Old Orchard Neighborhood Guide

Introduction

Old Orchard is a quiet, wooded neighborhood about three miles from downtown Sioux Falls, bordered by parkland along the Big Sioux River. Mature trees, well-kept homes, and abundant flora and fauna give it a genuinely woodsy atmosphere for a neighborhood this close to the city.

As a Sioux Falls REALTOR®, I point buyers who want a quiet, nature-oriented setting with strong schools toward Old Orchard.

Who Should Live in Old Orchard

Old Orchard fits buyers who want a spacious, roughly half-acre lot, mature trees, proximity to riverside parkland, and access to some of Sioux Falls’s highest-rated schools.

Who Probably Shouldn’t

Buyers who want a small, low-maintenance lot or a fully walkable urban setting should consider other Sioux Falls neighborhoods.

Overall Vibe and History

Old Orchard sits northwest of Sycamore Avenue and southwest of Frank Olson Park, with about 922 residents according to Census data. Homes range from large traditional-style new builds with brick, vinyl, and stone facades to more modest ranch-style houses, all generally set on spacious lots averaging around half an acre. Neighbors consistently cite the atmosphere, cleanliness, quiet, and natural setting as the area’s biggest draws.

Location

Old Orchard is located roughly three miles from downtown Sioux Falls, bordered by Big Sioux River parkland.

Destination	Typical Drive Time
Downtown Sioux Falls	About 10 minutes
Sanford USD Medical Center	About 10-12 minutes
Avera McKennan Hospital	About 12-15 minutes
Empire Mall	About 15 minutes
Sioux Falls Regional Airport	About 10-12 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

Old Orchard offers a mix of large, traditional-style new builds and more modest ranch homes, generally on spacious, roughly half-acre lots.

Housing Type	Typical Price Range	Notes
Single-family homes	Median sale price around $399,900 over the past 12 months	Mix of large new builds and modest ranch homes

Some newer construction exists alongside established homes. Lot sizes here are notably larger than in many other Sioux Falls neighborhoods.

What Buyers Should Know Before Purchasing in Old Orchard

Because lots here run larger than average, I always factor in additional yard maintenance and, if relevant to a specific property, proximity to the river corridor and any floodplain considerations, which buyers should verify for the exact address.

Schools

Old Orchard is associated with Harvey Dunn Elementary and Washington High School, which has been ranked among the top public high schools in South Dakota. As always, I verify the current attendance-boundary assignment for a specific address before a client relies on it.

Parks & Recreation

Old Orchard is close to Frank Olson Park, Pasley Park, Norlin Greenway Park, and Morningside Park, which together offer multi-use trails, playgrounds, and sports facilities, along with the riverside parkland that borders the neighborhood itself.

Restaurants

Old Orchard is primarily residential, with dining options available a short drive away.

Shopping

Everyday shopping is a short drive away, with the Empire Mall roughly 15 minutes out.

Safety

I won’t cite crime statistics without a current, verified source. Old Orchard has a strong reputation as a quiet, family-friendly, well-maintained neighborhood. 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 10 minutes
Medical District (Sanford/Avera)	About 10-15 minutes
Tea, SD	About 20-25 minutes
Harrisburg, SD	About 20-25 minutes
Brandon, SD	About 15-20 minutes
Hartford, SD	About 25 minutes
Airport	About 10-12 minutes

Lifestyle

Old Orchard suits buyers who want a quiet, nature-oriented lifestyle — mature trees, riverside parkland, and larger lots — without giving up a reasonably short commute into the city.

Local Expert Section

I’m Tyce Ortman, a Sioux Falls REALTOR® with the Jeff Merrill Team at eXp Realty. I recommend Old Orchard to buyers who tell me they want to feel like they’re living near nature without leaving Sioux Falls — the riverside parkland and mature trees here are hard to match.

My experience here has taught me to walk the specific lot with buyers, since size and tree cover vary meaningfully from property to property. On resale, homes closest to the river parkland and neighborhood parks have tended to draw the strongest buyer interest. On school boundaries, I verify the current SFSD assignment for the specific address.

Future Growth

Old Orchard is a largely established neighborhood with some newer construction. I don’t have a specific, verified list of planned development projects to share with confidence, and I’d encourage buyers to confirm current status directly with the City of Sioux Falls.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do homes cost in Old Orchard?

The median sale price over the past 12 months was around $399,900.

What schools serve Old Orchard?

Harvey Dunn Elementary and Washington High School are commonly associated with the area; exact assignment should be verified for the specific address.

Is Old Orchard close to the river?

Yes, it’s bordered by parkland along the Big Sioux River.

How large are lots in Old Orchard?

Lots average around half an acre, larger than many other Sioux Falls neighborhoods.

Is Old Orchard close to downtown?

Yes, about a 10-minute drive.

What parks are near Old Orchard?

Frank Olson Park, Pasley Park, Norlin Greenway Park, and Morningside Park.

Is Old Orchard good for families?

Yes, it’s frequently described as quiet, family-friendly, and well-maintained.

Are there new construction homes in Old Orchard?

Yes, some large new builds exist alongside more established ranch-style homes.

What school district serves Old Orchard?

The Sioux Falls School District; exact school assignment should be verified for the specific address.

Is Old Orchard a good investment?

Its strong schools, larger lots, and natural setting have supported steady demand, though every investment decision should be run through current numbers.

Are there HOA fees in Old Orchard?

This varies by specific development within Old Orchard.

What’s the biggest draw of living in Old Orchard?

Mature trees, riverside parkland, and spacious lots, combined with strong schools and a short commute to downtown.

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Thinking About Buying in Old Orchard?

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Old Orchard, 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.

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