$193,581Average Value$140Average Price per Sq Ft20Homes For Sale
A neighborhood Indy residents called home well before the Colts
Located just across Interstate 70 from the home of the Indianapolis Colts, the Old Southside has been home to Indianapolis residents from the city’s very beginning. And for seemingly that entire time, the Old Southside has also been transforming. In 1890, it had the highest percentage of foreign-born residents in Indianapolis. Today, this long-time working-class neighborhood of residential streets tucked between the stadium and a heavily industrial area along the White River is seeing an influx of artists and new investors who are modernizing its old-time feel.
Old Southside is located just south of downtown Indianapolis.
The Old Southside neighborhood is located just south of downtown Indianapolis.
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Proximity to downtown a plus
"We’re seeing a lot more interest in being close to Lucas Oil Stadium,” Marlow says of the venue that is only a mile from the heart of the neighborhood. The home of the NFL’s Colts also hosts major events like the Big Ten football championship, NCAA Final Four and the final American concert of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Eli Lilly, the largest employer in Indianapolis, is also minutes away. “There’s also more people that are working downtown who are moving in,” Marlow says. Downtown Indy is reachable via bike, bus or foot along Meridian Street. Residents are also able to take I-70 straight to Indianapolis International Airport, which is 12 miles away.
Lucas Oil Stadium in home to the Colts located near the Old Southside neighborhood.
Old Southside can be accessed by Interstate 70.
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Old Southside houses undergoing major renovations
The Old Southside has similar housing stock to neighboring Bates-Hendricks, with the difference being that not as many have been flipped and renovated as in that neighborhood. That is beginning to change. “Bates-Hendricks and Fountain Square were flooded with investors,” says Cindy Marlow, broker and owner of Marlow’s Real Estate. “Now people are starting to realize this is a nice little pocket.” American Foursquares and bungalows that are more than 100 years old populate the Old Southside. Those in need of renovation sell for between $100,000-185,000. Renovated homes have sold between $187,500-382,000.
Old Southside homes are well maintained with wonderful pops of color.
The Old Southside features a variety of architectural styles.
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Marilyn Rose Center captures artistic spirit
Shopping and dining is located across I-70 in Babe Denny or across Madison Avenue in Bates-Hendricks. That includes Shapiro's Delicatessen, which opened when the neighborhood was home to a sizable Jewish community in the 1900s. Most businesses in Old Southside are industrial, including a railroad switching yard near White River. But the Marilyn Rose Center, with five art galleries and 15 resident artist studios, captures the new spirit of the neighborhood. The art gallery’s colorful, graffiti-covered brick walls are a distinctive Old Southside landmark. In October, the center transforms into a haunted house that brings a noticeable increase in traffic to the neighborhood, according to Marlow. AJ’s Lounge on Meridian St. Is a popular neighborhood watering hole that frequently features live blues and jazz.
Old Southside is home to the Marilyn Rose Art Center.
Murals are large paintings or artworks that can be found in the Old Southside neighborhood.
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Recreational escapes are close by
Kelly Park, attached to the Concord Center, features an expansive playground, a picnic area and a full-sized basketball court. The Dog Park at Immanuel, a private dog park with a mix of artificial turf and real grass, is also within dog-walking distance of the neighborhood. Back 9 Golf and Entertainment, just across White River from the neighborhood, has dozens of driving bays and hosts a summer concert series.
Kelly Park is located next to Concord Neighborhood Center.
Kelly Park features a brand new basketball court and playground in Old Southside.
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Old Southside students attend Indianapolis Public Schools
There are no schools in the neighborhood. Old Southside K-8 students are zoned to attend James A. Garfield School No. 31, which receives a C-rating on Niche. Garfield is unique for its outdoor education program, which includes a student-cultivated garden. High schoolers can attend C-rated George Washington or Arsenal Tech High Schools. Christel House Academy South and Christel House Watanabe High, IPS charter schools with a B-minus rating, also serve the neighborhood. Some Old Southside students also attend Central Christian Academy, a K-12 school with a C-plus rating.
James A. Garfield School 31 cares for Old Southside students from grades K-8.
Christel House South Academy is located near Old Southside.
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A neighborhood with Sunday traditions
Colts games are not the only Sunday staple on the Old Southside. Sacred Heart Catholic Church was built in the 1890s to serve the neighborhood’s German-speaking population and remains an active part of the community even as the demographics have changed. The parish hall is also available to outside groups, including meetings for the Old Southside Neighborhood Association. Concord Neighborhood Center, which has been part of the community since 1875, serves the entire Near Southside with childhood, family and older adult programs.
Sacred Heart Church is located in Old Southside.
Old Southside is home to Sacred Heart Church which features wonderful stained glass.
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Storm runoff is not unusual
Because runoff flows down to the White River, parts of the Old Southside are susceptible to flooding. While this mostly affects industrial parts of the neighborhood, there are some sloping side streets where storm runoff is more common. It's also easier for residents to walk to Lucas Oil Stadium than deal with traffic. Following games and concerts, Meridian St. is closed to traffic north of Morris St., and West St. is open to contraflow all the way past the neighborhood's southern boundary.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jerry Gemmecke,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Sexson Park
Basketball
Playground
Parking Lot
McCarty Triangle Park
Garfield Regional Park
Hendricks Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Baumann Park
Playground
Edna Balz Lacy Park
Garfield Park Conservatory
Kelly Park
Transit
Airport
Indianapolis International
26 min drive
Bus
Meridian St & Caven St
Bus
Meridian St & Orange St
Bus
Meridian St & Bluff Ave
Bus
Meridian St & Legrande Ave
Bus
Meridian St & Wisconsin St
Bus
Meridian St & Palmer St
Bus
Meridian St & Wilkins St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Old Southside
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Old Southside, Indianapolis sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Old Southside, Indianapolis over the last 12 months is $205,806, up 1% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Located just minutes from downtown Indianapolis, this fully renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers an incredible opportunity for first-time buyers or anyone looking to live near the heart of the city. Renovated in 2020, the interior features modern finishes and a thoughtful layout, including a spacious bathroom with a beautiful design and a conveniently located laundry room just off to the
Check out this awesome opportunity in the vibrant, up and coming Garfield Park area. This home is full of potential and ready for your personal touch! The main level is almost complete and features a spacious eat-in kitchen, a large living room, and two bedrooms with a full bath. Upstairs offers a blank canvas, perfect for creating the primary suite oasis of your dreams. Great location just 2
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Don't miss this opportunity to lease this fully furnished townhouse that seamlessly blends modern design with historic charm. The quaint front porch welcomes you into this spacious home, featuring an open floor plan, tall ceilings, and abundant natural light throughout. The inviting living room fireplace creates a cozy ambiance and is visible from both the kitchen and dining area. A large kitchen
This 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom property at 1720 Union St offers over 2,000 square feet of living space. Only 2 of the 3 bedrooms are available as of May 2025. The 2nd bedroom is available at $700/month and is located on the main floor. Must be able to get along with current tenant and dog currently living at the location. The living room features a fireplace, providing a cozy atmosphere. The kitchen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jerry Gemmecke,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,686
Median Age
37
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.7%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$33,536
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$47,911
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
75.7%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
23.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.4%
% Population in Labor Force
58.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
16''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
42/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
37/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
29/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
