park or go to outdoor music in McKennan Park!
A Variety of Job Options
The city is home to food processing, biomedical, finance, and other industries which have helped the unemployment level stay below the national rate.
Quality Education
Two of the top ten schools on a rating of South Dakota’s top-rated public schools are located in Sioux Falls. The overall grade for Fred Assam Elementary, which placed second, was an A. Along with having three colleges, the city boasts a population where more than a third of people have a bachelor’s degree education (or above).
Climate
The city has a continental climate, meaning that temperatures frequently fluctuate from high to low for days or weeks. July is the city’s hottest month of the year, with highs of 86 degrees, while January is the coldest, with lows of 4 degrees. Thunderstorms frequently accompanied by tornadoes blow out throughout the spring, while the area experiences bout 25 inches of rainfall fall. The 211 sunny days residents have each year allow them to enjoy some warmth. The temperature suddenly drops, and powerful winds take over during the late fall and early winter.
Does Sioux Falls Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
You could just not be socially acceptable by some people, but you’re not at risk of getting lynched or beaten up. The culture of the Midwest, particularly the rural areas, is slow to accept those they think are different. However, in Sioux Falls, visitors will discover a variety of surprises.
For instance, the city is home to gay Democratic politician Steve Hildebrand and fashion designer Hugo Sarmiento. However, a sizable portion of the LGBT community in Sioux Falls is rather discreet about their lifestyles, and those that are out must deal with South Dakota’s discriminating laws.
South Dakota law makes no specific mention of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Thankfully the cities of Sioux Falls and Vermillion, as well as the county of Oglala Lakota, forbid discrimination against county/city employees on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. Others forbid discrimination against county/city employees solely on the basis of sexual orientation, such as Minnehaha County, Spearfish, and Watertown. None of this goes far enough though – and much more work is needed.
Another consideration is that, according to South Dakota law, adoption agencies are free to decide not to place children in a particular household if doing so would go against their moral or religious principles. Furthermore, a law permitting companies to refuse products or services to LGBT individuals and others based on the owners’ “purported religious views” was signed into law by Governor Kristi Noem in March 2021.
According to the 2021 State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index published by Out Leadership’s annual study on state-by-state progress, the state is last in the Midwest and 48th nationally. However, LGBTQ-owned businesses in the region persisted and contributed to the state’s open and energetic culture.
Is Sioux Falls An Expensive City To Move To?
The cost of living index for Sioux Falls is 88.6, or just over 11% less than the 100 average for the US. Health costs are less than average at 91.6, followed by housing costs at 81.4, utility costs at 96.4, and transportation costs at 74.8. Grocery prices are 100.1, or around average, while other costs, such as insurance, eating out, clothing, and repairs, are 101.9.
The median household income is $74,595, which is about $4,000 more than the $70,850 national average. You would need to make around $6,465 per month or $77,600 per year to live comfortably in the Sioux Falls metro region. Sioux Falls is an excellent area to live in since it has a low cost of living, lots of employment opportunities across industries, and no state income tax!
The city is a desirable town for Americans wishing to raise a family or make sound financial commitments for their future because it boasts some of the most affordable home costs in the US.
The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Sioux Falls
There are many places to reside in Sioux Falls for those who are looking for a calmer yet still queer-friendly environment – and not all LGBT people will want to stay in the bustling urban hot spot of Downtown Sioux Falls.
When moving to LGBTQ Sioux Falls, bear in mind that some areas are more conveniently located for all the fun queer events and activities. By being aware of them in advance, you can arrive at your new residence in the gay-friendly neighborhood that best suits your needs.
Discover your delightfully ideal new home in one of these prominent gay and LGBT-friendly communities in Sioux Falls. Each one has its own distinct personality, a friendly neighborhood, and facilities you’ll love. Give yourself lots of time to get to know the many different and diverse areas of Sioux Falls, and bare in mind that this city has plenty to offer everyone – queer or otherwise!
Now let’s take a look at where the handful of marvelous gay areas in Sioux Falls are and talk about the Sioux Falls gayborhood where you might feel most at home! Or speak to a local LGBT real estate agent for a more detailed understanding of the best options today.
