River Tower Apartments in Sioux Falls, SD

Pros

• The building is very nice, extremely clean, and has a very nice management team.
• The apartment is very nice and comfortable.
• Glenna runs the property like a well-oiled machine and genuinely wants tenants to be happy.
• River Tower is a great and affordable place to live, with maintenance issues resolved quickly.
• River Tower feels like a home, with amenities like a 24/7 on-site laundromat and secure mail.
• The staff is friendly and professional.
• The interiors are high-class and River Tower is among the best in Sioux Falls.
• The location offers a beautiful river view and is close to Falls Park.

Cons

• The apartment is one of the hardest to reach when phone service is off, and the security room's speaker box shows unavailable at this time.
• The gym and equipment are small.
• The only issue was parking.
• The neighboring Lloyd-owned building pushes snow into residents' trucks, showing a lack of care.
• The elevators from the 70s are dangerous and slow, not safe for elderly residents; remodeling is badly needed.
• Parking is inadequate, with limited spaces and frequent tows, making it expensive to retrieve a vehicle.
• The reviewer did not receive a full refund on two deposits.
• One reviewer called the building "Ghetto."
• The building is the eyesore of downtown; Lloyd Companies are going down the tubes fast with cheap labor and lazy management; avoid like the plague.
• The apartments are small.

Review

River Tower Apartments in downtown Sioux Falls is best suited for active, budget-conscious seniors who crave a walkable urban lifestyle and value a strong, responsive on-site team. The community shines where it counts: a well-regarded management presence (notably Glenna) that tenants describe as detail-oriented, welcoming, and consistently reliable on maintenance and problem-solving. The location along the riverfront, proximity to parks, and easy access to downtown amenities make it ideal for residents who want to step outside and enjoy daily activity rather than commute to a distant, purpose-built senior campus. It is straightforward to see who will thrive here: independent adults who can manage a smaller living space, appreciate included utilities, and prize a sense of belonging within a well-loved, albeit aging, downtown building.

Those considering alternatives should note a few clear realities. The property leans toward independent living rather than a full-service senior environment. If on-site care, supervised assistance, or larger, modern floor plans are non-negotiable, other communities with dedicated assisted living offerings will serve better. Parking can be a real friction point - some residents report difficulty finding a space, and there are accounts of towing practices that add stress after a long day. The building's age shows in certain areas: some units are compact, and the elevator infrastructure is dated, raising concerns for residents who require smooth, dependable accessibility. For families evaluating options, these factors often push the decision toward properties that provide more space, upgraded amenities, or guaranteed parking options.

The strongest pro is the management and the resident-centric culture that emerges in daily operation. Tenants repeatedly highlight how maintenance issues are handled quickly and how office staff, especially Glenna, cultivate a welcoming, people-first atmosphere. This translates into a reliable, low-drama living experience where neighbors mingle, requests are followed through, and the building feels like a home rather than a transaction. The affordability is tangible: heating and water are included, rents stay reasonable for a downtown location, and the on-site conveniences - 24/7 laundromat, mail room, and even a billiard table - gently elevate day-to-day life. For seniors who want a practical, no-nonsense backdrop to their routines, these factors carry substantial weight.

Another notable advantage is the setting and lifestyle texture. River Tower sits along the Sioux River with easy access to greenways and sunset walks, which can support an active daily cadence without long drives. The building itself is clean and consistently maintained, and residents often remark on the sense of security and the feeling of belonging that comes with a tight-knit community. Even within the smaller footprint of studio and one-bedroom layouts, residents find the space well-suited for individual living, with recent upgrades in some units (such as wood flooring) signaling ongoing attention to modernization without sacrificing affordability. The combination of a strong, collegial staff and a favorable downtown locale creates a practical, livable baseline.

Yet the drawbacks must be weighed honestly. The most impactful tradeoff is the size of the living spaces: studios and one-bedroom configurations that can feel cramped for those who value extra room or plan to host family members regularly. The aging infrastructure, particularly the elevator and general building age, raises legitimate concerns for seniors who require consistently reliable accessibility and worry-free mobility. Parking remains a recurring pain point for residents who drive, and the risk of towing costs adds an unfortunate layer of stress to daily life. If a resident's priorities include generous square footage, modernized elevators, and ample, guaranteed parking, River Tower will likely fall short of expectations.

In the end, River Tower Apartments deliver a dependable, value-forward option for independent seniors who prize location, a responsive management team, and a homey, social environment over luxury finishes or expansive floor plans. For families weighing assisted living paths, this community offers a viable fit for the active, self-sufficient phase of aging, especially when paired with external caregiving support. Those who need more robust on-site care, larger living spaces, or guaranteed parking should actively explore alternatives that provide updated interiors and stronger accessibility guarantees. Before deciding, visit with questions about current unit sizes, elevator maintenance schedules, and any upcoming remodeling plans to confirm alignment with personal care expectations and daily living needs. River Tower stands out for practical living well-executed, but the match depends on the priority placed on space, mobility, and parking practicality.

This area of Sioux Falls, South Dakota offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to seniors looking for convenience and entertainment. With a selection of restaurants ranging from upscale dining at Grille 100 and Verde Lounge to casual options like Bread & Circus Sandwich Kitchen, seniors can enjoy a diverse culinary experience. Nearby medical facilities such as Avera Downtown Center and Sanford Orthopedics & Sports Medicine provide easy access to healthcare services. Additionally, pharmacies like Lewis Drug and Avera Pharmacy ensure medication needs are met. The proximity to parks like Falls Park and McKennan Park offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, while the Sioux Falls Regional Airport provides convenient travel options. Places of worship such as Westminster Presbyterian Church and Hillcrest Baptist Church offer spiritual support, while cafes like All Day Cafe provide cozy spaces for socializing. Overall, this part of Sioux Falls presents a well-rounded environment for seniors seeking a vibrant community with essential amenities within reach.

Restaurants

• Grille 100 (0.1 miles)
• Verde Lounge (0.1 miles)
• R Wine Bar (0.2 miles)
• Icon Lounge + Events (0.2 miles)
• Bread & Circus Sandwich Kitchen (0.3 miles)
• MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub (0.3 miles)
• Bin 201 (0.4 miles)

Physicians

• East Bank Yoga: A Healing Arts Open Studio (0.1 miles)
• Avera Downtown Center (0.2 miles)
• Community Health Center (0.2 miles)
• Southeastern Directions For Life (0.2 miles)
• Richardson Family Medicine (1 miles)
• Medical Xray Center, PC (1.2 miles)
• Sanford Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (1.2 miles)

Hospitals

• The Body Mind Bridge (0.2 miles)
• Children's Care Hospital & School (2.1 miles)
• Prairie States Surgical Center (2.3 miles)
• Boehm Shereck, Lori (2.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Lewis - 10th & Phillips (0.2 miles)
• Lewis Drug (0.2 miles)
• Lewis Drug Stores (0.8 miles)
• Avera Pharmacy - Sioux Falls - Cliff Avenue (1.2 miles)
• Avera McKennan Campus Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)

Parks

• Falls Park (0.6 miles)
• Lyon Park (0.6 miles)
• McKennan Park (1.3 miles)
• Hole In Wall Park (3.1 miles)
• Yankton Trails Park (3.2 miles)

Transportation

• Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) (2.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Westminster Presbyterian Church (2.7 miles)
• Hillcrest Baptist Church (2.9 miles)

Cafes

• All Day Cafe (2.9 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.3 miles)

Theaters

• Century Theatres (3.1 miles)