Our Town: Sioux Center
Written by Jennifer Jansen, Broker/Owner, Epic Realty, Sioux Center
Located in Sioux County, Sioux Center (population 7,579) is the place I get to call home. It’s a privilege to be part of a community where people truly care about each other, their property, and our kids. I think Sioux Center is special, because we have a spirit of generosity that runs deep and a seamless collaboration with the school systems and our City government. The atmosphere here is exceptional. We are all about growth, and our future is made even more vibrant with our ongoing spirit of teamwork.
If you’re coming to explore Sioux Center, I must confess that nothing starts my day better than grabbing a morning cup o’joe at two of our wonderful local establishments. You can’t beat the coffee at Fruited Plain, or Butlers. Both are tasty, and the service will have you walking out caffeinated and happy you chose to start your day there.
While lots of communities have a great library, I think the one here in Sioux Center is among our best hidden gems. A new building was built in 2007, making it a modern and interactive space to meet the needs of our growing community. Our library leaders do a phenomenal job of reaching a variety of interests through book clubs, and reading programs for kids, teens, and adults. They offer engaging summer programs, genealogy clubs, educational events and more. I can’t think of a better thing than to have your library be one of the busiest spots in town!
Love ball games? Me too, because DIAMONDS are a girl’s best friend! Our Sioux Center Parks Department received the 2017 and 2018 Diamond of the Year awards for turf management on our baseball and softball fields at Open Space Park. Our ball diamonds are gorgeous, and my hometown Warriors play great ball. Put on a hat, grab your sunscreen, and cue the music… “Take me out to the ballgame…” And if you’re hungry after catching a game, I highly recommend the fried pickles with chipotle ranch at The Ridge Grill as a great post-game snack. Add in a cold one and grab a seat on the patio for a lovely view of the golf course and a relaxing summer afternoon.
If you were looking for one word to describe Sioux Center, I’d tell you it’s collaboration. Our community continues to enjoy significant economic and population growth. As a mom, a business owner, and a taxpayer, it’s a joy to see our city leaders, public schools, the private elementary school, and Dordt University join forces to work together on endeavors and projects that make logistical or financial sense, like the collaboration that takes place to make Open Space Park an award winning facility. No one has their own fiefdom in Sioux Center; rather, there is a tremendous level of mutual respect and collaboration that recognizes we make all of our entities stronger by working together.
Finally, I love that we celebrate our community and collaborative efforts every spring! Our Spirit of Community Banquet is an annual event hosted by the City and Chamber of Commerce to recognize local citizens and businesses for their leadership in our community. We work hard to make our town great, and it’s important that we take time every year to shine a spotlight on the well-deserving and kind people that make Sioux Center so special.
For me, there’s no place like home, and I’m glad Sioux Center is the place my family and I get to do life. I hope you’ll stop and say hello if you’re passing through, or if you see me at the ball field. Go Warriors!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jennifer Jansen is the Broker/Owner of Epic Realty in Sioux Center. A busy wife, mom and community volunteer, Jennifer serves on the Executive Board of Sioux Center Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the Sioux Center Health Board, a 4-H leader, FFA Alumni President and volunteers at local ministries. Jennifer is currently President-Elect of the Northwest Iowa Regional Board of REALTORS® and will step into the shoes of President in the fall of 2019. According to Jennifer, they will be a CUTE pair of shoes, too. Jennifer’s favorite part of real estate is, “Getting to know my clients and understanding their needs; it is such a privilege to walk alongside them in these moments. There is no place like HOME!”
No one knows the in’s and out’s of our 13 counties and hundreds of communities like our REALTOR® members. Our Town is a monthly feature spotlighting the special places that make the NWIA region so unique.
