Sioux Falls isn’t just growing—it’s expanding into new territory. As the city expands outward, new neighborhoods like SouthLoop and 41Ellis are taking shape, offering buyers the chance to get in early and be part of something from the ground up. And while these areas might still have a few construction signs and unpaved corners, they represent something bigger: opportunity. Not just in terms of choosing your lot or finishes, but in long-term value, neighborhood influence, and the chance to help shape the character of a community before it’s fully formed.
Empire’s Role in Community Building
We're not just here to build houses and pour sidewalks. Empire Homes plays a hands-on role in designing neighborhoods that truly work—with thoughtfully planned streets, access to schools, future trails and green space, and homes that aren’t just carbon copies of one another. From land development to layout, every choice is intentional.
Take plat planning, for example. Before any construction starts, we work closely with city planners to determine how traffic will flow through the neighborhood, where public spaces can be added, and how best to integrate infrastructure like stormwater management or utility lines. This behind-the-scenes work often goes unnoticed, but it’s exactly what separates a patch of land from a true community.
When you move into one of our new developments, you’re stepping into something with structure, not just open land. We work ahead so that buyers already know their home’s address, have access to lot maps, and can see how their home fits into the bigger picture—even when things are still under construction. That kind of planning doesn’t just reduce stress—it adds long-term value.
Growth Zone Picks: SouthLoop and 41Ellis
In SouthLoop, located near 69th and Sycamore, early development is happening alongside major infrastructure like Veterans Parkway. That road expansion isn’t just about traffic—it’s a sign of bigger things ahead for this side of town: new schools, commercial growth, and rising property value. Historically, areas near major infrastructure improvements tend to see increased interest and long-term growth, and SouthLoop is well-positioned along that path.
Located within the Harrisburg School District and less than a mile from Horizon Elementary, it’s ideal for young families seeking easy access to amenities while enjoying a peaceful neighborhood. The surrounding area is poised for further growth, with commercial developments and community parks likely to follow in the next phase of city expansion. For buyers ready to settle in, this area is where you can see a neighborhood really starting to take shape.
41Ellis, set near 41st Street and Ellis Road in southwest Sioux Falls, offers the best of both worlds: a calm, suburban setting that’s still close to shops, restaurants, and recreation. Located in the Tea School District, it’s part of a well-established education system that continues to expand alongside the city. This pocket of Sioux Falls has seen steady population growth and is drawing both local businesses and public infrastructure support—two strong signals that this neighborhood will only become more desirable over time.
Access to grocery stores, healthcare providers, and recreational amenities like parks and sports complexes continues to improve in this part of town. For buyers who want both daily convenience and long-term potential, 41Ellis offers a rare combination.
These communities are still taking shape—which means you still have options. And options matter. Especially when you’re looking for a specific layout, want to choose your finishes, or care about where your home sits on the block.
Design Meets Opportunity
Getting in early doesn’t mean settling. In fact, it’s often the opposite. Our new neighborhoods include a range of Empire floor plans designed to flex with your lifestyle:
Multi-bedroom homes for growing households
Main-level living options for long-term comfort
Flex rooms and bonus spaces that make work-from-home or guest hosting easier
Smart design isn’t just about style—it’s about resale, usability, and value over time. Floor plans that accommodate life changes (like remote work, aging in place, or growing families) are increasingly in demand, and Empire homes are designed with that kind of versatility in mind.
And when you buy before a home is finished, you can still personalize the details that matter—like cabinets, countertops, and flooring. It’s not a blank slate, but it is a chance to make it your own without starting from scratch.
Why It’s Worth Looking Early
New neighborhoods aren’t for everyone—but they’re often a smart move for people thinking long-term. You may have to look past a few piles of dirt and an unfinished sidewalk or two, but the upside is clear: better pricing, more choice, and a chance to be part of something from the beginning.
Early buyers often benefit from phased pricing, where the cost of similar homes rises as the neighborhood fills in. That first wave of buyers also helps shape the tone of the community—whether it’s through landscaping choices, involvement in HOAs, or simply being the first to say hello on the sidewalk.
If you’re planning to buy in the next 6–12 months, don’t overlook the spots that are still coming together. Because by the time they’re “done,” the opportunity to choose your lot, your plan, or your finishes may be long gone. In neighborhoods like SouthLoop and 41Ellis, being early isn’t just about moving fast—it’s about thinking ahead.