Southside is Muncie’s largest neighborhood. The area was once a center of manufacturing activity, including the Ball Brothers Glass Manufacturing Company and the Muncie Chevrolet plant. But nearby factories closed and caused many jobs — and residents — to leave the area. Still, local organizations, Ball State University and an active neighborhood association have had a positive impact on the community. Southside Middle School is the beating heart of the neighborhood and serves as a hub for education and resources.
Ball State University in Southside is one of the most prestigious universities in Indiana.
Southside was once booming with manufacturing, but some factories still employ much of the community.
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Panther Pantry at Southside Middle School helps kids and families
Grissom Elementary School and Southside Middle School are within the neighborhood, and each receives a C-minus grade from Niche. The middle school is home to Panther Pantry, which provides food, clothing and other essential items to students in need. Participating students are sent home with enough food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as extra items for their families. “It started in 2015 with a backpack program with four kids in one classroom,” says Deb Huston, pantry coordinator and special education aide. “Now we have three rooms, including The Den, where kids can pick out clothes. We never dreamed how much the pantry was needed and how long it would last.” The backpack program alone supports about 120 kids on a weekly basis — a quarter of the total student population. “With the loss of manufacturing plants and this being a socioeconomically challenged area, the only way to escape that is getting a really good education,” says retired middle school principal Mike Raters. “We can’t let kids not eat or not participate in band because they can’t afford the right clothes. That’s why Panther Pantry is so important — it’s a critical element to the community.”
Muncie Central High School receives a B-minus. Juniors and seniors can earn college credit and industry certificates by taking classes at the Muncie Area Career Center. Ball State University is 4 miles away. Southside is also home to Inspire Academy, a pre-K through eighth-grade public charter school that receives a C-minus from Niche. St. Michael Catholic Schools is a pre-K through eighth-grade private school that is unrated by Niche.
Grissom Memorial Elementary School is a public elementary school in Muncie that has a student teacher ratio of 14 to 1.
Southside Middle School is a public school in Muncie that has a student teacher ratio of 14 to 1.
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Early 20th Century bungalows and ranch-style homes
Muncie’s gas and industrial boom in the late 1800s and early 1900s spurred development, and worker housing became prominent in Southside. The community is dotted with mature trees and has a mix of driveways, detached garages and street parking. The neighborhood has bungalows, ranch-style and Craftsman-inspired homes. Buyers can find fixer-uppers and investor specials between $20,000 and $50,000, while move-in ready homes can range from $50,000 to $200,000, depending on size, age and renovations.
Cute bungalows are a common house style in the suburb of Southside.
The residents of Southside take great pride in the upkeep of their homes and lawns.
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Ample parks, green space and the Cardinal Greenway
Cooley Park was updated in 2021 with a splash pad, walking trail, new trees and updated restrooms. Kids play youth league sports at Ball Corporation Park, named after the makers of the renowned Ball mason jars and founders of Ball State University. To the north, Heekin Park has expansive green space with mature trees, a picnic shelter, two playgrounds, memorials and sports courts. Bikers and joggers can access the Cardinal Greenway, a 62-mile recreational path, at Mansfield Park. For indoor fun, Gibson Arena roller skating rink has been a Southside institution for more than 80 years. Roller skaters and pickup hockey players may be greeted at the ticket office by Puck, the popcorn-hoovering pup.
Come to Cooley Park to let the kids play on the playground on a warm spring day.
The Cardinal Greenway is a trail system in Muncie for biking and jogging.
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Southside has fast-casual restaurants and locally owned eateries
Residents can head to Walmart or Aldi for groceries. About 4 miles north, the Muncie Mall and Muncie Plaza offer retail shopping. The area has an assortment of chain and fast-casual restaurants, many of which are concentrated on Madison Street. However, there are a handful of locally owned spots, like 12th Street Café and La Hacienda Mexican restaurant.
The Muncie Mall in Southside has plenty of big box retailers such as Books-a-Million.
The 12th Street Cafe in Southside is a great spot to stop for a classic breakfast.
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Family-focused events throughout Southside and Muncie
The Southside Neighborhood Association hosts events like Family Fun Day at Cooley Park and community cleanups. From April through November, cars from every era are on display at the monthly Cruising South Madison. Downtown Muncie has ample events, too, such as the Muncie Three Trails Music Series at Canan Commons Park, a free summer concert line-up.
