On the banks of Lake Decatur's southernmost basin, the South Shores neighborhood offers a classic suburban feel. A mix of home styles is found among a network of parks, churches and schools. It's an active community that posts on Nextdoor about garage sales and missing dogs. And it's a relatively safe area of Decatur, with a CAP Index Crime Score of 3 out of 10, less than any neighborhood closer to the city center. "I've lived in South Shores the majority of my life," says Kristi Mullinix, the principal at South Shores Elementary School. "As a kid, we would go on vacation and not even lock our doors."
South Shores is located just south of Lake Decatur.
Mature trees provide shade for South Shores residents.
1/2
Midcentury ranch homes come at affordable starter prices
On the suburban streets of South Shores, well-maintained midcentury homes come with compact lawns and detached garages. "The homes in that area are spaced a little tight, but that kind of leads to this tight-knit community feel," says Shelby Younker, a Realtor with Agency One & Real Estate who has sold several homes in the neighborhood. Residents decorate for Halloween, and kids ride bikes to visit friends. There are a few sidewalks, but being on the other side of the lake from the rest of the city means it's not a busy area. "There's a mix of home styles there, with plenty of smaller options for first-time homebuyers," Younker says. Most properties are ranch-style homes from the 1950s to '70s that hardly ever get over 2,000 square feet. In fact, many of them are less than 1,000 square feet. Prices start around $75,000 and can get up to $175,000 for larger homes or lakeside properties.
Ranch homes can be found throughout South Shores.
South Shores homes are mostly split-level and bi-level styles.
1/2
Kids can walk to a public or private elementary school
Neighborhood kids attend South Shores Elementary School, which gets a C-minus rating from Niche. The school is within the neighborhood and hosts community events like a back-to-school picnic and Thanksgiving dinner. "I went to South Shores, and when I was a kid, I would walk out the school door and be right onto the street I lived on," Mullinix says. "Then I taught here for 17 years, and now I'm the principal." Right next door to South Shores, the Holy Family Catholic School is a private option for kindergarten through eighth grade. The faith-based school also offers preschool and extended care options. Older students attend Decatur Middle, rated C-minus, and Eisenhower High, rated C-plus. South Shores is also home to the Garfield Learning Academy, which hosts Dennis Lab School kids until their school is renovated in 2025.
South Shores Elementary School is an excellent school for all types of students.
Holy Family Catholic School creates an inspiring atmosphere for learning.
1/2
Baseball, pickleball and golf at local parks
The central South Shores Park is popular for after-school playdates since it borders South Shores Elementary and Holy Family Catholic School. The park offers tennis/pickleball courts, a playground and five baseball diamonds. Since it has pavilions and a restroom, Decatur's Youth Baseball & Softball program occasionally uses this park for practice. However, most of their games are at Rotary Park, just a mile from the neighborhood. Also within a quick drive is Red Tail Run Golf Course, which has five different tee locations for various difficulties.
From Little League to adult leagues, everyone loves baseball at PARK.
Red Tail Run Golf Club is located just minutes from South Shores.
1/2
Most of the lakeside is restricted to private land
Though South Shores borders Lake Decatur, most of the coast in this area is private property. The one public access point is Fisherman's Wharf, a small dock with benches frequented by avid anglers. The lake is stocked regularly with fish, notably bass and walleye species. But locals must hop in the car for parks that offer more extensive lakeside access. It's a 3-mile drive over to Nelson Park, where it's common to see boat races, fishing tournaments and seasonally themed boat parades just off the shore. Even though South Shores is close to the water, none of the homes are under a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area.
South Shores provides residents with affordable lakeside living.
South Shores residents enjoy life on the lake.
1/2
A grocery store and restaurants within the neighborhood
At the north of the neighborhood, the South Towne Plaza offers shopping and dining options less than a mile from most homes. "One thing I like about this neighborhood is that homes are so conveniently close to shopping centers," Younker says. "You don't have to drive for miles for a gallon of milk." There's a Kroger for grocery runs, several pharmacies and familiar chains like Subway or Dairy Queen. The Wharf Kitchen & Bar has a cozy feel with a central firepit, and an outdoor patio lit by string lights. There are several pizza places, too, and the Mexican restaurant Guadalajara is known for its Monster Margaritas. For more shopping and dining, downtown Decatur is only 2 miles away.
The Wharf is a popular restaurant in South Towne Plaza near South Shores.
South Shores residents shop for groceries at the local Kroger.
1/2
Quick trips to downtown across the US 51 bridge
The 2-mile commute into downtown comes with sweeping views of Lake Decatur as US Route 51 crosses the water. The bridge is by far the most direct way into the city, and luckily, it is usually clear of traffic. For those looking for a car-free commute, a bus line connects from the South Towne Plaza to downtown in about 10 minutes. There are bus stops along the same line throughout the neighborhood, putting most homes within walking distance of a stop.
South Shores residents have quick access to the parks of downtown Decatur.
Travel around South Shores is easy thanks to the local bus system.
1/2
Potential noise in this otherwise quiet spot
The Decatur Fire Department Station 6 is located along the main road north of the neighborhood, so the emergency vehicles rarely disturb the neighborhood's peace. However, a train track runs along the southwest side of the neighborhood and brings some noise to the area.
Residents of South Shores have quick access to all the amenities the lake provides.
South Shores residents have quick access to numerous lakeside walking paths.
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
Are you familiar with the South Shores neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
South Shores
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
South Shores Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South Shores, Decatur sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in South Shores, Decatur over the last 12 months is $115,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This inviting 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath raised ranch has so much to offer! With laminate or hardwood flooring throughout, the home already has a great foundation—just add your finishing touches to make it truly shine. The spacious basement is easily finishable, giving you endless possibilities for additional living space, a rec room, workshop, or whatever fits your lifestyle. Tons of potential for
Welcome home to this charming 3-bedroom ranch tucked into a quiet, desirable South Shores location. This well-maintained home features a fenced backyard perfect for pets and play, plus a 2-car attached garage for added convenience. Inside, the bright kitchen area opens to sliders leading to the deck—an ideal spot for morning coffee, evening relaxation, or entertaining guests. A backyard shed
Welcome to 19 La Salle Drive in Decatur's desirable South Shores neighborhood! This charming 3 bedroom, 1 bath home is move-in ready with a long list of valuable updates. Step inside to find fresh paint throughout the main level and basement, giving the home a clean, modern feel. Major upgrades include a new roof with gutter guards in 2024, a new water heater in 2025, and a new furnace installed
Spacious Condo on a private cul-de sac in South Shores. This 2-BR/2-Bath features a cozy, gas-Fireplace in the living room and a walk-in closet in the Master bedroom and personal laundry room. Conveniently located within the Imboden Creek Campus, allowing you access to events and Dining opportunities at the Imboden Creek Gardens Assisted Living. All Utilities are Included in your monthly fee,
Assisted Living at it's Finest! This Premier 55+ community offers All-Inclusive amenities, such as 3 restaurant style meals served daily in a lovely dining room along with 24 hr day staffing to assist with your needs. You will love the versatile activities scheduled each day. Your Studio apt. includes your own refrigerator/freezer and microwave in your kitchenette and your own personal Nursing
Assisted Living at it's Finest! This Premier 55+ community offers All-Inclusive amenities, such as 3 restaurant style meals served daily in a lovely dining room along with 24 hr day staffing to assist with your needs. You will love the versatile activities scheduled each day. Your 1-Bedroom appt. includes your own refrigerator/freezer and microwave in your kitchenette and your own personal
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.