Downtown Sioux Falls
Downtown Sioux Falls is the place to be if you like to live a more active lifestyle and be close to everything. Sioux Falls has a sizable population of young, unmarried, educated, and upwardly mobile career-driven people, which is one thing you’ll notice about the city.
The downtown area of Sioux Falls is home to a large number of young singles. However, there are both families and empty-nesters in this neighborhood.
The neighborhood offers access to bike trails, and several of the city’s top coffee shops, boutiques, and other amenities. Downtown also offers a range of real estate options and pricing points. If it’s a little difficult to get where you want on foot, you can use the Downtown Trolley for only $2 per day.
Cherry Lake
Ever wanted to live near a lake where you could go for a refreshing swim early in the morning, go fishing on the weekends, and watch the sun go down over the water every night?
Cherry Lake has all this and more for you. The neighborhood has 30 acres of hard sand bottom covering tucked away in a serene prairie setting. There are mainly single-family homes for sale in this area, and some of them have direct access to the lake.
Cherry Lake, located on the west side of the city, is perfect for a wide range of Sioux Falls families. There are many amenities in the area, including cycling and walking paths, a sizable playground, lakeside beaches, and excellent fishing, of course.
Consider Lake Lorraine, home to a 33-acre lake with food and retail located at your doorstep, for a similar atmosphere but in a more convenient location.
McKennan Park
One of the most upscale areas in the city is also among the oldest. The majority of the houses have a grand, antique appearance and were all constructed in the early 1900s. The excellent real estate potential of the city is perfectly illustrated by McKennan Park.
If you adore history and personality, this is the neighborhood for you. Thanks to its mature trees and grand, historic homes, many of which were constructed between 1915 and 1935, this neighborhood is a darling among the city’s homebuyers. From budget-friendly fixer-uppers to luxurious houses costing millions, prices range widely.
This area is near the Avera McKennan Medical Campus, southeast of the city center, and east of 26th and Minnesota Street. Historic home designs including Prairie School, Tudor, Dutch Colonial, Georgian, Mediterranean, Bungalow, and others should be on your radar.
The homes in the area are full of charm and personality, whether they are spacious two-story colonials or tiny craftsman bungalows. There are also simply luxurious residences in this neighborhood. DIY enthusiasts can also discover a fixer-upper to transform into their dream house.
The city’s oldest planned park, McKennan Park, which bears the neighborhood’s name, has a bandshell from 1926 that has been renovated, as well as a sunken garden and a wading pool for children.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Sioux Falls
To progress the LGBTQ agenda, the queer community commonly has to rely on donor organizations or non-profits.
Wherever you live, it is imperative that you assist such organizations in any manner you can in order for them to reach out and aid others in the neighborhood. These Sioux Falls LGBT community organizations are some of the best. Every LGBT person has benefited from their tireless labor to secure the advancement and rights we enjoy now being aware of them is good whether you need their help now or potentially in the future.
These are wonderful places to start if you’re looking for LGBTQ groups to join, seek support from, meet new people with or volunteer for a cause you care about.
SEPSA: Sioux Empire Pride Sports Association
The Sioux Empire Pride Sports Association (SEPSA) was founded to provide a secure environment for LGBTQ+ people to engage in both recreational and competitive sports. They are now setting up the association to include leagues for softball, bowling, and cornhole. The organization was established as a hub for LGBT+ leagues. Future plans call for adding leagues for indoor and outdoor volleyball, darts, pool, kickball, and other sports.
The goal of Sioux Falls Pride is to give the LGBTQ+ community in the area a place that is safe and accepting. The organization organizes several activities and opportunities to foster a stronger feeling of community, and it offers resources, education, and advocacy throughout the year. Falls Pride Festival or Pride in the Park. This yearly event offers lots of chances to meet new friends and have fun, as well as family-friendly activities, lecturers, performers, and delicious cuisine.
Equality South Dakota is an advocacy group in the state dedicated to attaining equality for all persons regardless of their gender identity and sexual orientation. It is a fantastic opportunity to get engaged, feel connected to the community, and actually make a difference.
