Section Image

South Main

South Main

$409,939 Average Value
$242 Average Price per Sq Ft
74 Homes 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.
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.
Joel Libby depicts famous blues musicians at the Blues Hall of Fame in South Main.
1/2

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.
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.
Famous for being an Elvis favorite, The Arcade in South Main is Memphis' oldest cafe.
1/2

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.
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.
Central Station is a convenient transportation hub in South Main.
1/2

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.
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.
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.
The newly redesigned Tom Lee Park in South Main features riverside basketball courts.
1/3

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.
Homes in South Bluffs' Gated Community are often large and luxurious.
South Main features a number of expansive homes with park and river views.
South Main features a number of expansive homes with park and river views.
1/2

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.
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.
Booker T. Washington High School in South City is steep in history dating back to 1926.
1/2
Zia Sampson
Written By
Zia Sampson
Aaron Bloodworth
Photography Contributed By
Aaron Bloodworth
Anne Sheridan
Video By
Anne Sheridan

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Memphis International

17 min drive

Train

Central Station

Bus

Second & Vance

Bus

Second & Bulter

Bus

Central Station

Bus

Third & Egeorgia

Bus

Third & Ecarolina

Bus

Ge Patterson & Main (Central Station)

Bus

Second & Pontotoc

South Main Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$370,000
Median Sale Price
$340,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$402,750
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$428,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$300,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
7%
Last 12 months Home Sales
75
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
26%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$242

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,293
Number of Homes for Sale
74
Median Year Built
1999
Months of Supply
11.80
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,794
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,049
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,596
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,055
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
595
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,742

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Sep 21
    1 - 3pm

    589 Madewood Dr, Memphis, TN 38103

    $347,500

    • 2 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,200+ Sq Ft
    • 589 Madewood Dr

    2-bed, 2.5-bath 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 with private, updated full bathrooms; the primary suite includes a walk-in closet with organizers. Fresh

    Agent Photo
    Todd Adams
    Keller Williams
    (901) 621-3117
    Section Image
    Section Image
  • Sunday, Sep 21
    2:30 - 4pm

    435 S Front St Unit 203, Memphis, TN 38103

    $424,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,600+ Sq Ft
    • 435 S Front St
    • Unit 203

    Ideal floorplan in The Nettleton! This 2BR/2BA condo has an large open layout with 12+ foot ceilings, exposed brick and huge timber beams throughout, as well as multiple windows along the west and south sides for natural sunlight. It has spacious Living and Dining areas, and a Chef's kitchen with high-end appliances - Subzero glass-front refrigerator, two Subzero freezer drawers, plus custom

    Mike Parker The Firm

    Section Image
  • Sunday, Sep 21
    1 - 3pm

    573 S Front St, Memphis, TN 38103

    $649,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,400+ Sq Ft
    • 573 S Front St

    Rare opportunity to own a fantastic townhome in the sought after South Main area of downtown Memphis. Total renovation - upgrades galore (see attachments). This property features spacious living areas, chef's kitchen, large primary bedroom with office, sitting room. Attached large 2 car garage with gated access. Low HOA fees compared to other properties. Step outside to your awesome private

    Richard Travers Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
4,332
Median Age
38
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
13.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.5%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$99,999
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$133,576

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
99%
College Graduates
70.2%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
34.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
81.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
55''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
4''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

65 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

84 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

43 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the South Main neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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
South Main