Why Live in Old Southwest
Old Southwest in Roanoke is the largest residential historic district in Virginia, featuring a mix of vintage homes and local dining options with scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located just a mile from downtown Roanoke, the neighborhood includes the historic Alexander Gish House, office buildings, and public green spaces. The Old Southwest Neighborhood Association actively organizes community events, such as block parties and holiday light contests, and maintains historic properties. Housing primarily consists of single-family homes, including American Foursquares and Victorian shingle homes from the early 1900s, with some condos and multi-unit apartment buildings also available. The neighborhood is known for its close-knit community and historic charm, with homes often featuring rounded shrubbery and concrete walkways. Highland Park serves as the central hub for outdoor activities, offering a disc golf course, soccer field, basketball courts, tennis courts, playground, skate park, and an off-leash dog park. For dining, residents frequent Albemarle Bakery and Coffee House, Evie’s Bistro and Bakery, and Lews Restaurant. While shopping options within the neighborhood are limited, Sunnyside Market provides grab-and-go conveniences, and larger retailers like Kroger, Walmart, and Target are a short drive away. Children in Old Southwest attend schools with varied ratings, including Highland Park Elementary, James Madison Middle, and Patrick Henry High. Transportation is convenient with nearby bus stops, a passenger train station a mile northeast, and access to Interstate 581 and Interstate 81.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old Southwest a good place to live?
Old Southwest is a good place to live. Old Southwest is considered somewhat walkable and bikeable with some transit options. Old Southwest has 2 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 8.8 people per acre and a median age of 38. The average household income is $49,997 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 42.2% of residents. A majority of residents in Old Southwest are renters, with 78.2% of residents renting and 21.8% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Old Southwest can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Old Southwest neighborhood guide.
Is Old Southwest, VA a safe neighborhood?
Old Southwest, VA is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 6 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Old Southwest?
The median home price in Old Southwest is $751,990. If you put a 20% down payment of $150,400 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,900 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $167K a year to afford the median home price in Old Southwest. The average household income in Old Southwest is $50K.
What are the best public schools in Old Southwest?
The best public schools that serve Old Southwest are:
What are the best private schools in Old Southwest?
The best private schools that serve Old Southwest are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Old Southwest, Roanoke, VA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Old Southwest, Roanoke, VA?
Home Trends in Old Southwest, VA
On average, homes in Old Southwest, Roanoke sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Southwest, Roanoke over the last 12 months is $915,000, up 210% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$915,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$670,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$489,800
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$699,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$433
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Last 12 months Home Sales
25
Median List Price
$751,990
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
210%