Siouxland Magazine - Volume 3 Issue 2

Back in the day, when I was just a young
boy, we took a ton of backroads to get from
Okoboji to Sioux City. I would stay for a week
a couple times a year with the Johnsons on Floyd
Blvd. I remember their home seemingly sat on the
highest point of Floyd and the massive sledding
hills we were so fortunate to go down. As a kid,
I felt like I was visiting a HUGE metropolis with
trains, stockyards, and old buildings. Boy, what a
transformation has occurred since then.
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The trip is so much easier by swiftly cruising down
Highway 60. We’re met with gorgeous new housing
developments, golf courses, incredible retail,
restaurants, event centers, the Hard Rock, and so
much more. It is jaw-dropping for this non-local
to see the progress and Sioux City’s opportunity
for growth. It’s an exciting time to invest in the
community and to be a part of a great team at RE/
MAX Preferred.
Okoboji Real Estate News
The Iowa Great Lakes continues to be the
most sought-after vacation home destination
in the Midwest. We’re fortunate to live in an area
that seems to have a shield against economic and
housing concerns like other parts of the United
States have faced the last 20 years. Property values
continue to rise through market crashes, poor ag
markets, and a worldwide pandemic. The real estate
market in Okoboji this year was strong. Low interest
rates have driven buying at a rapid pace.
Inventory is at all-time lows. Let’s check stats.
As of February 14, 2021 , there are only 3 homes
on West Lake for sale and only 1 condo. On
East Lake, 1 home and 2 condos. On the other 3
connecting lakes, Minnewashta, Lower Gar and
Upper Gar, there are zero, yes zero, properties on
the market. Finally, there are 3 Big Spirit listings,
and none priced at more than $450,000. I’ve
never witnessed such a limited inventory in
my life and front foot lakeshore is setting alltime
records. Perhaps there is no better example
Aerial view of The Inn.
of how strong the market is than Bridges Bay. Between
the hundreds of condos and cabins there, there are
ZERO on the market. This is crazy. It’s a great time to be
a seller, but can be frustrating to be a buyer.
If you’re a buyer looking for your Okoboji dream home,
I highly recommend working with a REALTOR. During
a tough supply time, they can be your eyes and ears.
If you’re one day late finding out about that
new listing, you are simply too late. More buying
opportunities are coming, but with a ton of competition.
Though some people refer to the University of Okoboji
as a mythical campus, nothing could be further from the
truth. If you believe in the spirit of Okoboji, as everyone
that steps their foot on campus does, you never want to
leave. Summers are filled with endless fun for families
and friends, and complete strangers develop lifelong
friendships. If you aren’t ready
to buy, then come for a week;
visit all the local businesses that
try so hard to make your stay
memorable. We look forward to
seeing you.
Aaron Jones,
Broker, RE/MAX Lakes Realty
“Siouxland’s Gateway to Okoboji”