Access to MITS bus routes and the Muncie Bypass
A few Muncie Indiana Transit System (MITS) routes run through the area, including scattered bus stops in Southside. Major thoroughfares include Madison Street, Macedonia Avenue and Memorial Drive, and the Muncie Bypass is just south of the community. Ball State University and IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital are less than 5 miles away.
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
Are you familiar with the Southside neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Southside
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Southside Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Southside, Muncie sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Southside, Muncie over the last 12 months is $85,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move in ready 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home with attached garage. This home has been updated throughout with kitchen including new appliances and bathroom with new shower surround. Other updates include roof that is less than 1 year old, new water heater, lighting & flooring through + much more. This home is in Grissom Elementary School District & the city schools are now run by the nationally
4 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom, 1,676 Sq Ft home with many updates throughout. There is a large kitchen that includes a new gas range and pantry. There is a one-car detached garage. This home in conviently located near shopping and dining and walking distance from Heekin Park and dog park. Located in the sought-after Grissom Elementary district, this home benefits from the support and innovation of the
This updated 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home offers 1,157 finished square feet on one level with fresh paint and all new flooring throughout. Step into the spacious living and dining area that flows into a brand-new, fully remodeled kitchen featuring white cabinetry, subway tile backsplash, new countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The new full bathroom, main-level laundry hookups with a new
Looking for a large fenced in yard? Look no further! This large lot contains a completely fenced in backyard. Backyard fenced with privacy fencing while the side yard has a chain link fence. Enter into the living room with a wood burning stone front fireplace. The beautiful dark stained hard wood flooring throughout was recently sanded and stained. Spacious dining room with a bay window. Kitchen
Remodeled 2 bedroom home near shopping and restaurants. All new kitchen, updated bath, new vinyl plank flooring and paint throughout. Full basement. Extra large 2.5 car garage with a privacy fenced backyard, covered front porch, and a fenced front yard.
Recently updated 2–3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home located just minutes from the Muncie Bypass. This property offers recent cosmetic updates throughout and is ideal for an owner-occupant or an investor looking to add to their portfolio. The main bedroom is generously sized and features a walk-in closet. Nice, covered front porch.
Charming, move in ready home located in Muncie. Conveniently located less than 15 minutes away from Ball State! This 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom property features a full unfinished basement offering excellent storage or future potential. Enjoy nature on the relaxing, covered, front and back porches, or take advantage of the fenced in backyard complete with a partial basketball court and goal - perfect
*This property is part of a potential 11 property package. Please see the attached document for details.* This property features 3 beds/1 bath, a front sunroom, a laundry room, and a detached 1 car garage. Now vacant.
*This property is part of a potential 11 property package. Please see the attached document for details.* 2 houses on 1 lot! Back house is unit 1921, vacant, 1 bed/1 bath. Front house is unit 1923, vacant, 2 bed/1 bath.
Exceptional and charming WELL-built home w/great layout!! With a new roof, new replacement windows, new 6 inch gutters, new exterior door, new privacy fence at back (along w/new shed doors) plus an entire new paint job-- the exterior is all buttoned up. Inside, the spacious living room opens to a BIG remodeled kitchen w/inviting breakfast nook and tile flooring--complete w/stainless steel
*This property is part of a potential 11 property package. Please see the attached document for details.* 2 houses on 1 lot! Front house is unit 2815, vacant, 2 bed/1 bath. Back house is unit 2815 1/2, rented, 1 bed/1 bath. Rented for $535 a month, section 8 lease.
This house is a very spacious house with new floors, fresh paint ,new oven and hot water heater. The kitchen has a big refrigerator and lots of room for a kitchen's table. The laundry room is all set up with a washer and dryer and has plenty of room for a folding table and storage. There is lots of space for family fun in front living room and large family room. A mud room at the back of house
Welcome home to this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-family residence nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood. Built with classic charm in 1912 and featuring approximately 1,264 square feet of comfortable living space, this property offers excellent value and move-in ready appeal.Home Features:•Three spacious bedrooms ideal for families •One and a half full
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