Why Live in South City
South City, a historic neighborhood in Tallahassee, is undergoing significant revitalization efforts led by community members, nonprofits, and government agencies. Located about 2.5 miles south of downtown Tallahassee and 1 mile from Florida A&M University, the area is becoming increasingly attractive due to new residential and commercial developments. The neighborhood is known for its affordability compared to other parts of Tallahassee, with three- and four-bedroom ranch-style homes from the 1950s being common. The hilly terrain features sloped lawns and grassy yards with oaks and subtropical plants. Renting is prevalent, with several apartment complexes available, and ongoing initiatives aim to improve housing options, including the renovation of the Orange Avenue Apartments into a mixed-income community.
South City is serviced by Tallahassee’s StarMetro bus system, with a new Southside Transit Center under construction to enhance public transportation. Local amenities include the Southside Shopping Plaza and a Piggly Wiggly for groceries. Residents enjoy dining at Proof Brewing Company and Shell Oyster Bar, both popular local spots. The 52-acre Jack L. McLean Park offers extensive recreational facilities, including a disc golf course, biking trails, sports courts, and an aquatics complex. Cascades Park, 2 miles away, hosts community events and live performances.
Students in South City attend Hartsfield Elementary, Elizabeth Cobb Middle School, and James Rickards High School, the latter being highly rated and offering a specialized health sciences program. South City offers a blend of affordability, community engagement, and convenient access to amenities and educational institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South City a good place to live?
South City is a good place to live. South City is considered car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with some transit options. South City is a suburban neighborhood. South City has 8 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 5.3 people per acre and a median age of 26. The average household income is $38,666 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 22.6% of residents. A majority of residents in South City are renters, with 85.3% of residents renting and 14.7% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving South City can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
South City neighborhood guide.
Is South City, FL a safe neighborhood?
South City, FL is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 8 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in South City?
The median home price in South City is $522,940. If you put a 20% down payment of $104,600 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,710 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $116K a year to afford the median home price in South City. The average household income in South City is $39K.
What are the best public schools in South City?
The best public schools that serve South City are:
- Leon High School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 23:1 and an average review score of 4.1.
- James Rickards High School has a B+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 24:1 and an average review score of 3.7.
- Fairview Middle School has a B Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 19:1 and an average review score of 3.8.
What are the best private schools in South City?
The best private schools that serve South City are:
What are the most popular zip codes in South City, Tallahassee, FL?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near South City, Tallahassee, FL?
Home Trends in South City, FL
On average, homes in South City, Tallahassee sell after 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in South City, Tallahassee over the last 12 months is $505,000.
Median Sale Price
$505,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$852,500
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$249,990
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$178
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
13
Median List Price
$522,940
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%