Sioux Falls On My Mind

Snowgates. Ice Fishing. Finally, Augie vs. USF. Bizarre NE SD snow. Frigid disc golf. Patrick Ewing, Jr. Sertoma fish with butterflies. Big Carp in the Big Sioux. Budget cuts. Presidential Thune. Great home prices!  

Some Cold Thoughts

It's in the 60s in Virginia as we continue toward our move to Sioux Falls. I can't help thinking that winter will not be my favorite season when we get there.
I remember one Christmas visiting my wife's family in Mclaughlin, South Dakota on Standing Rock when it was so cold, it felt hot. It was so cold it stung! But this is my opinion. As I was whining about the cold, our kids were out bundled up, sledding down a nearby butte having just a great time. Cold? What cold?

  

Getting Ready In Virginia for SF!

Getting the house in Virginia ready to put on the market. Maybe two or three weeks away from the sales sign in front so we can catch the Spring. Sioux Falls here we come!
Most folks when they relocate rent first and then buy after they get settled, but we hope to be able to 'sell and buy'....with no rental transition in-between.
We have a good realtor helping us - Tyler Goff who really knows the town. At least Tyler talks like he's from Sioux Falls. He's got that South Dakota accent.
Don't forget to hook up with a realtor before you move where you are going. 

Snow Blower

I find myself looking daily at the weather in Sioux Falls. Trying to get into the swing of things. 2 below and sunny will take some getting used to. Seems the locals hit it head on. They embrace the weather with ice fishing and snow mobiling.
Speaking of snow machines: what is the best time of the year to buy a snow blower in Sioux Falls and what should I expect to pay? Just planning ahead.

Job interview tip

I'll be doing a phone interview for a flexible part time job in Sioux Falls since I am still in Williamsburg and it brings to mind something anyone can do when job interviewing. Every company has a website. Go to the website before the interview. Get a good working knowledge of what they do, their culture, their expectations. You'll knock the interview out of the park! 

Great website

Just discovered a great website for folks moving to Sioux Falls: http://www.momslikeme.com/
It is from a woman's perspective. There are discussion groups. You have a question about SF, ask them and you'll get real answers.

Home Sweet Home

The housing market in Sioux Falls seems very affordable. $130,000 goes far - gets you 3 bedrooms, garage, and good square footage. I am working with a Realtor in Sioux Falls. I got his name through BNI - Business Networking International - a networking group I belong to in Williamsburg, Virginia. He belongs to a BNI group in Sioux Falls.
There are a million home search sites on the internet now - the best is http://www.realtor.com/ - but nothing can take the place of local market knowledge and local nuance and that's what a good local realtor provides.Where ever you are moving, I strongly suggest contacting a local real estate agent. If the relationship doesn't work out, you can always contact another.   

SF Hunting Tip

You find a job online in Sioux Falls, but that doesn't mean it's still there. I'm calling first to find out of the opening is still open. You can always find a number to call, maybe not on the job application but certainly on the company website.   

WINTER IN SIOUX FALLS.....NOT!

Dont worry. This is Lead, SD. Makes Sioux Falls seem almost tropical.

 

Long Distance Tips

Getting a subscription to the local paper really helps you to know a community before you get there. The Argus Leader is Sioux Falls' New York Times.
Looking for jobs long distance is a challenge. Two great search sites are Keloland (one of the local TV outlets) and the Argus Leader. Just Google 'Sioux Falls Jobs'

My vision is a fun open clearing-house of information about the challenges and excitement of moving half way across the country to a place I've never been before but for one brief visit (We loved it!)

Here We Come!

We are moving from Williamsburg, Virginia to Sioux Falls, South Dakota so my wife can be closer to her family and so my youngest son can attend The University of Sioux Falls. Be part of our journey!