We've seen Sioux Falls on a lot of notable lists lately. Whether it be the best small place for business and careers, the best place to live or retire or even on a list of the Top 100 Best Public Elementary Schools, people are starting to realize a small city in South Dakota does have a lot to offer.

Sioux Falls has another feather to stick in our cap. According to the AARP Livability Index, downtown Sioux Falls was named among the top 10 most livable neighborhoods in the country.

According AARP:

The index compares more than 200,000 neighborhoods across the country using numerous factors in seven categories including housing, health, environment, neighborhood (proximity to jobs), transportation (options, congestion, costs), engagement (social and civil involvement) and opportunities (jobs).

Downtown Sioux Falls has changed a lot since I first moved here 20 years ago. It wasn't the most desirable location to live in or even visit.
Now apartments and lofts are at a premium. Falls Park has been cleaned up and is a tourist destination. Some of the best local restaurants can be found in downtown Sioux Falls like Parker's Bistro, Minerva's and Sanaa's and you can grab a great slice of pizza at Fiero's or a cold beer and a burger at JL Beers.
Something that hasn't changed in downtown Sioux Falls and was always the main attraction (besides our namesake) is the local variety of shoppes like Zandbroz, the Great Outdoor Store and Young & Richards.

The AARP study also determined that Sioux Falls is among one of the best cities for making new friends.

What is your favorite store / restaurant / thing to do in downtown Sioux Falls?

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