$408,896Average Value$244Average Price per Sq Ft69Homes For Sale
South Main Historic District residents know each other
South Main is known as Memphis’s Historic Arts District, although some locals see that term as a misnomer. “I think we kind of prefer to call it South Main Historic District now,” says Jean Andrus, longtime resident and owner of The Book Juggler. Many galleries that once overtook the neighborhood have closed as artists began displaying their work in local shops. Still, the area has a distinct atmosphere. “Within the first year of moving down here, I knew more people by name than the 20 years I lived in the suburbs,” Andrus says. “Everyone down here gets out and walks around. You end up meeting their kids, you end up meeting their parents, you get to know their dogs. The only way to describe it is a true neighborhood.” There are still places where the community’s history is on display, such as the National Civil Rights Museum and the Arcade Restaurant. When they are not walking, locals can rely on public transportation. Residents can explore the parks along the Mississippi River, and children attend Shelby County Schools, which receive a C-plus from Niche.
South Main is home to South Main Book Juggler, a cozy independent bookstore.
Joel Libby depicts famous blues musicians at the Blues Hall of Fame in South Main.
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Food, arts and fun in South Main
While fewer than before, there are still several galleries in South Main, including Urevbu Contemporary and Artspace. Many artists also collaborate with local businesses to display and sell their work. “We sell new and used books and art, pottery and jewelry by local artists,” Andrus says. Other shops include Feelin’ Memphis, which sells themed items, and The Broom Closet, which is the start of a haunted bus tour. People have several food options to choose from in the area. “The Arcade Restaurant is kind of our anchor restaurant,” Andrus says. “It’s the oldest restaurant in Memphis.” It first opened in 1919. Other eateries include Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken and Loflin Yard, which serves American food. For groceries, people can visit South Point Grocery. Target and Lowe’s are about 10 miles away.
Loflin Yard is a local favorite in South Main, serving up American cuisine.
Famous for being an Elvis favorite, The Arcade in South Main is Memphis' oldest cafe.
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South Main residents get around Memphis
While locals can drive themselves, with easy access to U.S. Routes 78 and 79, there are several commuter-friendly options. The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) manages the trolley and the bus, and people can catch the Amtrak at Memphis Central Station. Memphis International Airport is about 11 miles away. The nearest emergency room is at Regional One Health, about 2 miles away. South Main receives a crime score of seven out of 10 from the CAP Index.
Two trolleys pass each other as they make their routes up and down South Main.
Central Station is a convenient transportation hub in South Main.
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Artistic events in South Main
The RiverArtsFest is a juried art market held every October, which sees vendors from across the country display their art. Attendees can walk through the thousands of stations while enjoying live music. South Main Trolley Night is a more frequent event, held on the last Friday of the month, where stores stay open later, and people try restaurant specials and listen to a new band. The Memphis Farmers Market sells fresh produce every Saturday from April to October.
Riverfront parks and museums in South Main
There are several parks along the riverfront. “Tom Lee Park has just been completely refurbished,” Andrus says. “It’s gone from being this big, empty field to this completely interactive park.” Amenities include a playground, basketball court and monument to the park’s namesake, Tom Lee, who rescued 32 people from a capsized boat in 1925. “Another thing I recommend is the Big River Crossing,” Andrus says. “We have the longest pedestrian bridge in the country.” The Harahan Bridge crosses the Mississippi into Arkansas. There are also museums that locals can explore, including the Blues Hall of Fame, with exhibits on inductees and the history of Blues. The National Civil Rights Museum in the former Lorraine Motel chronicles the American civil rights movement. “It’s done amazingly well,” Andrus says. People can also catch a show at the historic Orpheum Theatre, which first opened in 1890.
This statue of Little Milton greets visitors to the Blues Hall of Fame in South Main.
South Main is home to The Lorraine Motel and The Civil Rights Museum.
