$478,042Average Value$194Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
Old Southwest has century-old homes near The District and Mizzou
Despite its name, the historic Old Southwest neighborhood is in the heart of Columbia. Developer John A. Stewart shaped much of the housing market in and around downtown and the University of Missouri (Mizzou) in the early 20th century. Many of the original residents were professors. Even now, Brent Gardner, longtime resident and Realtor with BHHS Vision Real Estate, says, “The proximity to downtown and the University [of Missouri] is one of the main reasons people like [the neighborhood].” Another appeal is the varied architecture and peaceful atmosphere. “Southwest has a lot of pet owners, lots of trees and a whole lot of gardeners,” says David Harbour, who has lived in the neighborhood for over 20 years. “We don’t grow groceries; we grow plants to look at. I’ve seen more wildlife here than anywhere else – deer, squirrels, even bats.”
Red brick siding is very common among Old Southwest homes.
Colonial designs are common among Old Southwest homes.
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Residents maintain the local park and use the MKT Trail
When Stewart was developing the area, there was one farmer who refused to sell his land. “When he got close to his death, the farmer donated his entire farm to the neighbors,” says Gardner, who used to serve on the area’s historic preservation committee. “To stick it to the developer whom he did not like, John Stewart, he named it after him.” Today, the park is a stretch of green dotted with mature maple and red oak trees that is maintained by residents. “I pay $75 a year to be able to use it,” Gardner says. “They have the Fourth of July parade, potlucks and other neighborhood gatherings.” Many residents let their dogs run around the open field. Part of the MKT Nature and Fitness Trail, a 9-mile-long multiuse trail, cuts through Old Southwest. “It really has become kind of a backbone of Columbia,” says Gabe Huffington, the city’s parks and recreation director. “People can walk or ride their bicycles; some even commute to work, the University of Missouri or to their favorite grocery store.” At the 530-acre Cosmo Park, about 3 miles away, there are playgrounds, fishing lakes and athletic fields. Residents also use Mizzou’s facilities, including the campus gym and the Missouri Theatre, which hosts plays and concerts.
John A. Stewart Park is a popular park to take your dog for a walk in Old Southwest.
Take a bikeride along the MKT Trail in Old Southwest.
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Varied architectural styles include Tudor Revivals and Craftsman homes
Mature trees shade Old Southwest’s wide, sidewalk-lined streets. Most homes date back to the early 1900s. “The Old Southwest has a grand variety of styles of homes and large yards,” says Cynthia Laboile, Realtor with Re/Max Boone Realty, who has worked in the area for over 20 years. These homes include Colonial and Tudor Revivals, American Foursquares and Craftsman bungalows. Some properties, such as Greenwood Heights, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, meaning renovations must adhere to strict regulations. Ranch-style houses from the mid-20th century are common on the edge of the neighborhood. Prices generally range from $330,000 to $550,000, although homes that are 3,000 square feet or more can cost between $700,000 and $900,000.
Old Southwest is a neighborhood located in central Columbia.
There are several Tudor styled homes in Old Southwest as well.
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Students attend Columbia Public Schools and the neighboring Mizzou
Most students attend Columbia Public Schools, which offer school choice through transfer requests. Grant Elementary School receives a B-plus from Niche. Jefferson Middle School is home to the JMS Zoo, which gives students the chance to work with over 100 animals, including snakes and guinea pigs. The middle school and Hickman High School earn an A-minus.
Mizzou, founded in 1839, has over 300 degree programs. Many of the neighborhood’s residents are students and staff who live close enough to walk to campus. “Columbia isn’t a city that has a lot of traffic, but it’s hard to find parking around the university,” Laboile says. “So, if you’re able to bike or walk, it’s a plus.”
Grant Elementary School is the 8th best elementary school in the county.
Jefferson Middle School is the third best middle school in Columbia.
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The District has restaurants, bars and entertainment about 1 mile away
Old Southwest is about 1 mile from The District, Columbia’s downtown. “The downtown buildings were built in the 1860s and 1890s,” Gardner says. “They’re all older buildings that have been remodeled.” One of the oldest establishments is Booches, a bar, restaurant and pool hall that opened in 1884 and has been in its current building since 1928. For a fine-dining experience, Gardner recommends Sycamore. Students and locals visit Lakota Coffee, which has a flagship shop in The District. Entertainment options include the Ragtag Cinema, an independent movie theater. Old Southwest residents can get their groceries from Schnucks, and Walmart is about 5 miles away.
Old Southwest is a pedestrian-friendly community
Glenwood Avenue is the only street with its original brick. “The red bricks were hand-laid,” Harbour says. “Back then, it was along that road where Columbia’s millionaires lived. It’s common to see people riding bikes down the roads here – even the brick road, but it will be a little bumpy.” When not walking or riding their bike, most residents drive themselves. West Broadway Avenue is one of the city’s main thoroughfares and intersects with U.S. Route 63, which leads 30 miles to Jefferson City. Go COMO’s Red Route stops along West Broadway. MU Health Care’s University Hospital and the Boone Hospital Center are about 2 miles away. Columbia Regional Airport is about 14 miles away.
Marianna Dionysiou also contributed to this article.
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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Are you familiar with the Old Southwest neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Old Southwest
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Old Southwest Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Old Southwest, Columbia sell after 23 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Southwest, Columbia over the last 12 months is $452,500, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Nestled on a picturesque historic brick street, this beautifully updated 3-bedroom (4-Bedroom if you count the studio apartment in the basement!), 4-bath home offers unbeatable charm just minutes from the heart of downtown on a large 1/2 Acre lot! Discover a thoughtfully renovated interior featuring an open-concept living space, gleaming hardwood floors, and a designer kitchen with granite
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