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.
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
Photography Contributed By
Jennifer Rehkopf
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Agents Specializing in this Area
Jerrett Flesher
Flesher Brothers Auctioneering and Real Estate Inc
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.
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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 49 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 $105,000, up 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
Bring your vision and creativity to this 3-bedroom home on S Delawanda Ave! Featuring a spacious living area and a kitchen with plenty of built-in cabinets for storage, this property offers great potential to make it your own. Additional features include a carport and detached garage for added convenience. Come check out the possibilities this property has to offer!
Two lots--on the corner, all within walking distance of variety of restaurants, banks, commercial venues, etc on Madison. Back of market due to no fault of seller. Beautiful wood vaulted ceiling highlights the open concept living room and kitchen. Updated bath is situated between the two bedrooms. The oversize attached garage (with automatic garage door operator) is conveniently located behind
Completely renovated and move-in ready! This beautifully updated home features a spacious open floor plan, a stunning kitchen with white shaker cabinets, stainless steel appliances, luxury vinyl plank flooring, updated bathrooms, fresh paint, modern lighting, and a convenient laundry/mudroom. Enjoy the convenience of a walkable location with easy access to shopping, restaurants, parks, and other
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
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
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. Property is currently rented on a 1 year lease through May of 2027 at $825 per month
Updated and refreshed 2-bedroom home featuring an additional bedroom-sized room off the primary bedroom, offering flexible space for an office, nursery, sitting room, or hobby area. The home includes an updated kitchen with a brand new refrigerator with all stainless steel appliances. Spacious utility room, replacement windows, newer roof, seamless gutters, and a 2-car detached garage. Move-in
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, padding, and have been freshly
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
Attention investors and rehabbers! This home in Muncie is priced to sell and offers an excellent opportunity for your next renovation project. This property will need a full rehab and is ready for a complete transformation. Situated on a corner lot with municipal utilities, the home provides a solid starting point for investors looking to renovate and resell or add to their rental portfolio.
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.At Premier Management Solutions, we strive to provide an experience that is cost-effective and convenient. That’s why we provide a Resident Benefits Package (RBP) to address
Enjoy living in this spacious, freshly renovated 3 bedroom and 1.5 bath home. This house has a large floor plan with a large living room, dining room, and kitchen great for entertaining or just relaxing. Don't miss out on this large freshly renovated home. Required Monthly Services for this unit:-Tenants are responsible for all utilities.-Enjoy added convenience with identity
Welcome home to this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom property featuring beautiful new plank flooring throughout and a spacious eat-in kitchen perfect for everyday living. Enjoy the convenience of washer/dryer hookups, a detached garage, and a fully fenced backyard ideal for pets, outdoor entertaining, or relaxing in your own private space.The kitchen comes equipped with a stove and
A spacious 3-bedroom rental that delivers comfort, style, and unbeatable value at just $1,499 plus utilities. From the moment you walk in, you’ll notice the fresh, updated plank flooring that runs throughout the home, giving it a clean, modern feel that’s both durable and easy to maintain.This home offers the space you need with the warmth you want, making it perfect for relaxing nights
This 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home is located just a short drive away from plenty of local shops, restaurants, and entertainment in Muncie! It comes with spacious living spaces and bedrooms. Appliances include a stove, refrigerator, washer/dryer hook ups and central air.Call us today to schedule a tour!
This 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom home is located near plenty of local shops, restaurants, and entertainment on the south side of Muncie! It includes a spacious living room with plenty of windows for natural light and off-street parking. Have a furry friend? This property is pet friendly! Appliances include a stove, refrigerator, central air and wash/dryer hook-ups.Required Monthly Services for
These 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom units are located on the south side of Muncie, just minutes away from Ball Park and the Cardinal Greenway. Conveniently located near some great restaurants and shops. Many units include hardwood style flooring, spacious rooms, and plenty of natural light. Appliances include a stove and refrigerator. Please note *While all layouts are the same, some finishes
$1,199 per month
2302 S Hackley: Completely Renovated 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home with Large Backyard! Available Now! W...
Updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath home in the heart of Muncie! Features brand-new stainless steel kitchen appliances, built-in shelving, and all-new carpeting throughout. Washer & dryer hookup in the basement. Comfortable, stylish, and move-in ready.Required Monthly Services for this unit:-Tenants are responsible for all utilities.-Enjoy added convenience with identity protection, pest
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