$274,625Average Value$109Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Sought-after homes along the banks of Lake Decatur
Just two miles south of downtown Decatur, Southmoreland has the feel of an exclusive lakeside community. "It's an older neighborhood that's been very well-kept," says Linda Ray, a broker with Brinkoetter Realtors who has sold homes in the neighborhood. "Especially along the lake, there are some really nice, unique houses." Residents enjoy easy access to outdoor recreation at Nelson Park, and home prices are some of the most expensive in the city. Properties usually spend less than a week on the market, encouraging a sense of neighborhood pride among those who manage to snag a home here. "There's a sort of status associated with the neighborhood; it's a very sought-after place," Ray explains. "They even have their own special streetlamps in that area, which kind of plays into that idea."
Large yards at some of the city's highest prices
Though the area south of East Lake Shore Drive is considered one community, it can also be split into the Southmoreland and Eastmoreland neighborhoods. In Southmoreland, streets are named "Road 1" or "Road 2," and yards often exceed half an acre, creating a sense of privacy. All streets to the east are named some variation of "Eastmoreland," and homes are much closer together, with yards less than a quarter-acre. All homes in the area were built around the 1940s, with a few additions as late as the 1970s. Home styles are mainly midcentury ranch, though the larger properties along the water can come in more unique, contemporary designs. Prices are some of the most expensive in Decatur, ranging from $175,00 to $300,000. Lakeside homes typically go for $400,000 to $600,000 and can have more than 4,000 square feet.
Some homes in Southmoreland sit right on Lake Decatur with private boat slips.
Mid-Century ranch homes are the most common style in Southmoreland.
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Boat storage and flooding risks associated with lakeside living
Southmoreland is located on the banks of Lake Decatur, and homes along the shore usually have private docks. For those who don't live lakeside, there are a few community access points to the late, like the Commodore Decatur Yacht Club, less than a mile from all homes and offering sailing lessons, seasonal events, regattas and rentable boat slips. An annual Commodore membership and boat slip rental fee comes to around $400. A mile north, Nelson Park's Pier 36 has more extensive boat slip options, but prices are higher, usually around $1500 annually. Living along the lake also comes with a slight flood risk. Homes along the water's edge are in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area AE, which means they have a 1% annual chance of flooding, and flood insurance is usually required.
Fishermen at the Decatur Marina near Southmoreland get ready for the Bassmaster competition.
The Commodore Decatur Yacht Club near Southmoreland is a great place to sail from and dock.
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Open green space with possible development to come
There isn't a public park in the neighborhood, though there are a couple of open green spaces. "There's a common grassy area down by the lake that is only for Southmoreland residents," Ray says. "It's not like an official public park; there are no picnic tables or parking or anything, but it has nice lakeside views." Chandler Park, to the east of the neighborhood, is designated as a nature area with open land but no actual park amenities. In Decatur Park District's 2018 Master Plan, they outline a plan to turn Chandler Park into a mixed-use residential, retail and waterfront recreation space. As of 2024, construction has yet to begin on the project. For now, if locals want to experience a lively public park, they head up to Nelson Park, just over a mile away. With an outdoor amphitheater, water park and regular boating events, Nelson Park is the biggest lakeside recreation hub in the city.
Kids from Southmoreland head to Nelson Park for the great fishing.
The Southmoreland neighborhood offers homes with views of Lake Decatur.
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Public school zoning and Decatur's private options
Students in the neighborhood attend Muffley Elementary School and Stephen Decatur Middle School, which both get C-minus grades from Niche. Then it's on to Eisenhower High School, rated C-plus. The high school offers AP courses and dual enrollment with the local Richland Community College. Decatur also has a few private options, primarily faith-based schools. St. Patrick's Catholic School for kindergarten through eighth grade is just 2 miles away and provides each student with an iPad or Chromebook. St. Teresa High School, 4 miles away, has an A grade from Niche and has a 100% graduation rate.
Muffley Elementary School provides a safe environment for students from Southmoreland.
Near Southmoreland Stephen Decatur Middle School offers plenty of fun after school activities.
St. Teresa High School is a short drive from Southmoreland.
Eisenhower High School offers a space where students from Southmoreland can thrive.
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Head into downtown Decatur for dining out
The neighborhood has no restaurants, so residents travel 2 miles into downtown Decatur for a dinner out. In the heart of the city, The Gin Mill has a dimly lit interior filled with cozy booths, swanky chandeliers and leopard-print carpeting. It's on the pricier side but is one of the most popular spots in Decatur for steak and seafood. Right next door, Coney McKane's has a more low-key vibe, with comforting American fare and a standout selection of homemade pies. For grocery runs, residents are less than 2 miles from the south-side Kroger but must hop onto the highway to get there. There's also a Kroger and Walmart less than 4 miles away across Lost Bridge Road.
The Gin Mill is a popular restaurant with residents of Southmoreland.
Coney McKane’s is known for its warm environment is loved by residents of Southmoreland.
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Quick access to St. Mary's Hospital and Lost Bridge Road
Southmoreland is located right across the street from St. Mary's Hospital, a significant employer for the city. The hospital is undergoing a $90 million renovation project, expected to be completed in 2026. Southmoreland's mature tree cover helps shield the neighborhood from emergency vehicles and construction noise. The neighborhood is also conveniently located at the start of Lost Bridge Road, one of the five bridges across Lake Decatur. The bridge leads towards Mt. Zion and the Decatur Airport, which has regional-only flights.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
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Trevor Stevens
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On average, homes in Southmoreland, Decatur sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Southmoreland, Decatur over the last 12 months is $255,000, up 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience lakeside living at its finest with this well-maintained property featuring 100 feet of reinforced seawall and a 30-foot covered boat dock w/ electric hoist. The outdoor space offers a sparkling in-ground pool with solar cover, a decorative fence, expansive patio, and a charming gazebo for relaxation. Inside, you’ll find a welcoming floor plan with updated flooring, family room accented
This beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath lakefront estate blends 1940 craftsmanship with modern elegance. Situated on a huge lot with mature trees and refined landscaping, this property offers breathtaking lake views, direct access to the water, and a rebuilt dock with boat hoist. Inside, you’ll find hardwood floors, an updated granite kitchen, new windows, and a finished basement with an
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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.
