Revitalizing the historically Black South End community
South End, a historically Black neighborhood located below Downtown Little Rock, is a close-knit community working toward change. Filled with historic homes and sites, the area is seeing improvements beautifying the streets, boosting the economy and honoring the past. Neighbors come together to garden in the Crump Community Garden, cheer on teams at Southside Park and gather for Sunday worship. The area is also home to the Arkansas State Fair, which sees over 500,000 people annually.
Near downtown Little Rock lies the small residential neighborhood of South End.
The Crump Community Garden is South End's largest community garden.
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Southside Park, home of the Sunset Tigers
Neighbors say that the heart of the South End community is Southside Park. The park has been named the home of Arkansas Black Hall of Fame inductee Coach Ed Johnson and the Sunset Tigers. Johnson has led the Sunset Tigers football team for over 50 years and is respected as a role model for South End youth. Crump Park is also popular, offering playgrounds, a splash pad and basketball courts, while Interstate Park features a large sports complex with six lighted baseball diamonds. South End is also home to the Arkansas State Fairgrounds. The fair occurs every October and has been operating for over 80 years. Outside of state fair season, the venue is used for concerts, festivals and special events, like the 2024 Solar Eclipse.
South End is home to the Sunset Tigers and legendary coach Ed Johnson.
The Arkansas State Fairgrounds are west of South End across Schiller St.
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World-famous Sims Bar-B-Que Sauce
South End has seen a decline in its commercial sector, but revitalization is coming, and a few mainstay eateries remain. Sims Bar-B-Que, a local fixture since 1937, is known for its southern comfort combo plates and self-proclaimed world-famous Sims Bar-B-Que Sauce. Brewster's 2 Café is popular for home-style chicken wings and soul food. For groceries, many residents will visit the Kroger just on the other side of Interstate 30. South End is also less than 2 miles from Downtown Little Rock, which has a wider variety of chain and local restaurants and a retail scene.
Sims Bar-B-Que has been serving up smoked meats in Little Rock since 1937.
South End residents enjoy good cooking and a welcoming atmosphere at Brewster's 2 Cafe.
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Historic homes and neighborhood improvements
South End homes come in various styles, colors and materials. Many homes are historic, and a few are found on the National Register of Historic Places. Craftsman-style, bungalow, Dutch Colonial, and contemporary aesthetics are seen throughout the neighborhood, and most properties come with a cozy front porch for relaxing in the evening. Some homes have short driveways, but most locals rely on street parking. Total remodels and investment properties typically sell between $23,000 and $85,000, while newly renovated homes cost between $100,000 and $200,000. “Anybody who is interested in a fixer-upper, that would be a perfect place to look at,” says Amanda Hugo, real estate agent at Century 21 Smith & Associates Realty and longtime local. “You’re not going to find homes elsewhere for those prices. Not without going down to South Little Rock, which is not updating itself like South End is. You aren’t going to find those prices in a lot of city capitals either.” For many decades, the infrastructure of South End has been left in disrepair, but residents have continually advocated that the city bring improvements and economic revitalization. The South End Neighborhood Group has been at the forefront of these efforts since the 1990s; their 10-year action plan has been approved by the Planning Commission and the City Board, and changes in infrastructure and amenities have already begun. Repaved roads, added sidewalks, improved drainage, house maintenance and new businesses are some of the changes to come.
The Daisy Bates House is the historical center of desegragation of Central High School.
Colorful bungalows line a residential street in South End.
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South End schooling
South End is part of the Little Rock School District. Washington Elementary School, also known as Booker T. Washington, earns a C-minus from Niche and serves children from kindergarten through fifth grade. The institution is a certified Leader in Me School and a Community School, a program developed by the City of Little Rock and the Little Rock School District that provides equitable support to vulnerable students and neighborhoods. Dunbar Magnet Middle School serves students in grades six through eight, and high schoolers are zoned for Little Rock Southwest High School. Both schools earn a C rating on Niche.
Washington Elementary is home to the Wildcats.
Dunbar Magnet School is named after Poet Laureate Paul Laurence Dunbar.
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Downtown employers hiring commuters
South End is located directly south of Downtown Little Rock, which houses some of the area’s major employers. Hugo says, “There’s a lot of industry here. There’s, of course, the State Capitol, so all of the state main offices are central. Amazon just opened up a distribution warehouse in North Little Rock, and the drive from South End to there is probably 15 minutes. They’ve been doing huge hiring.” Commuters have ample access to Rock Region Metro bus stops all over the neighborhood. Interstate 30 is along the area’s eastern portion and connects to Interstates 440, 530 and 630. For long-distance travel, Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport is 4 1/2 miles away.
South End is served by Little Rock public transportation with regular bus service.
South End residents have a quick drive to the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport.
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While there is a police presence and they respond quickly to calls. There are a lot of abandoned lots and broken down vehicles that detract from property values.
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South End Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South End, Little Rock sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in South End, Little Rock over the last 12 months is $70,000, down 24% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move In Ready!! Home was taken to the studs and rebuilt. This stunning completely renovated home is combined with elegance and vintage. The large covered porch is perfect for relaxation. The open floor plan has a LED electric fireplace, Quartz countertops and recess lighting throughout the house. Kitchen features new stainless-steel appliances with an Over-the Range Convection Microwave.
A beautifully updated home featuring a bright open floor plan and modern finishes throughout. Enjoy cooking and entertaining in the kitchen with brand-new cabinets, flowing seamlessly into the living area with new laminate flooring. Fresh interior and exterior paint give the home a clean, contemporary look. Step outside to a large, level backyard—perfect for gatherings, play, or future
Built in 2023, this stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bath home blends contemporary style with everyday comfort. Step inside and be greeted by an open-concept floor plan filled with natural light, soaring ceilings, and high-end finishes throughout. The spacious living room features a cozy fireplace and flows seamlessly into the dining area and designer kitchen, perfect for entertaining. The kitchen is a true
*** Promo: 50% Off First Month Rent! ***Welcome to this inviting 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home that blends comfort and convenience. Step into a spacious living area that flows into a designated dining space, ideal for everyday meals or entertaining guests. The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, stove, microwave, and dishwasher, making meal prep and clean-up effortless.Enjoy
Come join the growing south downtown area in this cute newly renovated 4BD/2BA. Cozy living room with fireplace. Dining area for hosting friends and family. New granite countertops in kitchen. Plenty of space throughout. Good size partially fenced yard. This location is minutes away from everything downtown Little Rock has to offer. This property is managed by Hoffman Team so beware of scammers -
one (1) bedroom, 1 bath apartment attached to the rear of the house at 2822 S. Broadway. The neighborhood home are well cared for and the neighbors are friendly. Kitchen is furnished, and the tenant will pay for own electric and gas utilities. Water is paid. NO PETS OR ANIMALS ALLOWED!!
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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.
