As Midwesterners, you’re probably familiar with the different perceptions people from around the country have of our region. For example, we’re generally considered friendly and warm, but there’s nothing but fields and farms in the middle of the country, right? Who could live there? After all, the term “Fly Over States” suggests that people would rather just pass the Midwest by, rather than stay to make a life and raise a family.
But, much like you, we’re extremely happy to call the Midwest home! To brag on our wonderful city and its surrounding areas, here are 5 reasons why raising your family in Sioux City (and Iowa) rocks.
#1 Three States, One City
Located at the adjoining points of Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota, Siouxland is a prime example of separate states, counties and cities working together to create one united community. You can travel state lines without ever leaving the city limits.
With this expanded community, Siouxland offers many options to raise a family. When it comes to overall cost of living, it ranks 13.5% below national average.
#2 Stable Economy and Growth
Living in an area with a stable economy makes a huge difference while raising a family.
The following are some state and national rankings for Sioux City and Iowa:
2016 National Rankings:
- Sioux City named the SBA Community of the Year - Small Business Administration's Iowa District Office
- Sioux City metro ranked #1 in the Top 20 Mid-Size Cities for "Year-Over-Year Growth" - Area Development magazine
2015 State and National
- Sioux City ranked #1 for economic growth for populations of 50,000-200,000 - Site Selection
- Woodbury County, Iowa ranked #3 Most Resilient Housing Market in the Nation - MSN
- Sioux City MSA ranked #1 City Where Incomes are Growing the Fastest - Bureau of Economic Analysis and 24/7 Wall Street
- Sioux City Metro Area ranked #15 Best Place for Physicians and Surgeons - GoodCall
With a lot of business expansion plans in the works, Sioux City is also expected to grow over the next few years – creating jobs and new opportunities for residents.
#3 Education
Iowa places great emphasis on education. Sioux City offers some of the most modern schools and best teachers in the Midwest, with excellent public and private school opportunities, and ACT scores consistently above the national average.
In addition, there are four higher education institutions in Sioux City: Morningside College, Briar Cliff University, Western Iowa Tech Community College and St. Luke’s College – UnityPoint Health.
#4 Signature Food
When you're ready for a family night out or don't feel like cooking, Sioux City offers some of the tastiest local options. Beyond the chain-restaurant favorites, here is some of the best known, must-try, places to eat:
- Tastee Inn & Out
- Bob Roe’s Point After
- La Juanita Restaurant
- Diamond Thai
- Da Kao Chinese & Vietnamese Restaurant
- El Fredo Pizza
- Fuji Bay Japanese Restaurant
- Trattoria Fresco
- Rebos
- Sneaky's Chicken
You can also find some of your favorite snacks here in Sioux City. Palmer Candy, famous for the Twin Bing candy bar, has been making and selling sweet treats since 1878 in Sioux City. One of your crisp, fluffy, salty and buttery favorites is also based out of Sioux City, Jolly Time Popcorn.
#5 Major Attractions
One great attribute for Sioux City is that it basically has something for everyone. So parents are able to raise their families in an area where there’s no shortage of events and attractions.
Sioux City offers extensive cultural attractions such as Sioux City Public Museum, Children’s Museum of Siouxland, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, Sergeant Floyd Riverboat Museum, Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District and the Art Center. Along with entertainment offerings at playgrounds, swimming pools, boating, and bike trails to events at the Anderson Dance Pavilion, Grandview Park and the Bandshell, Orpheum Theatre, Tyson Events Center, Sioux City Community Theatre, and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
Sioux City also provides several great sport options. Opportunities are available for all ages who want to get involved in sporting leagues. You can also plan a family night out and catch a Sioux City Musketeers hockey game, go or a Sioux City Explorers baseball game or to a Sioux City Bandits football game.
Regardless of your family’s interest, from history to sports and everything in between, you’ll be able to find local events and activities sure to keep everyone having fun.
(712) Pride
Thank you for making St. Luke’s Siouxland’s #1 choice for birth. We are excited to welcome babies to area code 712 and to help celebrate their arrival St. Luke’s is giving “Born in the 712” onesies to newborns starting on 7/12. Supplies are limited.
Learn more about having a baby at St. Luke’s.