$131,366Average Value$289Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes 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.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tina Irias,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Oscar Rose Park
Transit
Airport
Abilene Regional
10 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Original Town South
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Original Town South Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Original Town South, Abilene sell after 16 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Original Town South, Abilene over the last 12 months is $1,100,000, up 175% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming 3-Bedroom Home with Tons of Potential!This cute 3 bed, 1 bath home is full of possibilities—perfect for your next flip or a place to make your own! Featuring a spacious layout and a large, fully fenced backyard, there’s plenty of room to create your ideal living space. With great bones and a prime location, this home is a must-see for investors or first-time buyers looking to add
Vintage charm like no other! This beautifully updated 1927 Craftsman-style home is full of character and modern touches. With 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, and 1,641 sq ft, you’ll fall in love the moment you arrive—curb appeal for days and a classic front porch with a swing welcome you home. Inside, enjoy the warmth of original wood flooring, a decorative fireplace, and a to-die-for butler’s pantry. Recent
Investor Special with Big Potential at 1234 Palm St, Abilene, TX 79602! This property is a diamond in the rough, ready for the right investor to unlock its full potential. The exterior has already been updated with new windows, a new roof, and fresh siding, saving you major upfront costs. Inside, the home needs some TLC and vision to bring it back to life — a perfect opportunity for a
This cute 2 bedroom is sure to please. The rooms are large and spacious, open kitchen, and washer and dryer connections! Small to medium sized dogs allowed; no cats pleaseRequires tenant enrollment to the Tenant Benefit Package through Gerard Real Estate. Ask us for details. $39.00 a month.
UPSTAIRS UNIT! ONE BEDROOM! Window units provided for cooling; tenant to provide space heaters. Full size range provided, mini fridge provided. Full bathroom and large living room. The bedroom is the width of the entire unit: long and skinny complete with nice closet. Small furnishings only.....Grandmother's dining table will NOT fit through the door and up the stairs!
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tina Irias,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,160
Median Age
35
Population under 18
27.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$28,580
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$37,422
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
71.8%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
6.8%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.8%
% Population in Labor Force
62.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
25''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
97°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
47/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
61/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
