$343,232Average Value$158Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
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An active and historic Roanoke community
Old Southwest is the largest residential historic district in the state, offering an array of vintage homes, local restaurants and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located a mile from downtown Roanoke, the neighborhood is home to the Alexander Gish House, which is one of the city’s oldest properties, as well as office buildings and public green spaces. The community’s non-profit neighborhood association organizes block parties and helps preserve historic buildings. Old Southwest maintains its storied character, but residents are within a mile of more modern entertainment options, like the Dr. Pepper Park music venue.
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20th century Victorians and American Foursquares
There are several apartment complexes throughout the neighborhood, but single-family homes make up the majority of the housing stock. Old Southwest’s collection of historic homes sit close together on smaller lots, with front yards often decorated with rounded shrubbery and concrete walkways. American Foursquares and Victorian shingle homes from the early 1900s are priced between $200,000 and $400,000, depending on renovations. There are some condos from the 1930s that sell for between $150,000 and $170,000. Investors can buy duplexes and multi-unit apartment buildings for between $450,000 and $700,000.
Visit the historic Alexander Gish House in Old Southwest.
Historic home tours and outdoor concerts
The Old Southwest Neighborhood Association organizes community events, like block parties and group repair projects at the Alexander Gish House. The house was built in 1838 and is one of the oldest buildings in Roanoke—the Old Southwest non-profit association took over the maintenance of the home from the city in the 1970s. The Alexander Gish House can be rented for events, and during the holidays, it’s part of the neighborhood’s parlor tour. During the tour, residents stop by the decorated parlors of six historic homes, and the Gish house has festive treats and art exhibits. For more modern festivities, households can participate in the holiday light contest; the neighborhood uploads a map so residents can take a walking tour of the lights. When the weather warms up, the community looks forward to concerts at Dr. Pepper Park, which is about a mile south of the neighborhood. “It’s an outdoor music venue, so it’s not big city vibes. It’s not like Taylor Swift is coming here, but it feels more intimate,” says Lisa Marie Santacaterina, a Realtor with MKB, Realtors who’s served the area for 19 years. “It’s an all-grass field, so even the ‘cheap seats’ aren’t the cheap seats. Everyone’s just bringing their blankets and lawn chairs out to appreciate the music.” In the summer of 2024, artists like Chase Matthew and Elle King played at Dr. Pepper Park.
Highland Park
Disc golf, tennis and basketball at Highland Park
“It’s an active place, but you don’t necessarily have to be super adventurous. You can just take a short walk on the trails or go to the park and enjoy being outside,” says Kaelyn Spickler, who’s lived in Roanoke for six years. Highland Park is the hub for outdoor recreation in Old Southwest. Not only is it the highest area in the neighborhood, which affords residents the best views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Mill Mountain Star, but the park has a large, shaded disc golf course. Kids kick balls around the soccer field or meet for pickup games at the basketball courts, and locals meet for after-work tennis matches at the tennis courts. Children also enjoy the playground and skate park, while dogs can run around the off-leash dog park as their owners chat.
Local bakeries and bistros in Old Southwest
The Albemarle Bakery and Coffee House is a new addition to the neighborhood. Situated in a historic American Foursquare, the coffee shop serves lattes, cinnamon rolls and scones. Locals can head to Evie’s Bistro and Bakery for soup and sandwiches for lunch and enjoy slices of cake for dessert. Lews Restaurant is a casual eatery serving American fare like burgers, wings and beer on tap. There aren’t many choices for shopping in Old Southwest, but there are a few local businesses like Sunnyside Market, a small grocery store for grab-and-go conveniences. Residents drive a little over a mile southwest to stock up on groceries at Kroger. To browse a wide array of retailers, the Valley View Mall is a little over 4 miles northwest; Walmart and Target are near the mall, which has shops like H&M, Ulta Beauty and Macy’s.
Check out The Albemarle Bakery and Coffee House in Old Southwest.
Evie's Bistro and Bakery is a local favorite in Old Southwest.
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Patrick Henry High School
Academic clubs at Patrick Henry High
Kids can begin at Highland Park Elementary, which has a B rating from Niche. Students progress to B-minus-rated James Madison Middle and B-rated Patrick Henry High. The high school has clubs to encourage student involvement, like the scholastic bowl, the student literary magazine, the debate club and more.
Residents of Old Southwest can hop on a bus and ride into downtown.
Buses take residents a mile downtown
Though there’s a rail yard for freight trains near the western border of the neighborhood, residents must travel a mile northeast to catch a passenger train. “The Amtrak station downtown keeps everything connected. The train goes up to NOVA and New York City,” Spickler says. The area’s sidewalk-lined streets lead to bus stops operated by the Valley Metro. Old Southwest is bounded by Interstate 581, which residents can merge onto to connect to Interstate 81. From there, locals can drive 40 miles southwest to Blacksburg. They don’t have to travel far for most services, however, as the Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital is just outside the neighborhood.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Old Southwest, Roanoke sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Southwest, Roanoke over the last 12 months is $390,000, up 37% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
429 Elm Avenue SW is a beautifully preserved 1915 Victorian-style property in Roanoke's Old Southwest Historic District, offering 3,555 square feet of potential residential space on a 0.18-acre lot. Formerly occupied by the nonprofit On Our Own, the building is now vacant and nearly move-in ready, making it an excellent opportunity for owner-users, investors, or as a primary residence. Concept
$5,000 credit towards closing costs, buydown, 2/1 buydown. Charming, updated home in Historic Roanoke! Welcome Home! A beautifully updated gem blending classic charm with modern comforts. Step inside to find gleaming hardwood floors, a tastefully renovated interior, and a sun-drenched layout perfect for everyday living or entertaining. The former sleeper porch has been thoughtfully reinforced and
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience at this apartment complex, located in the vibrant and historic neighborhood of Southwest Roanoke. Offering both one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, our community is designed to meet your lifestyle needs with modern amenities and spacious living areas. Whether you're looking for a cozy one-bedroom or a spacious two-bedroom apartment, 701 3rd
Completely renovated second-floor apartment. New kitchen featuring stainless appliances including dishwasher and microwave, vinyl plank flooring, and fresh paint. Has a gas furnace and central air. Ample parking is available in the alley behind the building. Community laundry room. No pets of any kind.
Available October 1, 2025 Please fill out application THIS IS THE UPSTAIRS OF A CARRAGE HOUSE WITH PRIVATE OFF STREET PARKING IN THE HEART OF IT ALL!!! Walk to downtown and medical district as well as both hospitals. WATER AND HOT WATER
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