A small residential community close to Batesville
Southside is a quiet residential community settled along the White River in Arkansas. The waterway is a hot spot for outdoor activities throughout the region. Many relocate to the area for the Southside School District and comparatively affordable housing options. Recently constructed homes also attract new people to the community. Southside sits close to Batesville, Arkansas's oldest city and the seat of Independence County. Many head to the nearby city for its amenities and retail.
Buyers find New Traditional homes to the north and ranch styles
Most Southside residences are ranch-style homes and split-levels. New Traditional houses built over the last five years are inside the Buffalo Creek subdivision. The Upper 23 at Buffalo Ridge is a new townhouse development with two-story units. Homes from the 21st century are to the north; some have Batesville addresses. The median price for a single-family dwelling is comparable to that of nearby Batesville, but significantly lower than the national median. Homes built after 2000 cost from $200,000 to around $400,000. Older dwellings range between $80,000 and $300,000.
The region has a history of severe weather, such as ice storms and tornadoes, and there is also a risk of flooding.
Learning in the Southside School District
Students are zoned for the Southside School District, which has a B rating from Niche. All four schools are in an academic complex off U.S. Highway 167. Southside Elementary receives a B rating. After the end of third grade, students move on to Southside Middle. Locals in seventh through ninth grade attend Southside Junior High. Both schools have B-minus ratings. Southside Charter High accepts students in grades 10 through 12; the school has a B rating. New upgrades were made to the campus's junior high and high school sections. The additions include new technology labs, athletic facilities and classrooms.
Retail along U.S. Highway 167 and Batesville
The community has limited businesses, such as Dollar General and the grocery chain, Harps Food Stores. Dining options include a few local eateries, such as Donut Palace and El Palenque Mexican Restaurant. Triangle Café is further north. Aaron says locals looking to shop at larger retailers, like Kroger or Walmart Supercenter, drive across the river into Batesville. They also visit the nearby city for more dining options. "The River Waterfront Steak & Grill with a full bar is a popular establishment for those who want to enjoy lunch or dinner meals while being able to view the lovely White River," says Missy Aaron, the Principal Broker at Choice Realty. The region is in a dry county, which means locals cannot purchase alcohol. However, certain establishments and private clubs offer membership for patrons who want to order an alcoholic beverage with their meal.
Fun along the White River and nearby
The White River is a major outdoor attraction in the region. "A lot of people will fish, kayak and use johnboats on the river. There are a couple of access points between Southside and Batesville. Lock and Dam No. 1 has a boat ramp," Aaron says. There aren't any community parks in Southside, but the City Council is currently making plans for a public green space. Aaron says county residents pay a membership fee to enjoy the many amenities at the Community Center and Aquatics Park in Batesville. The on-site Fitzhugh Water Park offers a lazy river and waterslide, in addition to an indoor and outdoor pool.
Arkansas Scottish Festival and the White River Water Carnival
Residents are close to county-wide events held in Batesville. "Every year, Lyons College has the Arkansas Scottish Festival. The event has a lot of vendors and musicians playing bagpipes," Aaron says. "We also have county fairs and the White River Water Carnival every year." The long-running carnival features a Main Street parade and boat racing.
Traveling on highways to get to Little Rock
U.S. Highway 167 cuts through Southside, intersecting with Highway 14 in the area's northern section. The U.S. Highway crosses the water into Batesville, less than 5 miles away. Here, residents can visit the major health facility, White River Medical Center. Little Rock's Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, in Little Rock, is about a 90-mile drive to the southwest.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
