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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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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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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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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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.
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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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
South End
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
South End Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South End, Little Rock sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in South End, Little Rock over the last 12 months is $86,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
"INVESTOR DREAM" Unique opportunity this 1930's beauty was originally a boarding home and boasts 4 full bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms with original cast iron standalone claw foot bathtubs. Full walk-up attic with over 200 sq foot of storage space as well as 250 square foot walk-down basement accessed from the downstairs kitchen. The additional apartment and garage to the rear is designed for
Price Just Reduced!! Welcome to your dream home. This beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers a spacious living area with fresh paint and stylish luxury viynl flooring throughout. The kitchen features quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and plenty of cabinet space. Bonus room and fourth bedroom located on second floor. Conveniently located 10 minutes from UAMS and the
Renovated 2 Bed, 1 Bath Near Pettaway! Fully updated in 2024, this charming Little Rock home offers modern finishes, a spacious lot, and easy interstate access making this a great investment property. Just minutes from downtown and Pettaway.
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Spacious 3BD/2BA in Little Rock that is waiting for you to call home. Built-in shelving and cabinets in the living room. Separate dining area for entertaining. Plenty of storage options in the eat-in-kitchen. Extra living space with plenty of windows off the kitchen. Ceiling fans throughout. Carpet in bedrooms. Laundry room in basement with room for storage. Lots of yard space in the back. This
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Shanekia Rash-Parker,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
4,016
Median Age
42
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$24,955
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$42,026
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
72.7%
College Graduates
10.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.3%
% Population in Labor Force
41.9%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
52''
Average Winter Low Temperature
33°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
10''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
26/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
7/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
32/ 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.
