Real Estate Ray's Blog

What draws people to, and keeps residents in the Sioux Falls metropolitan area?  Is it the rich heritage, naturally beautiful setting, the variety of rich cultural experiences available, or perhaps it's economic strength?  What will it be for you?  What will draw you to this phenomenal city and cause you to find home?  

The history and lure of Sioux Falls revolves around the cascades of the Big Sioux River which were created about 14,000 years ago during the last ice age.  Two separate groups claimed the land around the falls in 1856, considering a promising townsite for its beauty and water power.  Seventeen men then spent "the first winter" in Sioux Falls and the following year the population grew to near 40.  Fort Dakota, a military reservation, was established and a new wave of settlers arrived in the following years expanding the population to 593 by 1873.  The Village of Sioux Falls, consisting of 1,200 acres (4.9 km²), was incorporated in 1876 and was granted a city charter by the Dakota Territorial legislature on March 3, 1883.

The arrival of the railroads ushered in the great Dakota Boom decade with growth from 2,164 in 1880 to 10,167 at the close of the decade. The growth transformed the city bringing John Morrell meat packing plant opened in 1909, an airbase and a military radio and communications training school established in 1942, and interstate highways completed in the early 1960s. Sioux Falls has grown at a rapid pace since the late 1970s, with the city's population increasing from 81,000 in 1980.  Currently, Sioux Falls is also the home of a number of financial companies.  The largest employer among these, and fourth largest employer overall, is Citigroup. Other important financial service companies located here include Great Western Bank, Total Card Inc., BankFirst, Capital Card Services, HSBC, PREMIER Bankcard, and Wells Fargo.

As of the 2000 Census, the city had a population of 123,975 and a metropolitan area population of 187,093. However, 2007 population estimates show Sioux Falls to have over 150,000, with a metropolitan population of over 225,000 including the cities and towns of Brandon, Tea, Harrisburg, and others.  During that rapid growth, the Sioux Falls metro area has remained top quality and accumulated numerous accolades.  In 2007, Allstate awarded Sioux Falls with the Allstate Safety Leadership Award for safe drivers; in the November 2007 issue of Men's Health Magazine, Sioux Falls was ranked #2 on the list of cities with the least debt; and Forbes named Sioux Falls the #1 Best Small Place For Business And Careers in 2006 and in 2007.

For families who start in or relocate to Sioux Falls, there are four high schools (9-12), five middle schools (6-8), and 25 elementary schools (K-5).  An enormous range of further education choices also draw many to Sioux Falls from all over the 5-state region of North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska.  Those choices include Augustana College, University of Sioux Falls, Kilian Community College, Southeast Technical Institute, National American University, Colorado Technical University, the South Dakota School for the Deaf, Great Plains Baptist College, Globe University/Minnesota School of Business, Sioux Falls Seminary, Sanford School of Medicine, Stewart School of cosmetology and the South Dakota Public Universities and Research Center (formerly known as USDSU).

Sioux Falls maintains numerous parks that are spread throughout the city with the best known of these being Falls Park, established around the city's namesake waterfalls on the Big Sioux River, just north of downtown.  A paved 14-mile (23 km) path used for biking, jogging, and walking follows the course of the Big Sioux River, forming a loop around central Sioux Falls.  Sioux Falls also plays host to an art walk every summer, the Festival of Bands,  LifeLight Festival, Party in the Park, and the Sioux Empire Fair, just to name a few.  As for "retail entertainment/therapy," The Empire Mall, with over 180 stores contains many large national chain stores and restaurants.

Clearly, the immense growth and popularity of the Sioux Falls metro area is due to numerous features.  The rich history, preservation of the natural beauty of the plains, a variety of cultural influences, and a strong economic structure supporting families of all ages.  When you choose Sioux Falls, let us know which feature was your deciding factor! 

Article Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sioux_Falls

Where do you like to eat?  Sioux Falls has many entertainment choices.  However, eating out remains the primary component to that agenda.  Among the myriad of choices in the region known as 'The Sioux Empire,' what do you recommend for various types of dining experiences?  From the central metro area of 41st & Louise to the downtown hub surrounding Phillips Avenue to the quaint and friendly treasures scattered in outlying towns, we'd love to hear your rave reviews of the places that top your list!

From our perspective, here's a start:

Downtown:  For a quick but fabulous meal, there's no better choice than Cafe 334!  The simplicity of the setting, paired with the ideal location allows guests to feel as if they're comfortably at home...if your mom was an indcredible culinary master!                                                         For more fancy ambience (and a higher price) you can't go wrong with Minerva's.  Minerva's has long been the standard for class and distinction and an anchor to the now-thriving downtown scene.                                      If it's social networking you're looking for, Stogeez or Skelly's are great choices.  But, when the weather's right, don't limit yourself to any one stop; just a stroll down Phillips Avenue will put you in the center of the scene.  A perfect harmony of smalltown ease and big city flavor define the mood created by outdoor dining, various genres of live music, everyone from suits to strollers, meeting old friends and making new. 

41st & Louise:  The retail business generated by The Empire Mall creates a draw for restaurants of all types as families, friends, and colleagues buzz in and around it's framework.  Though foreign to our American mentality, walking from shopping to dining is easy and close.                                  For the simplicity mixed with quality of Cafe 334 downtown, choose The Spicy Pickle.  A quick and easy meal may not have the culinary genious of Cafe 334, but it can boast quality and originality that is found wanting in most fast-food options.                                                                      If a more classy setting is your desire, Johnny Carino's always delivers without imposing strict etiquette on the guest.  A delicious menu and warm and friendly hosts allow guests to relax and indulge while feeling as if they are part of a large, close-knit family.                                                    Of course, the social network available downtown takes place in this district, just in a different mood.  Old Chicago is an easy spot to kick back, relax and slip away from the demands of the world.  Guests at Old Chicago will enjoy their choice of a casual dining experience or a lively corner bar where pool tables and dart boards among others engage the crowd.

Where else would you recommend to longtime residents or newcomers to our scene?  Whether in an isolated nook in the city, another choice in a hub area, or a great unknown from a surrounding community, where do you love the food, atmosphere or service offered in the area?  We'd love to hear your experiences, good or bad!    

Maybe you’re buying your first home in South Dakota, or perhaps you’re relocating to South Dakota from another state. Either way, it’s important that you educate yourself on South Dakota home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you’ll need to know before buying a home in South Dakota:

The median price of a home in South Dakota is $79,600. The price of homes in South Dakota varies widely between zip codes. For example, in Rapid City, South Dakota, the median price of a home in the summer of 2005 was $195,000; however, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the median price of a home was $171,000, and in Yankton, South Dakota, it was $149,000. Average interest and job growth rates in South Dakota are above the national average.

South Dakota state law requires that the minimum loan amount on a mortgage is $35,000. Additionally, it requires that an assignment of mortgage must be in writing and recorded. In the case of full loan repayment, the borrower must satisfy mortgage of record within 10 days of the lender’s written request. If they do not do so, they are held responsible for all damages the lender incurs as a result of their ill-compliance, including the lender’s lawyer fees and a $100 penalty.

South Dakota has a Fair Housing Law that prohibits mortgage discrimination against anyone because of their race, color, gender, religion, familial status, or national origin.

The Housing Development Authority in South Dakota assists low and moderate income families and first-time home buyers obtain mortgages. This program offers below-market interest rates and down payment assistance to borrowers who qualify under the state’s established guidelines.

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about South Dakota Mortgage Rates and Loans.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Elliott