Apartment-hunters seek added space, certain amenities – and more affordability

After two years of record-breaking apartment occupancy, renters this fall are finding a few more options on the market.

That’s in part because developers are on pace to build more apartment than ever this year. The city of Sioux Falls issued permits for 2,873 units through August, compared with 1,479 for the same time last year and 578 in 2020.

“It’s still a strong market with occupancy in that 95 percent range, which is right where we want it, but it’s still a very active market,” said Ashley Lipp, vice president of residential property management for Lloyd Cos.

“It’s still hard to get a house, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer, so we see people come in and get an apartment that’s a little more affordable and maybe doesn’t offer everything they’re wanting, but it works for their situation. But as their life and income level evolve, they will move to something that maybe costs a little more but meets their needs where they’re at.”

Hilary Buryanek chose apartment living for her and her 4-year-old daughter when she came to Sioux Falls from Pierre to finish graduate school. They moved into The Bluffs at Willow Run a year ago, attracted by a property manager she said was “very attentive” and a lot of amenities. Her daughter could go swimming inside during the winter without leaving the building, and when they didn’t feel like cooking, they would order food from The Willows, which is attached to the building.

“The fitness center was a wonderful addition with a lot of things to do, and they offered training on golfing, so it really, really added value,” she said. “It’s kind of remarkable to think an apartment like that would exist in the Midwest, in South Dakota.”

Once she graduated, they moved to a three-bedroom town home that’s part of The Slate at Harvest Creek, a new multifamily community along Veterans Parkway and 57th Street.

“We love it so much,” she said. “The layout was really wonderful, lots of little opportunities to increase our storage. And it’s right across from Harmodon Park, so we can literally just hop on the bike trail and go.”

Town home-style living has been especially popular, Lipp said.

“We are still probably going to have limited availability when it comes to town homes with attached garages,” she said. “That’s just very appealing in Sioux Falls, but we have more being built and coming online, so there’s going to be more options than what they say this summer.”

Across Sioux Falls, some older properties also have received major updates. Killarney Crossing in the area of 57th Street and Louise Avenue is freshly repainted with a more modern look plus major updates to the clubhouse. Property manager Kylie Strang of Lloyd Cos. said she will have a few town homes becoming available this fall and advises interested residents to consider reserving one up to 60 days before it becomes available.

“Killarney is very diverse. We have many different lifestyles that are here,” she said. “A lot of people who tour say: ‘I really want my own entrance. I want my own garage.’ And in some places where you share, you don’t get that.”

Downtown, historic Shriver Square at 11th Street and Phillips Avenue is renovating each of its lofts, with high-end stainless steel appliances, quartz counters and tiled walk-in showers.

New tenants “love the upgrades and the features, the luxury-style feel similar to a spa-like hotel room,” said Shellie Linn, director of property management for Cresten Properties.

“They are enjoying all the features downtown brings with this brand-new feel.”

There are a couple of units available and more coming, with a six-week renovation timeline ahead of them becoming available.

“It is really a community feel in a building in a downtown with walking ability to multiple restaurants and shopping,” Linn said. “It’s amazing. It’s active year-round.”

On the southeast side, the amenity-filled City’s Edge Apartments near 69th Street and Sycamore Avenue is experiencing “high demand,” said property manager Paige Riggs of Cresten Properties.

“Within the last six months, we’ve opened all of our amenities. … People are loving not only the location but the availability of our one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.”

The extras here include a dinosaur-themed splash pad adjacent to the outdoor pool and a large playground that continues the dinosaur theme.

The most sought-after apartment amenity? Lipp at Lloyd Cos. said it’s a dog park.

“We have a lot of our fur parents out there and a lot of pet-friendly properties,” she said. “The outdoor pools are popular too. And some of the newer amenities you’re seeing are the golf simulators. We have that in one of our properties now and probably more to come. It’s something fun and different to do, especially in the winter.”

Rooftop amenities such as decks are increasing too, she said.

Lloyd also has seen increased interest in its affordable housing, which requires tenants to qualify based on income, Lipp added.

“We take a lot of pride in being able to build affordable housing and accommodate all income levels, so we have great options,” she said. “A lot of our affordable properties are brand-new and beautiful.”

Want to see more options for apartment living? Here’s our most recent edition of “Apartments on the Move.”