Sioux City Iowa is the well-preserved agricultural hubbub of the Midwest, located where the Missouri River joins The Big Sioux River (a tributary of the Mississippi River), in the northern area of the state. It is the fourth largest city in the state of Iowa.
Sioux City encapsulates that small town feel but with all of the amenities of a thriving metro. The Sioux City downtown area for example, harbors a distinguished arts district for a town of this size. A multitude of apartment options are available with full amenities, as well as section 8 housing, and there are numerous independent living communities for retirees and seniors.
History of the City The tallgrass prairie land was once part of both French and Spanish Louisiana, during the time when it was mostly inhabited by the Yankton Sioux. One of the notable features of the city is the U.S. Historic Fourth Street District, a neighborhood of Romanesque Revival architecture built during the late 19th century. Still a thriving area of commerce, it is filled with specialty shops, bars, and restaurants, which can be seen from the state of Virginia.
The Weather
The autumn season in Sioux City is a combination of warm, mild, rainy, and snow, which normally kicks off during the middle of November. The coldest winter months are January and February. Summer is warmest in late June and early July. Spring weather remains chilly, though jackets and coats are most likely to be left behind towards the end of April and into May when the high temperatures reach the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, all the way through September. Temperatures begin dropping down to the 60’s once again in October.
How to Get Around
Sioux City has a public transportation system with several bus lines that connect at MLK transportation center. Bike and ride racks are provided for each of the fixed route busses. For major transport, there is the Greyhound Bus Station, and the Sioux City Gateway Airport. Most people drive in Sioux City and roughly, 10% of the population partakes in carpooling. Door to door service is provided to the impaired by Sioux City Paratransit.
The Commute, Major Highways and Traffic
I-29 is the high-speed traffic access to the entire 20-mile length span of the city and its suburbs. Improvements and road construction to Interstate 29 will continue through December 2016. Interstate 129 is the connection to Sioux City, Nebraska and U.S. route 75 leads drivers into Minnesota. Traffic is normally smooth with the exception of occasional weather-related road conditions and accidents.
Media Outlets
Television stations and news in Sioux City include KMEG, KTIV News, and KCAU ABC9. Sioux City Journal and The Globe, are the main newspapers, and residents tune into KSCJ for talk radio, while Z-98 is called Sioux City’s “best rock.” There are plenty of college radio stations and dozens of others that feature religious, adult contemporary, sports, Top-40, Classic, Spanish language, and other types of content.
Landmarks
There are plenty of students in Sioux City, which houses institutions such as the Briar Cliff University, Morningside College, Western Iowa Tech Community College, St. Luke’s College of Nursing, and Bellevue University. These schools are sure to provide a steady supply of roommate opportunities. The colleges are also major employers in the area. Non-students may be especially interested in the new Sioux City arts center set to open in 2017. The main collections will focus on works related to the Midwest.
Things to Do
Apartment residents can enjoy nightlife at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino or by taking in a performance at the Sioux City Orpheum. Bars and clubs abound with places like the Doxx Warehouse Bar, and Anthem, a venue that features food, gambling, dancing and live music.
Annual Festivals
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Saturday In the Park is a summertime concert event that hosts some of the biggest names in the industry including Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raiit, and Big Head Todd & The Monsters. During Christmas, there is Santa’s House and Home and Lighted Parade. Other notable events include the Annual Artsplash, Missouri River Outdoor Expo, and the Annual Cardinal Festival Days.
Nearby Vacation Opportunities
There is plenty of scenic campground in Sioux City. Nature lovers will enjoy checking in with the Western Historic Trails center and the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. The dense woodlands of the nearby Ponca State Park, spanning the Missouri River bluffs, is where wild Turkeys, white-tailed deer, fox, and other woodland furry creatures can be found. Humming birds, Warblers, and many other birds reside in the Ponca, which is wonderful for birdwatchers. Make reservations online to stay at the lodge in Stone State Park. Tourists especially enjoy the 400-gallon aquarium filled with native fish at the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center located in the park. Stone State also has hiking trails and fully equipped campground facilities.
Apartment Living in Sioux City
Sioux City, Iowa has a little something to offer for just about everybody. Affordable and plentiful housing and apartments, fine looking neighborhoods filled with Victorian mansions and ranches, thriving academic and arts communities, employment, and good schools.