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Southside

Southside

Suburban Neighborhood in Decatur, Illinois

Macon County 62521

$227,130 Average Value
$89 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

A quiet suburb with plenty of outdoor attractions

Located on the southern edge of Decatur, Southside shares its name with the local country club that has served the community for more than 100 years. Although some homes are part of the country club, much of the neighborhood isn't directly associated. In fact, there are diverse living options here, from starter ranch-style homes to 55-plus communities. What all these options have in common is a sense of being tucked away from city life. Yards tend to come large, and streets have an almost rural feel. "It's a nice and quiet area," says Decatur City Councilman David Horn. "Not only are you on the outskirts of the city, you are also near two of the largest conservation areas in our county." Between hiking in the wild and playing golf on the country club's manicured fairways, many lifestyles are available in Southside. Plus, the neighborhood scores a 1 out of 10 CAP Index Crime Score, one of the lowest in all of Decatur.

Lighted sports facilities are available at Rotary Park.
Lighted sports facilities are available at Rotary Park.
Southside is a quiet quaint neighborhood which is perfect for walks and jogs.
Southside is a quiet quaint neighborhood which is perfect for walks and jogs.
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Country club cottages and rustic ranch styles

Most homes here date between the 1950s and 1980s, although a few empty lots are still being filled with new construction in the 2020s. The neighborhood has an almost rural feel, with half-acre yards and private driveways. Prices for single-family homes range from $70,000 to $200,000, depending on size and renovations. Southside is also home to the private 55-plus community, The Gardens, built in 2010. The Gardens has stone-sided ranch homes from $275,000 to $300,000. Community fees are around $1,800, and there are both assisted and independent living options available. For homebuyers interested in the country club, they can't get much closer than the South Side Cottage Community. These quaint cottages sit seconds from the golf course, and residents must also purchase a country club membership. “The cottage community is so peaceful, and it feels like you are living on a resort,” says Bill Van Alstine, a long-time resident. “We mostly use golf carts to get around, and you can fish in the lake.” Homes here often sell through word of mouth, usually for $70,00 to $250,000.

You can find plenty of modest cottage houses in Southside.
You can find plenty of modest cottage houses in Southside.
Southside has many ranch homes adorning the manicured front lawns.
Southside has many ranch homes adorning the manicured front lawns.
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Amenities and membership fees at the South Side Country Club

Though it doesn't define all the neighborhoods here, the South Side Country Club is a main attraction of this side of the city. The club has served the Decatur community for over 100 years, offering fine dining, a pool and an 18-hole golf course. Community events range from horse races on the Fourth of July to the weekly Friday Fish Fry at the club's restaurant. Membership fees can vary, but a typical single-person membership is $375 monthly, with a golf membership coming to around $540 monthly.

Southside residents can join the exclusive Southside Country Club.
Southside residents can join the exclusive Southside Country Club.
Many of the streets in Southside are privately owned by the Southside Country Club.
Many of the streets in Southside are privately owned by the Southside Country Club.
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Cross-country skiing and horseback riding in nature areas

Southside sits about 3 miles from both Sand Creek Open Space Reservation and Rock Creek Conservation Area, two of the largest natural areas near Decatur. "People go to Rock Springs more for the nature center and environmental education programs, and they also have cross-country skiing in the winter," Horn says. "But one of the unique things about Sand Creek is that there are horseback riding trails." The neighborhood is also less than a mile from Rotary Park, a baseball and softball complex. And for locals who don't want to spring for South Side Country Club's membership, the public Red Tail Run Golf Course is right next door to Rotary Park.

Southside is a picturesque example of what the quiet suburban life could look like.
Southside is a picturesque example of what the quiet suburban life could look like.
Southside residents can enjoy a quiet life surrounded by many trees and foliage.
Southside residents can enjoy a quiet life surrounded by many trees and foliage.
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Get sorted into four houses at American Dreamer STEM Academy

Students may attend South Shores Elementary School, which gets a C-minus rating from Niche. They can advance to Stephen Decatur Middle, rated C-minus, and MacArthur High, rated C. The neighborhood is also less than a mile from the American Dreamer STEM Academy, one of Decatur's three magnet schools. This kindergarten through eighth-grade school offers hands-on projects in STEM-related fields. Fans of Harry Potter might enjoy their first day at school when they are sorted into one of four houses. Houses work together on competitions and community projects, uniting students of all ages.

South Shores Elementary School is an excellent school for all types of students.
South Shores Elementary School is an excellent school for all types of students.
Stephen Decatur Middle School is an excellent school for all students of Southside.
Stephen Decatur Middle School is an excellent school for all students of Southside.
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Familiar faces at local dive bars

The South Towne Plaza, 2 miles north, is the go-to spot for errand runs thanks to its Kroger and Walgreens. The center also has a few restaurants, including chain favorites like Subway and Dairy Queen. Guadalajara is known for its Monster Margaritas, and The Wharf Kitchen & Bar has a rustic hole-in-the-wall vibe with standout chicken wings. There are a few other places nearby with a similar neighborhood bar feel. The Crowbar has lively karaoke nights, and Friendly Bar & Grill hosts a pool league. These spots don't usually attract a tourist crowd; they are the kind of places where bartenders get to know familiar faces.

Drop by downtown's Decatur Brew Works near Southside for live music and great drinks
Drop by downtown's Decatur Brew Works near Southside for live music and great drinks
Southside residents can visit GK9 Wine & Spirits to taste their array of fine liquors.
Southside residents can visit GK9 Wine & Spirits to taste their array of fine liquors.
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A car-dependent area

There is no public transportation in Southside, so it's a car-dependent area. Downtown Decatur is about 4 miles north, and the fastest route leads over Lake Decatur. Residents must travel several miles to connect with major interstates, and the Decatur Airport is an 8-mile drive away. The airport only has regional flights.

Catherine Lashley
Written By
Catherine Lashley
Josue Johnson
Photography Contributed By
Josue Johnson
Marcus Rosendoll
Video By
Marcus Rosendoll

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Schools

Source:
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

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Parks in this Area

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Southside US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 1 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$165,000
Median Single Family Price
$157,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$89
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
15
Months of Supply
3.20
Median List Price
$180,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
6%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
174
Median Year Built
1992
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,220
Above the national average
1,937
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,534

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Dana Price, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
698
Median Age
54
Population under 18
17.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
34.1%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$92,788
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$100,519

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.2%
College Graduates
27%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.5%
% Population in Labor Force
55.7%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
3''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

22 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

6 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Southside