Timeless charm just north of Jackson’s Ella Sharp Park
What puts the “Park” in Parkside, one of the residential communities on the south end of Jackson, Michigan? That’d be Ella Sharp Park, one of the city’s primary hubs for recreation and education. Amenities like a golf course, pickleball courts, lighted ball fields, museums and festivals with sheep and hot-air balloons make the area a local favorite. Located just north of the park, the neighborhood has a quaint residential feel with mid-20th century homes and a family-friendly atmosphere. “It’s really close to the middle school, so you’ll see a lot of families out here, kids walking to class and such,” says Matt Schaffer, the museum assistant at the Ella Sharp Museum.
Jackson and surrounding residents widely use Ella Sharp Park Golf Course.
The Falling Waters Trail connects to the Inter-City Bike Trail in Jackson is great for bikers.
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Mid-century ranch homes and traditional housing
Buyers can find ranch-style homes built from the 1950s to the 1970s and earlier houses with traditional styles in Parkside. Properties are on the smaller side, with the area’s largest homes hovering just above 2,000 square feet. Overall, the single-family homes average 960 square feet. Rentals make up about half of community, with the Alpine Lake Apartments complex located across from the middle school. Properties in the area tend to sell quickly, with an average of only 8 days from list to close. Prices generally range from $141,000 to $235,000.
Homes neatly line the streets of the Parkside neighborhood.
Owners take great pride in maintaining their homes in Parkside.
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Students walk to Middle School at Parkside
Students in Parkside and across Jackson can enroll at Jackson Public Schools or other public school districts in Jackson County through the school choice program. Sharp Park Academy serves elementary-level students in the neighborhood and earns a B grade on Niche. Since 2022, updates to classrooms and entrances have enhanced security and compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act standards at the school. Middle School at Parkside is just west of the neighborhood and earns a C grade on Niche. Jackson High School earns a B-plus.
Sharp Park Academy is just a short distance from Ella Sharp Park in Jackson.
A domed auditorium can be found on the west side of Middle School at Parkside.
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Museum outings and golf games at Ella Sharp Park
The eponymous Ella Sharp Park offers more than 500 acres of recreational space just south of Parkside. Guests can try to score below par on the golf, mini golf or disc golf courses on the grounds. The park was originally granted to the city as a parting gift from Ella Sharp, a farm owner and local civic leader who advocated for multiple causes during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Ella’s home on the grounds is part of the Ella Sharp Museum, which celebrates local history and arts in Jackson and also includes the Peter F. Hurst Planetarium. New Leaf Park is a small park that connects the neighborhood to the Falling Waters Trail/Inter City Bike Trail. This former rail line lets cyclists and pedestrians in the community access the other neighborhoods of Southside Jackson and the community of Concord, 10 miles west.
Parkside residents have easy access to the Ella Sharp Museum.
Ella Sharp Park is home to the Peter F Hurst Planetarium.
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Educational festivals and hot-air balloon celebrations
Ella Sharp Park hosts several annual events alongside its traditional programming, including the Sugaring and Shearing Festival each spring, where locals can learn more about sheep farming and making maple syrup with food trucks, a petting zoo and exhibits from the Ella Sharp Museum and other local organizations. In the summertime, the museum hosts the annual Art, Beer & Wine Festival, while the park is home to the Hot Air Jubilee. To the south in Jackson County, locals can venture out to Brooklyn for Faster Horses, an annual weekend of live country music from local and nationally known artists.
Sandwiches at Kibby Cobb Liquor and Deli
Since the immediate area near Parkside doesn’t have as many businesses, residents generally head to other areas in Jackson for everyday needs, including the Walmart at Westwood Mall and shops like Target and Meijer to the north. To the southwest, Polly’s Country Market is a local mainstay for groceries. Kibby Cobb Liquor and Deli sells beer and wine alongside a food counter with fresh bagels, sandwiches and hot dogs, including its own take on the Jackson coney dog. Three doors down at the Ironbark Brewing Company, residents can sample a variety of locally made craft beers. Pryor’s BBQ House was named one of the five top barbecue restaurants in the Jackson area by MLive.com/the Jackson Citizen Patriot in 2024.
Sandwich makers work hard as they prepare lunches for Parkside locals.
Stock up on everyday essentials and grocery needs at the local Walmart near Parkside.
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About 40 miles to Lansing and Ann Arbor
Fourth Street is the neighborhood’s primary connection to the greater Jackson area, running north into the city from the western side. Downtown Jackson is about 2 miles north of the neighborhood. Jackson Area Transit Authority bus stops are available along Fourth Street for residents traveling without a car. For locals commuting to other Michigan communities, Ann Arbor and Lansing are each about 40 miles away from the neighborhood. The nearest emergency room is at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital, about 3 miles northeast of the neighborhood near downtown Jackson. Residents traveling beyond the Jackson area can catch flights at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.
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
Todd Rowe,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Falling Waters Trail
Betsy Butterfield Park
Ella Sharp Park
Sparks Foundation County Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Parkside
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Parkside, Jackson sell after 100 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The average sale price for homes in Parkside, Jackson over the last 12 months is $164,866, down 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This half-acre lot (0.52 acres) is ideally located just minutes from schools, shopping, dining, and the beautiful Ella Sharp Park and Cascades Park. Set in a quiet, well-maintained, and highly sought-after neighborhood, this property offers the perfect blend of convenience and tranquility. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of this exceptional area!
Don't miss this prime opportunity to build your dream home on this one of kind ready to build property. The building site has been cleared and prepped for you!! Minutes away from trails, parks, and a golf course this location couldn't be better. The property also has a green belt in the back protecting and preserving the nature that will surround your new home. Schedule your private tour today!
Don't miss this prime opportunity to build your dream home on this one of kind ready to build property. The building site has been cleared and prepped for you!! Minutes away from trails, parks, and a golf course this location couldn't be better. The property also has a green belt in the back protecting and preserving the nature that will surround your new home. Schedule your private tour today!
Alpine Lake Apartments has the three greatest features any apartment community can offer: location, location, location. Located next to Ella Sharp Park and Falling Waters trail, Alpine Lake Apartments is the perfect place to call home. Enjoy our wood burning fireplaces in select units, views of private pond, and outstanding staff. The comforts of our spacious apartments will suit your every need.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Todd Rowe,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
690
Median Age
39
Population Density
10 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$56,568
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$68,701
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
86.6%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
37.9%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
15.2%
% Population in Labor Force
67.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
32''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
35''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
61/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
35/ 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.
