$426,231Average Value$252Average Price per Sq Ft74Homes 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.
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
Edwin Scruggs,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Butler Park
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
Tom Lee Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Trails
Beale Street Landing
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Ashburn-Coppock Park
Bike Trails
Trails
Martyrs Park
Bike Trails
Trails
River
Big River Crossing
Trails
River
Hiking
Army Park
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Vance Park
Picnic Area
River
Multi-Purpose Field
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
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
South Main
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
9
4
Larceny
9
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South Main, Memphis sell after 109 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The average sale price for homes in South Main, Memphis over the last 12 months is $387,792, up 10% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Rare opportunity located in the gated Carolina & Main community. Custom built in 2021 this home includes 4 BR, 4.5BA. The open floor plan features soaring ceilings, oversized windows, chef’s kitchen, premium finishes, island & spacious dining & living areas. The 1st fl includes a private guest suite w/a full bath & dedicated office. 2nd fl includes, the primary suite w/spa-inspired BR w/soaking
This stunning 5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home is located in a gated community of the highly desirable South Main arts district. With 2 bedrooms downstairs and 3 upstairs, the home offers ample space and privacy. The spacious kitchen features upscale finishes, a huge island, and modern appliances, perfect for cooking and entertaining. The hardwood floors add warmth and elegance, and the updated
Dazzling 2BR/2BA condo in the Artesian with fantastic views of the Mississippi River & Harahan Bridge. Upgrades galore! Custom closet renovations, new LVP flooring (2023), designer shades incl. wifi-enabled shade in LR, fans/lights in bedrooms, dimmer switches, nice shower head set in Primary. Custom blackout draperies. The Artesian has countless amenities - indoor & outdoor pool, gym, hot tub,
This 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom condo is truly all about location, location, location! Nestled in a prime corner unit, it offers easy access from both Front Street and Pontotoc, making it incredibly convenient for city living. The unit is flooded with natural light thanks to its numerous windows, creating a bright, inviting atmosphere throughout. For parking, you'll appreciate the garage parking
2-bed, 2.5-bath South Bluffs masterpiece, cocooned within the South Bluffs gated Memphis sanctuary! Iron gates and keycard entry guard this exclusive haven, where quiet streets and a private park promise peace amidst the city’s pulse. Picture sipping coffee on your covered porch or unwinding on the screened balcony, surrounded by cobblestone charm and ancient oaks that whisper Southern tales.
Gorgeous 3 Bedroom 2 1/2 Bath Located In The Heart of Downtown Memphis. Completely Updated Unit features New Kitchen Cabinets, New Paint Throughout, New Granite Countertops, New Carpet and Stunning Ceramic Tile Shower in Primary Suite. New Gas operated cooktop, New Fridge, Washer & Dryer stays. Balcony off living room w/ Fireplace in living Room. Pets are allowed, condo includes one reserved and
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.
Welcome to urban living at its finest in the heart of Downtown Memphis! This fully furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo at the sought-after Central Station Lofts offers a stylish and comfortable retreat with everything you need—just bring your suitcase and move right in. Located in the vibrant South Main Arts District, you’ll love being steps away from some of Memphis' most iconic attractions.
Redefining history. Welcome home to The Oliver! Located in downtown Memphis, each corner resonates with tales from yesteryears, from the ornate facades to the original features of history throughout. Our brand new 1, 2, & 3 bedroom apartment homes features stainless steel appliances, large windows, hardwood-style flooring, and more. Begin each day renewed in our 24-hour access fitness center or
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Edwin Scruggs,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
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.
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.
