Best Places to Live Near Sioux Falls With a Small-Town Feel
If you’re thinking about relocating to the Sioux Falls area, you don’t have to choose between big city conveniences and small-town living. Many of the communities surrounding Sioux Falls offer the perfect balance of both.
They provide residents with easy access to shopping, dining, entertainment, and employment opportunities while maintaining quieter neighborhoods, lower housing costs, and the tight-knit atmosphere that makes small towns so appealing. Whether you’re raising a family, searching for affordable homes as one of many first-time buyers, or simply looking for a slower pace of life, there’s a community that is right for you.
One of the biggest advantages of living close to Sioux Falls is that you’re never far from the region’s most popular destinations. Whether you’re spending a leisurely afternoon exploring Downtown Sioux Falls, visiting Falls Park, enjoying the hiking trails along the Big Sioux River, taking the kids to fun outdoor activities like the Great Plains Zoo or Wild Water West, or even catching a flight from the Sioux Falls Regional Airport, you’ll always be close to what you need.
Why People Choose the Suburbs Over Sioux Falls
As Sioux Falls continues to grow at a rapid pace, some residents are choosing to look beyond the city limits in search of a community that better matches their desired lifestyle. While Sioux Falls continues to add new amenities, businesses, and opportunities, many of the surrounding communities provide a slower pace of life, more room to spread out, and in some cases, even lower property taxes, advantages that can be harder to find in a growing metropolitan area.
Living just outside of city limits means you’re still only minutes away from amenities like Sanford USD Medical Center, McKennan Park in central Sioux Falls, the shopping in West Sioux Falls, and many other recreational destinations. When you add in short commute times, great schools, frequent community events, and access to both the natural beauty of eastern South Dakota and the conveniences of Sioux Falls, it’s easy to see why so many people are choosing to leave the city and settle in smaller nearby communities instead.
Crooks, SD
Just 9.5 miles northwest of Sioux Falls, Crooks offers quick access to I-29 while maintaining its quiet atmosphere and rural charm. Home to around 1,370 residents, this fast-growing community features excellent schools, three beautiful public parks, an active community center, and new housing developments.
You can see why it’s a perfect choice for first-time homebuyers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life while settling into a welcoming, close-knit community. With plenty of affordable homes available, stable property values, a median household income of approximately $104,000, and fiber internet from Alliance Communications available to nearly every household, Crooks is well suited for families and remote professionals alike. Visit our New to Crooks, SD guide to learn more.
Baltic, SD
Located just east of Sioux Falls in Minnehaha County, Baltic is one of the area’s fastest-growing communities. The opening of the new Baltic High School in 2024, along with expanding housing developments (with lots still available), has made the town an increasingly popular choice for families and first-time buyers looking for affordable homes without traveling too far outside of Sioux Falls.
Features such as dependable law enforcement provided by the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, quality schools, and Alliance Communications’ high-speed fiber internet are what make Baltic an excellent choice for families, remote workers, and students alike. Plus, families and outdoor enthusiasts also enjoy having quick access to Palisades State Park and Great Bear Recreation Park.
Residents can also enjoy annual events such as the Baltic Car Show, Dog Days, and community-wide clean-up days. These traditions foster a strong sense of community and reflect the pride people take in calling Baltic home.
Brandon, SD
Brandon has become one of the most sought-after places to live near Sioux Falls, and for good reason. Ranked #1 Best Place to Live in South Dakota by Niche in 2025, Brandon combines highly rated public schools, low crime rates, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere with the conveniences of a larger community.
Home to around 11,000 people, Brandon offers more shopping, recreation, restaurants, healthcare services, and local businesses than many neighboring towns while maintaining the charm that continues to attract families and professionals alike. You’ll also find that the city features a variety of housing options, from established suburbs to newer developments, perfect for both growing families and first-time buyers.
Another reason Brandon continues to grow is its location. Residents are only about 10 minutes from downtown Sioux Falls, the Empire Mall, Sioux Falls Regional Airport, and other major retail and entertainment destinations.
Alliance Communications also provides the Brandon area with reliable fiber internet, ensuring every customer receives the fast, dependable connectivity most of today’s families rely on for remote work, online learning, smart home technology, and streaming.
Tea, SD
For growing families and commuters looking for affordability close to Sioux Falls, Tea is another community worth considering. Located just southwest of the city, Tea is home to approximately 6,300 residents and continues to experience steady residential growth with no signs of slowing down.
Strong schools, a family-friendly feel, and a high quality of life have earned it an A- rating from Niche. Tea has also become especially popular among families and first-time buyers thanks to its affordable housing options, newer neighborhoods, and a quick commute into Sioux Falls.
Alliance Communications also provides fiber internet service in portions of Tea, with availability depending on your address. Be sure to check availability before moving to ensure that your new home has the reliable connection that your household depends on.
What to Look for When Choosing a Town Near Sioux Falls
Every small town surrounding Sioux Falls has something different to offer, so it’s important to consider which features best fit your lifestyle so you can find the community that is just right for you and your family. As you compare them, think about the factors that will have the biggest impact on your day-to-day life, including commute times, quality of the local school district, available housing, and the restaurants, public parks and recreation areas, and community events that make a town feel like home. It is also a good idea to check out what’s available when it comes to utilities, especially high-speed, reliable internet. Many of the area’s growing communities are served by Alliance Communications’ fiber network, making internet access and connectivity one less thing to worry about during your move.
Popular options include Crooks, Baltic, Brandon, and Tea, each with its own mix of growing neighborhoods, good schools, short commutes, and community feel. The right fit depends on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities.
About 9.5 miles northwest of downtown. With easy access to I-29, most residents reach Sioux Falls in about 10 to 15 minutes.
Both are great for families, just different. Baltic offers a quieter atmosphere, new housing, and a recently completed high school, while Brandon has more amenities, a larger population, and highly rated schools. It comes down to your family’s priorities.
Many nearby communities offer lower property taxes and housing costs than the city, plus short commutes and quieter neighborhoods, adding up to strong value for homebuyers.
Yes. Alliance Communications provides high speed fiber to many nearby towns, including Crooks, Baltic, Brandon, and parts of Tea, supporting remote work, learning, and streaming.
Both are convenient. Crooks is about 10 to 15 minutes from downtown via I 29, and Baltic also has quick highway access. Residents get small town living without sacrificing an easy commute to work, shopping, or entertainment.