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 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Southside, Muncie over the last 12 months is $102,500, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Adorable and affordable 3-bedroom home with a huge garage! You'll love coming home to this newly remodeled house. It features a nicely sized living room with new LVP flooring that flows seamlessly into the updated kitchen, which boasts plenty of counter space, stainless steel appliances, including a dishwasher, and an eat-in area. All three bedrooms have new carpet and have been freshly painted.
Completely updated and move-in ready! This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home has been thoughtfully renovated from top to bottom. Enjoy peace of mind with a new roof, windows, gutters, updated plumbing, and some electrical improvements including new outlets and switches. Inside, you’ll find all new flooring throughout and fresh paint that creates a bright, modern feel. The kitchen is a standout
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.
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 is a well-cared for lot in a residential area with a public park just down the street and schools within just a few minutes by car. The area itself is quiet and close to S. Meeker Ave and S. Macedonia Ave providing easy access to the area stores and downtown Muncie. The lot itself has some mature trees along the west edge of the property shielding it from the neighbors and the gentle slope
Charming and cozy 1-bedroom, 1-bath home located in the heart of Muncie! This inviting property offers the perfect blend of comfort and simplicity, making it ideal for first-time buyers, downsizers, or investors. Step inside to find a warm and welcoming living space filled with natural light, complemented by an efficient layout that maximizes every square foot. The kitchen provides ample cabinet
Two-bedroom bungalow on Muncie's Southside. Home needs some TLC, but is situated on a spacious corner lot, features a large eat-in kitchen, sunroom, and full unfinished basement. Previously a rental. Furnace, central air, and water heater all replaced within the last 6 years. Home is being sold as-is.
Come check out this newly updated 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home in Muncie. Fresh updates throughout offer a move-in ready opportunity with modern touches and comfortable living!
Jill FriendTarter Realty Auction and Appraisal Company
Three bedroom, 1.5 bath home being sold as-is. Property will require updates and repairs and is priced accordingly. This is a great opportunity for investors or buyers looking for a project with upside potential. Seller is motivated and ready to move forward with a quick sale. Home will not qualify for FHA/VA.
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.
***SIGN 12 MO LEASE, GET 2ND MO RENT FREE***** FRESHLY PAINTED ** 2 BEDROOM, 1 BATHROOM HOUSE. THERE IS AN OPEN CONCEPT LIVING ROOM AND DINING ROOM. NEW CARPET THROUGHOUT THE LIVING ROOM, DINING ROOM, AND BEDROOMS. THE KITCHEN INCLUDES A GAS STOVE & REFRIGERATOR. THE BATHROOM HAS A SHOWER STALL ONLY. W/D HK-UP LOCATED IN THE KITCHEN.
Welcome to this beautifully remodeled 3 bedroom home. New flooring, paint, bathroom, kitchen and so much more. Detached 2 car garage. Close to many amenities.Must pass application. No pets or smoking.
Welcome to this 2-story 4-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home, conveniently nestled on the southside of Muncie. Near to all of the local shops, restaurants, and entertainment, this home promises the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Be greeted by an abundance of natural light flooding through the numerous windows, illuminating the inviting wood-type flooring that exudes warmth and elegance. Be
$1,200 per month
Backyard Nights & Front Porch Mornings — Cozy 3BR Brick Ranch in Fairlawn
This is the kind of home that just feels right the second you pull up. Nestled in the well-established community of Fairlawn Neighborhood, this 3-bedroom, 1-bath brick ranch blends comfort, charm, and everyday livability into one inviting package.? Inside, you’ll find a layout designed for real life — featuring a spacious family room perfect for movie nights, game days, or simply
3 bed, 2 bath home with a spacious layout and all the essentials. Pet-friendly and equipped with washer & dryer hookups, refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher. Features both a relaxing garden tub and a stand-up shower.Required Monthly Services for this unit:-Tenants are responsible for all utilities.-Enjoy added convenience with identity protection, pest control, air filter delivery
Welcome to this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home. This cozy house features a huge backyard, perfect for outdoor gatherings and activities. The covered carport provides additional outdoor living space for entertaining or storage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make this house your new home!
This beautifully updated 1,676 sq. ft. home offers a spacious layout with two living rooms, a bright open-concept design, and a versatile loft perfect for an office or extra hangout space. Enjoy 2 full bathrooms, modern vinyl plank flooring, and a kitchen equipped with a stove and refrigerator. Washer/dryer hookups included! Outside, you’ll love the nice front porch and the detached 1-car garage
$1,365 per month
3 Bed 1 Bath with Fence + 2 Car Garage - Newly Refreshed
Welcome to the newly refreshed 3 Bed 1 Bath with Fence + 2 Car Garage, located in the vibrant city of Muncie, IN. This home offers three spacious bedrooms and a full bathroom, providing ample space for comfortable living. The property is pet-friendly, making it an ideal choice for those with furry friends. The home also features washer and dryer hookups, adding convenience to your daily routine.
$1,199 per month
Renovated 2 Bedroom Home! Detached Garage! Pet Friendly!
This freshly updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers washer/dryer hook-ups, a detached garage, and a pet-friendly policy. Recently renovated with clean finishes and a comfortable layout, this property is move-in ready and well-maintained.Required Monthly Services for this unit:-Tenants are responsible for all utilities.-Enjoy added convenience with identity protection, pest control,
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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