$131,780Average Value$97Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
Historic living in South Downtown Abilene
Just south of downtown, Original Town South's historic homes and new developments draw in a younger crowd thanks to its proximity to McMurry University and Abilene's SoDA District. "This neighborhood has been a long-term project for Abilene," says John Hill, Broker and Co-Owner of Barnett & Hill, who has been a local since 1998. "Tim Smith, an agent with our brokerage, played a significant role in its revitalization." The SoDA District—short for South Downtown Abilene—might be small, but it's growing rapidly, thanks to local efforts. "They call me Soda Pop," says Tim Smith, a Realtor with Barnett & Hill and an unofficial ambassador of the district. Smith has been a key advocate for the area's transformation and co-owns several local businesses, including KAO Lounge and The SoDA District Courtyard, a premier event space and Airbnb. "We're a quirky little corner just south of downtown, with an eclectic mix of venues like Abilene Axe Throwing Company, The Mill Winery, KAO Lounge and The Darkhorse Dance Hall."
Browse through treasures and collectibles at Vintage Marketplace in Original Town South.
The stunning First Baptist Church is a cherished historical site in Original Town South.
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A growing night life in The SoDA District
Abandoned buildings in Original Town South are being remodeled, transforming the area into an extension of downtown Abilene. The SoDA District, which forms the neighborhood's northern side, has seen a surge of new life over the last decade, introducing vibrant nightlife to the city. Breweries, wine bars, an axe-throwing venue and a saloon keep locals entertained, with most spots opening after 5 p.m. With its chic setting of exposed brick walls, leather seating and statement artwork, KAO Lounge offers a trendy escape that makes residents forget they're in a small Texas town. "It's this back alley bar that's hard to find, but once you do, you can't help but remember it," Smith says. "It has a speakeasy feel, and we use all fresh-squeezed juices." Just a few blocks east on Locust Street, The Mill Wine Bar & Event Center extends its industrial warehouse vibe to an outdoor patio where patrons can sip local wines in mini silos under twinkling lights and the warmth of a fire. "A few businesses share a parking lot with Grace Point Church, and Pastor Rich has always supported the revitalization efforts," Smith adds. The neighborhood's southern corridor along Butternut Street includes a Dollar General, Family Dollar, and an H-E-B less than a mile west on Barrow Street.
The bartender at Kao Lounge crafts unique cocktails, creating a fun and inviting atmosphere.
Pool and axe throwing make this spot in Original Town North a fun hangout for friends.
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New residential developments include The Quarters on Pecan
Sweet street names like Butternut and Peach Street add character to Original Town South. This area features some of the city's oldest homes, including Craftsman bungalows and minimal traditional cottages built in the early 1900s. "Buying old houses here is a mixed bag," Hill notes. "Some are well-maintained, while others need significant work like new pipes or electrical updates." Sidewalks are sparse and often overgrown, and while street parking is typical, most homes have driveways or carports, with RVs occasionally parked alongside. Home prices range from $115,000 for fixer-uppers to $235,000 for remodeled properties. The neighborhood is also evolving with the addition of The Quarters on Pecan, a collection of modern townhomes built in 2020, with more on the way. "A developer friend of mind, Lynn Beal, said he wanted to build homes in the back of our SoDA Courtyard, and I was very encouraging. He plans to build more," Smith continues. "There are six and a half acres of land east of the courtyard that I hope will turn into development. We are hoping to draw more urban dwellers."
Newly built homes line this street, adding a fresh vibe to the character of Original Town South.
This sleek, stylish home offers a contemporary feel in the heart of historic Abilene.
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Just a short drive from Oscar Rose Park
Original Town South has no parks but is home to Prep Academy Dance Studio Abilene, which hosts classes and dance camps during the summer. Less than 2 miles west, Oscar Rose Park's water park, Adventure Cove, is Abilene's top summertime attraction, especially for the kids. With its three colorful water slides, interactive splash zones and lazy river, the small fee is worth the price to beat the dry West Texas heat.
Lively nights line dancing at Darkhorse Dance Hall
Up-and-coming and eager to keep pace with downtown's momentum, Original Town South's SoDA District may only host a few events, but as the area grows, so will its festivities. During the holidays, the district hosts "A Very Merry SoDA Christmas," a family-friendly art market with live music and visits from Santa Claus. "Darkhorse Dance Hall is a classic country-western bar with dart boards, a huge dance floor, and live music on weekends," Smith says.
Education with Abilene Independent School District
Original Town South is part of the Abilene Independent School District, one of two districts in the city, serving around 15,000 students and earning a B-plus rating from Niche. Depending on their residence, students may be zoned to either B-ranked Bowie Elementary or Thomas Elementary, which holds a B-plus grade. Madison Middle School and Craig Middle School have B-minus ratings and solid competitive sports and STEM programs. Cooper High School is rated a B-plus and is known for its spirited rivalry with Abilene High School, where teams face off in football games and tennis tournaments. The neighborhood is also about a mile from McMurry University, the city's second-largest four-year university.
Cooper High School instills Cougar Pride in the students who attend there.
Students are greeted by the inviting spire entrance at Thomas Elementary School.
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8 miles from Dyess Air Force Base
South 1st Street is where the train passes through Abilene, and its whistle can be heard from a mile away. Dyess Air Force Base, the city's largest employer, is just an eight-mile drive. While bus stops for the CityLink service are easily accessible throughout the neighborhood, most residents rely on their cars to get around. The area is within five miles of Abilene's major highways, including US Highway 83, U.S. Route 84 and Texas Loop 322. Flights to Dallas are convenient from Abilene Regional Airport, just five miles east, and medical care is easily accessible two miles north at Hendrick Health.
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On average, homes in Original Town South, Abilene sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Original Town South, Abilene over the last 12 months is $119,900, down 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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