Augustana Neighborhood Guide
Introduction
The Augustana neighborhood surrounds Augustana University, which found its permanent home on Summit Avenue in 1918 after church leaders merged the Lutheran Normal School with Augustana College. Old Main, the campus’s first building, was completed in 1889 — the same year South Dakota became a state — and still anchors the area today.
As a Sioux Falls REALTOR®, I point buyers who want a walkable, college-town feel with genuine historic roots toward the Augustana neighborhood.
Who Should Live in Augustana
This neighborhood fits buyers who want to be close to Augustana University — whether for a college-town atmosphere, proximity to campus events, or an easy commute for university employees and students’ families — along with established, walkable, tree-lined streets.
Who Probably Shouldn’t
Buyers who want to avoid any student-related activity or traffic, or who want new construction, should consider other Sioux Falls neighborhoods.
Overall Vibe and History
Augustana University’s roots trace back to 1860 in Chicago, with the school eventually relocating to Sioux Falls and merging with the Lutheran Normal School in 1918. Old Main, built in 1889 for $20,000, still sits at Summit Avenue and 28th Street. For years, the university’s campus was also home to Heritage Park, a collection of historic regional buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, located south of 33rd Street between Grange and Prairie Avenues. That deep institutional history gives the surrounding neighborhood a distinct, established character.
Location
The Augustana neighborhood surrounds Augustana University along Summit Avenue, south of downtown Sioux Falls.
| Destination | Typical Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Downtown Sioux Falls | About 8-10 minutes |
| Sanford USD Medical Center | About 8-10 minutes |
| Avera McKennan Hospital | About 5-8 minutes |
| Empire Mall | About 10-12 minutes |
| Sioux Falls Regional Airport | About 12-15 minutes |
| Interstate 29 | About 8-10 minutes |
Treat these as typical, non-rush-hour estimates — I always encourage buyers to drive their real commute before deciding.
Housing
Homes around Augustana University are generally established, early-to-mid 20th-century properties, with some rental housing given the proximity to campus.
| Housing Type | Typical Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Early-to-mid 20th-century single-family homes | Roughly $160K-$300K | Some properties used as student rentals near campus |
New construction is limited given the established, built-out character of the area. Buyers should confirm whether a specific property is zoned or currently used as a rental if that matters to their plans.
What Buyers Should Know Before Purchasing Near Augustana
Because of the university’s presence, some homes closest to campus are used as student rentals, which can mean more turnover and different upkeep patterns than owner-occupied blocks. I always point this out so buyers know what to expect on their specific street.
Schools
The area is served by the Sioux Falls School District for K-12, with Augustana University providing higher education directly in the neighborhood. As always, I verify the current attendance-boundary assignment for a specific address before a client relies on it.
Parks & Recreation
Augustana University’s campus itself offers green space, walking paths, and access to campus events and athletics for neighborhood residents.
Restaurants
A mix of casual, budget-friendly restaurants and coffee shops catering to the college community can typically be found near campus, along with easy access to the broader Sioux Falls dining scene.
Shopping
Everyday shopping is a short drive away, with the Empire Mall roughly 10-12 minutes out.
Safety
I won’t cite crime statistics without a current, verified source. The Augustana neighborhood generally has a quiet, established, campus-adjacent feel. As always, I’d encourage buyers to walk the specific block at different times of day and review sourced local data if safety is a top priority.
Commute
| Destination | Typical Commute |
|---|---|
| Downtown Sioux Falls | About 8-10 minutes |
| Medical District (Sanford/Avera) | About 5-10 minutes |
| Tea, SD | About 20 minutes |
| Harrisburg, SD | About 15-20 minutes |
| Brandon, SD | About 20-25 minutes |
| Hartford, SD | About 20-25 minutes |
| Airport | About 12-15 minutes |
Lifestyle
The Augustana neighborhood suits buyers who enjoy a college-town atmosphere — walking distance to campus events, athletics, and a young, active community — combined with established, tree-lined residential streets.
Local Expert Section
I’m Tyce Ortman, a Sioux Falls REALTOR® with the Jeff Merrill Team at eXp Realty. I recommend the Augustana neighborhood to buyers connected to the university — faculty, staff, or families of students — as well as anyone who simply likes the energy of living near a college campus.
My experience here has taught me to be upfront with buyers about which specific blocks lean more toward student rentals versus owner-occupied family homes, since that affects both daily life and resale expectations. On resale, well-maintained, owner-occupied homes on quieter blocks near campus have tended to draw strong interest. On school boundaries, I verify the current SFSD assignment for the specific address.
Future Growth
Augustana University continues to invest in its campus, which can influence surrounding property values and activity over time. I don’t have a specific, verified list of current university or city development projects to share with confidence, and I’d encourage buyers to confirm current status directly with the university or the City of Sioux Falls.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Augustana University?
It traces back to 1860 in Chicago and found its permanent Sioux Falls home on Summit Avenue in 1918.
How much do homes cost near Augustana?
Roughly $160K-$300K depending on size, condition, and rental status.
Are there student rentals near Augustana?
Yes, some homes closest to campus are used as student rentals; this varies block to block.
What is Old Main?
Old Main is Augustana’s first campus building, completed in 1889 at Summit Avenue and 28th Street.
Is the Augustana neighborhood walkable?
Yes, particularly around the university campus itself.
Is Augustana close to downtown?
Yes, about an 8-10 minute drive.
Are there new construction homes near Augustana?
Limited, given the established, built-out character of the area.
Is Augustana good for families?
It can be, particularly on quieter, owner-occupied blocks; families should ask about the specific street’s mix of rentals versus owner-occupied homes.
What school district serves this area?
The Sioux Falls School District for K-12; exact school assignment should be verified for the specific address.
Is Augustana close to Sanford or Avera?
Yes, both are roughly a 5-10 minute drive.
Is Augustana a good investment?
Its steady demand from university-connected buyers and renters has supported the area, though every investment decision should be run through current numbers.
Are there HOA fees near Augustana?
Generally no; this is an established, non-planned neighborhood.
What’s the biggest trade-off of living near Augustana?
Some student rental activity nearby, in exchange for a genuine college-town atmosphere and access to campus events and green space.
Related Sioux Falls Guides
Thinking About Buying Near Augustana?
If you’re thinking about buying a home near Augustana University, I’d be happy to give you honest advice, show you available homes, or help you compare it with other Sioux Falls neighborhoods. Call or text Tyce Ortman at 605-413-7903 or email tyceortman@gmail.com.
← Back to Sioux Falls Neighborhoods | See all Sioux Falls specializations
Tyce Ortman REALTOR 