$484,607Average Value$203Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes 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 bike ride 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.
Written By
Zia Sampson
Photography Contributed By
Zach Manwell
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Agents Specializing in Old Southwest, MO
Kyle Edwards
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Vision Real Estate
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Old Southwest Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Old Southwest, Columbia sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Southwest, Columbia over the last 12 months is $464,750, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Tucked into the rock cliffs of the sought-after Quarry Heights neighborhood, this Old SW property offers a truly one-of-a-kind natural setting. Thoughtfully designed landscaping blends seamlessly with native plants, creating winding walking paths and charming bridges that cross a private stream and lead to a dramatic cliff wall backdrop - and a brand new hot tub! Seller to provide a $2300 carpet
Brent GardnerBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Vision Real Estate
Nestled on a large, wooded lot in the highly sought-after Old Southwest neighborhood, this charming 1.5-story home offers timeless character, exceptional living space, and a private backyard retreat. The main living areas are thoughtfully designed to capture picturesque views of the inground swimming pool and serene wooded setting, creating a peaceful backdrop for everyday living. Inside, you'll
A remarkable mid-century modern on a parklike 2.1 acres in the heart of Columbia's Old Southwest. The property is bounded by the MKT Trail to the south, and is a 5-minute walk to MU campus and downtown. The house was designed by famous St Louis architect Harris Armstrong, a protege of Frank Lloyd Wright. The living room is all 12 foot windows framing the natural southern exposed yard. The
Brent GardnerBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Vision Real Estate
A truly one-of-a-kind 1902 Old Southwest masterpiece, this fully remodeled 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home including 3 fireplaces, seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury. Constructed with impressive 18 inch limestone walls, some with visible fossils, it showcases craftsmanship rarely found today. Original hardwood floors, all-new windows, and a stunning new kitchen complement the home's
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