The newly redesigned Tom Lee Park in South Main features riverside basketball courts.
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Condos and single-family homes in South Main
Most residences in the heart of the neighborhood are condos, a combination of new construction and renovated buildings from the early 1900s. The buildings are in front of sidewalks, which locals can take to get around the city. One-bedroom units can fall between $165,000 and $225,000; two-bedrooms can cost $235,000 to $450,000, while rentals are available for $1,500 a month. There are some single-family houses in the area, many in the South Bluff gated community. New traditional homes, with red brick exteriors and colonial or French influences, sit on small, landscaped lawns. Prices can range from $475,000 to $715,000, with properties near the river costing more than $800,000.
Homes in South Bluffs' Gated Community are often large and luxurious.
South Main features a number of expansive homes with park and river views.
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South Main students attend Shelby Schools
South Main is part of Shelby County School, with most students starting at Downtown Elementary School, which receives a C-minus from Niche and has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to one. Next, they can attend Booker T. Washington Middle and High School, which earns a C, for sixth through 12th grade. Both middle and high schoolers can join the cheer and majorette teams.
Downtown Elementary School is part of Memphis Schools' Optional Program, and serves South Main.
Booker T. Washington High School in South City is steep in history dating back to 1926.
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South Main Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South Main, Memphis sell after 116 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in South Main, Memphis over the last 12 months is $297,250, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Gorgeous, Move-In Ready 3BR/2.5BA Townhome~Spacious Great Room w/Tall Ceilings, Gas Fireplace, Built-Ins & Tons of Natural Light~Stunning Open Kitchen w/Granite Countertops, Ample Cabinet Space & Large Breakfast Bar Island~Convenient Half Bath on Main Level~Upstairs Features a Huge Primary Bedroom Suite w/En-Suite Bath Including Double Vanities, Soaking Tub & Separate Shower~Smart Split Floor
Available for Physician mortgage loan, THDA, or 1% rate by down: 2-bed, 2.5bath South Bluffs home in a gated Memphis community. This residence is low-maintenance with a newer roof, HVAC, water heater, and SS appliances. Features hardwood floors, gas fireplace, high ceilings, updated eat-in kitchen and 2.5 modern bathrooms. Both bedrooms are en suites w/ updated full bathrooms; the primary suite
Looking for that perfect blend of city energy and cozy retreat? Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-story condo with tons of natural light, located in the heart of Downtown Memphis. Featuring 3 spacious bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and modern finishes throughout, this home offers the perfect combination of style and functionality. Enjoy an open-concept kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a
WOW!Like coming home to your own luxury hotel suite every day!Every surface in this condo has been updated! Desirable 4th floor! Luxury vinyl-wood look flooring-soaring ceilings, balcony, breakfast bar, quartz, stainless new refrigerator and dishwasher. Spacious full bath with new tile, quartz, fixtures- everything new! Fresh paint, pristine condition! Nothing to do but move in! Laundry room,
Welcome to the amazing Artesian! 3 bedrooms/3 full bathrooms. Chefs kitchen, luxurious primary bath, balcony overlooking the Mississippi river and the Big River Crossing bridge. The light show displayed is so inviting. This complex offers an indoor/outdoor pools, hot tub, tennis/pickleball courts, walking path, gym, library, common are, rooftop and more. This complex offers a resort feeling! The
Built on repurposed railroad land using energy efficient construction and open-air design, South Junction means lower-cost, lower-impact living. Our garden-style apartments are perfectly situated within walking distance to Big River Crossing, the Farmer’s Market, Tom Lee Park, and all the shops and restaurants in the South Main Arts District.
Location, ceiling height, 118 yo exposed brick walls, HUGE walk-in closets, assigned parking in an attached, secured garage — it's hard to decide what the best thing about this condo is! Come take a look and decide for yourself. This property features a spacious 1-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom layout with a total of 1,544 square feet including a loft space offering versatility. The bedroom includes two
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