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Back in the day, when I was just a young<br />
boy, we took a ton of backroads to get from<br />
Okoboji to Sioux City. I would stay for a week<br />
a couple times a year with the Johnsons on Floyd<br />
Blvd. I remember their home seemingly sat on the<br />
highest point of Floyd and the massive sledding<br />
hills we were so fortunate to go down. As a kid,<br />
I felt like I was visiting a HUGE metropolis with<br />
trains, stockyards, and old buildings. Boy, what a<br />
transformation has occurred since then.<br />
<strong>Siouxland</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> |EXPLORE/ 55<br />
The trip is so much easier by swiftly cruising down<br />
Highway 60. We’re met with gorgeous new housing<br />
developments, golf courses, incredible retail,<br />
restaurants, event centers, the Hard Rock, and so<br />
much more. It is jaw-dropping for this non-local<br />
to see the progress and Sioux City’s opportunity<br />
for growth. It’s an exciting time to invest in the<br />
community and to be a part of a great team at RE/<br />
MAX Preferred.<br />
Okoboji Real Estate News<br />
The Iowa Great Lakes continues to be the<br />
most sought-after vacation home destination<br />
in the Midwest. We’re fortunate to live in an area<br />
that seems to have a shield against economic and<br />
housing concerns like other parts of the United<br />
States have faced the last 20 years. Property values<br />
continue to rise through market crashes, poor ag<br />
markets, and a worldwide pandemic. The real estate<br />
market in Okoboji this year was strong. Low interest<br />
rates have driven buying at a rapid pace.<br />
Inventory is at all-time lows. Let’s check stats.<br />
As of February 14, 2021 , there are only 3 homes<br />
on West Lake for sale and only 1 condo. On<br />
East Lake, 1 home and 2 condos. On the other 3<br />
connecting lakes, Minnewashta, Lower Gar and<br />
Upper Gar, there are zero, yes zero, properties on<br />
the market. Finally, there are 3 Big Spirit listings,<br />
and none priced at more than $450,000. I’ve<br />
never witnessed such a limited inventory in<br />
my life and front foot lakeshore is setting alltime<br />
records. Perhaps there is no better example<br />
Aerial view of The Inn.<br />
of how strong the market is than Bridges Bay. Between<br />
the hundreds of condos and cabins there, there are<br />
ZERO on the market. This is crazy. It’s a great time to be<br />
a seller, but can be frustrating to be a buyer.<br />
If you’re a buyer looking for your Okoboji dream home,<br />
I highly recommend working with a REALTOR. During<br />
a tough supply time, they can be your eyes and ears.<br />
If you’re one day late finding out about that<br />
new listing, you are simply too late. More buying<br />
opportunities are coming, but with a ton of competition.<br />
Though some people refer to the University of Okoboji<br />
as a mythical campus, nothing could be further from the<br />
truth. If you believe in the spirit of Okoboji, as everyone<br />
that steps their foot on campus does, you never want to<br />
leave. Summers are filled with endless fun for families<br />
and friends, and complete strangers develop lifelong<br />
friendships. If you aren’t ready<br />
to buy, then come for a week;<br />
visit all the local businesses that<br />
try so hard to make your stay<br />
memorable. We look forward to<br />
seeing you.<br />
Aaron Jones,<br />
Broker, RE/MAX Lakes Realty<br />
“<strong>Siouxland</strong>’s Gateway to Okoboji”