Welcome to Southside Community!
Lakes and Art
Situated to the south and west of Clear City, the vibrant Southside Community features three world famous lakes and is home to 15,000 people. Originally farmland, this area was sparsely populated during the city's whaling years. The short-lived lumber industry fueled rapid growth of this area 100 years ago. It was settled by railyard, sawmill, and warehouse workers but suffered a severe economic downturn when the lumber mills closed 60 years ago.​
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After the downturn a number of families and retirees settled into the quiet suburbs of Southside as the housing was more affordable than other areas of Clear City.​​​​​
In recent years, the Southside Community population has been expanding rapidly to support the city's burgeoning tourist industry. A new group of workers has been moving into the area. They tend to live in the denser areas of Southside such as the apartment area near the old train tracks, the central residential area, and the Art Lake area. Many of these new residents commute to work in other areas of Clear City, especially the prosperous resort hotels of North Island.
Areas of Southside
When our community discusses Southside, we often refer to it as divided into nine areas - roughly following the divisions created by our largest roads. Each area has its own unique conditions and history.
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Art Lake Area: Art Lake is a historic lake named for the gorgeous multi-colored rocks visible through its crystal clear water. The lake is shallow and has many wading areas. The lake is surrounded by historic homes, boutique shops, local restaurants, and art galleries. If Southside had a downtown - this would be it.
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Art Lake Outskirts: This suburban area off Southside has seen a downturn in recent times. This area is the most remote area of Southside. As the Art Lake Area became increasingly expensive, residents moved further South. This group is very impacted by the abandoned railyard that separates Southside from the rest of Clear City.
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Apartment Area: No clever name emerged for this area and locals just call it "The Apartments." This is the most densely populated area of Clear City and was built-up rapidly just before the closing of the railyard and warehouse district. Offering mostly 1 and 2 bedroom units, this area was intended to be high density housing for an expected influx of workers. Now, this is the least desirable area of Southside with 3,000 people living in units designed to house half that number.
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Central Residential Area: A mix of single family homes and condos, this area of Southside was settled shortly after the Art Lake Area, as people moved slightly further away from the lake in search of larger homes and larger lots. Many of Southside's services are located in this area including schools, small grocery stores, community centers, and clinics.
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Grand Lake Area: Grand Lake is the premier lake in the area. Renown for its dark blue water and extraordinary depth, this lake is popular with families. Grand Park is the largest park in Clear City and hosts many community events, fundraisers, and tourist fairs. This park is popular with tourists and locals alike who swim and rent paddle boats during the summer months.
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Lake Suburbs: This area is mostly large single family homes now, but it was originally farm and ranch land during the early years of Clear City's lumber period - as the trees were cleared, this was rich grazing land. There are still a number of horse properties, working farms, and ranches in the area and extending into the surrounding mountains.
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The Mountains: There are an additional 1,000 people distributed throughout the mountains surrounding Southside.
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Palm Heaven Park: This mobile home community started as a 55+ upscale retirement community for Clear City residents wanting a quieter and more affordable life without leaving Clear City. About ten years ago, the Home Owners Association voted to remove the 55+ requirement and more families have moved into the park. This area is known for its well maintained sidewalks and public spaces, spacious community center, pools and pickle ball courts for residents only, and private tram that takes residents for shopping outings and into other areas of Clear City.
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The Dunes Mobile Home Park: With more units in less space, this mobile home community is just south of the prosperous Palm Heaven Park but very different. Bankruptcy of the original Home Owners Association led to the park's purchase by an investment company outside of Clear City about ten years ago. Routine maintenance and code enforcement has been an issue since then. But, you might not notice the concerns if you visit the Dunes because this boisterous community of multi-generational families prioritize community and family life over rules. It is not unusual to find the streets blocked off for a party complete with BBQs, folding tables, and bounce houses set up in the middle of the street.