LGBT Owned Businesses In Sioux Falls
After moving to LGBT Sioux Falls, it’s only natural to want to support queer businesses. One strategy for establishing a safer and more inclusive society is to create a secure environment where people may rest, buy, dine, and connect without fear, and this is exactly what LGBT companies should strive for.
To safeguard the queer community’s survival and success, it is critical to support these initiatives wherever you are. When you shop locally, you put in a personal investment in your city and community. Here’s a short list of LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Sioux Falls you can invest in with your pink dollars…
Lucky Pup Adventures was established in 2013 and is run by trained professional pet caregivers. The establishment is dedicated to providing its clients with community, support, education, and other services for the duration of their pet’s life. Their consumers can always receive assistance from a dependable and qualified expert thanks to their network of specialists.
Covert Artisan Ales produces complex, sour, and delicious beers using locally sourced ingredients, local yeast, and hand-processed fruit. Here, you will enjoy a distinctive drinking experience thanks to the blending of styles like Saisons and wheat ales. The beer is frequently aged in spirit barrels to give it more complexity.
Quinn creates awesome gear and pins that everyone can wear with PRIDE. Her idea for starting the business came in 2017 after attending the Minneapolis Pride Festival and had a not-so-pleasant experience with one of the vendors. She found a nice pair of rainbow accessories and was happy about it. However, when leaving the establishment, she asked a question whose answer shocked her. It was then that she began making 100% custom, authentic gear and pins for LGBT people by LGBT people.
Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Sioux Falls
If you’re looking for a pleasant, inexpensive city with excellent possibilities, employment, and schools, you should definitely be in Sioux Falls. Even if it is not the most LBGT+-friendly place in the nation, there is a strong queer community here galvanized by the conversation around them.
Remember that life is what you make it, and wherever (or if ever) you decide to start your new chapter in LGBT Sioux Falls, we wish you the freedom and security you deserve. Living in a gay-friendly area, visiting nearby LGBT businesses and events, and joining queer community groups and sports teams are always the best methods to discover more about LGBT Sioux Falls.
We guarantee that if you follow these recommendations, moving to LGBT Sioux Falls will be less difficult for you and that you’ll quickly find like-minded individuals with whom to establish your new chosen family.
Finding Gay Realtors In Sioux Falls South Dakota
When searching for the ideal realtor, why would you consider someone’s sexuality? This may seem strange at first, but there are numerous reasons why contacting a gay realtor in Sioux Falls is a great way to find your dream house.
After all, when undertaking one of life’s most important transactions, it’s not unreasonable to expect fair, equal, and honest representation from someone who understands the queer community’s particular needs and wishes. Furthermore, unfortunately, many people (up to a third of Americans) continue to believe that our community does not deserve protection and dignity in housing, adoption, employment, and other areas of life.
So it’s no surprise that LGBT people who use mainstream realtors often express feelings of discomfort, unnecessary trouble, unenthusiastic representation, or even antagonism or outright contempt. Everyone deserves a gratifying, stress-free home buying or selling experience while being sufficiently represented, and this is why we feel you should engage a gay realtor to help you in finding your perfect future home.
LGBTQ realtors are more likely to be knowledgeable about the diverse communities in their area and understand which ones may be best suited to you when searching for a home. That’s not to say heterosexual realtors are not competent, but they’ve probably never had to handle many of the issues LGBT people face. Rather than just being concerned with how bustling, fashionable, or up-and-coming a neighborhood is (or what it may appear like), gay realtors perform extensive research into the neighborhoods in which they sell homes to ensure that clients are safe.
It used to be challenging to uncover professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in Sioux Falls – and it was virtually impossible to find one if you were relocating here from out of state and didn’t have access to a local referral. Thankfully, you no longer have to search for a realtor without knowing whether or not they are accepting of others because you can use a list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents in Sioux Falls to do all of your homework for you.
Simply go to the page, and you’ll be presented with a free list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents who can help you with your relocation as well as other useful information like LGBT+friendly schools, shopping, storage firms, tradesmen, and more. Read the biographies of LGBT real estate agents, then select the one who is right for you. It’s essential that you find someone who will be by your side and support you and your family during one of life’s most exhilarating occasions.
Even better, there is no hidden motive, cost, or obligation whatsoever!
