Discovering Old Southwest Reno: A Neighborhood Like No Other

If you’ve spent any time researching Reno, Nevada, you’ve probably heard terms like "Midtown" or "Caughlin Ranch" tossed around. But let me tell you about a hidden gem that longtime locals hold close to their hearts, the Old Southwest. This is one of those areas that real estate agents love to explore with clients, not just because of the beautiful homes, but because it represents so much of what makes Reno truly special.

Old Southwest Reno is a neighborhood that defies a tidy label. It’s historic, eclectic, charming, walkable, and filled with a deep sense of place. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by cookie-cutter suburbs or craving a sense of community and character in your new home, this might just be the neighborhood for you. In this post, I’ll walk you through what makes Old Southwest unique, from its million-dollar riverfront properties to its cozy coffee shops and local schools.

Where Is Old Southwest Reno?

Located just south of downtown and skirting the Truckee River, the Old Southwest is neatly tucked between several main thoroughfares. Locals tend to define its borders like this:

• North: California Avenue and the Truckee River
• East: Arlington Avenue or Plumas Street
• South: Monroe Street and the Mount Rose Highway corridor
• West: Skyline Boulevard to Hunter Lake Drive

It’s all inside the McCarran loop, making this an ultra-convenient location for access to Midtown, Downtown Reno, the airport, and major shopping corridors. Whether you're biking to get coffee or hopping in the car to get to Truckee or Lake Tahoe, you're well-situated.

A Style All Its Own

Step foot in this neighborhood and one of the first things you'll notice is that no two homes look the same. This isn’t a planned community where every fourth house has the same floor plan. We’re talking about homes built in the 1920s through the 1970s, and many of them lovingly preserved or thoughtfully modernized.

You’ll find everything from 1930s Craftsman bungalows to Spanish Revival homes with wrought iron accents, and even classic brick ranch houses that are surprisingly rare in Reno. Some folks have kept the original interiors; others have gone full HGTV with sleek, modern updates on the inside while preserving that historic curb appeal outside.

• Craftsman bungalows from the 1930s
• Spanish Revival homes with stucco exteriors and tile roofs
• Brick ranchers from the 1950s and 60s
• Updated interior-modern homes with vintage exteriors

From Affordable to Phenomenal: Pricing and Options

One of the great things about Old Southwest is the range of options. If you’re just getting your foot in the door, you can find condos and townhouses in the $500, 000 range. But if you’re looking to splurge a little (or a lot), there are stunning riverfront homes running into the $3 to $5 million price range, especially along "Millionaire’s Row" near the Truckee River.

While these price points reflect the area’s desirability, it’s important to know what you’re buying. These homes are older, and you’ll definitely want a detailed inspection. Things like original electrical systems, plumbing, or roofing can be expensive to update. But that character? That’s something you just can’t replicate in a new-build community.

Walkability, Vibe, and Community Feel

The walkability in Old Southwest is one of the top reasons people fall in love with it. You can stroll under a canopy of old-growth trees from your front porch to your favorite coffee shop, hit the river trail, grab dinner in Midtown, or even scoot over to downtown for a show.

It’s not uncommon to see kids walking to school, neighbors chatting on porches, or people heading out to Food Truck Friday in Idlewild Park. The streets are quiet, peaceful, and lined with homes that have stories to tell, and yes, some of those trees are so massive at the base, they seem like they’ve been there forever. Sid, my trusted teammate behind the camera, literally stopped in awe at one tree on Marsh Avenue. "Look at the size of that thing, " she said. And she was right.

Schools That Anchor the Neighborhood

For families, one of the biggest attractions to the Old Southwest is the school zoning. Reno High School is the crown jewel here, a legacy institution that’s been around for over 100 years and recently underwent a big remodel. You’ll also find other popular schools in this zone, including Hunter Lake Elementary, Mount Rose Elementary, Jesse Beck, and Swope Middle School.

This part of town has what we jokingly call the "OG school triangle", Reno High, Sparks High, and Hug High. If you talk to anyone who's been in Reno for decades, they probably went to one of the three.

Local Flavor: Parks, Eats, and Shops

Speaking of Idlewild Park, it’s one of the best in Reno. In the summer, it transforms into a community hub. There are softball fields, a rose garden, access to the river trail, and ongoing events like Food Truck Friday, where locals gather for live music and food under the trees. It’s the kind of thing where you bump into neighbors, meet new friends, and watch kids splash in the creek while you wait in line for a churro truck.

Restaurants and cafes are another part of the Old Southwest charm. BJ’s Beastro, a French café nestled near the path along the Truckee River, is a favorite stop for brunch or an afternoon treat. Sip coffee outside a rustic café, enjoy dinner at The Kitchen Table near Arlington and Plum, or browse the shops in that same center which include a travel store, Pilates studio, and even an art spot like The Clay Canvas.

And don’t forget about the Wooster Golf Course, which is as flat as a pancake but perfect for beginner golfers and families. Right next to it? Tennis courts, making for an all-ages-friendly outdoor experience.

What to Watch Out For: The Real Deal on Older Homes

I always say living in a neighborhood with “character” means being willing to put in a little TLC, or at least budget for it. Inspections are critical. You may find outdated wiring, older roofs, or floor plans that don’t match modern expectations. Garage sizes are often smaller, and in many Old Southwest homes, you’ll get a one- or two-car garage tops.

Yet that’s almost part of the charm. These homes aren’t about flash. They’re about style, soul, and standing the test of time. Besides, you're trading that big garage for proximity to the river, local shops, and probably one of the quietest streets in all of Reno.

Why People Love It Here

There’s something magical about this neighborhood. Whether it's the historical vibe, the variety of architecture, or just the good ol’ community feel, Old Southwest Reno cultivates home pride. Even when you're just driving through, it feels like a place where you want to stay a while.

As we wrapped up filming on Marsh Avenue, I asked Sid why people say yes to this neighborhood. Without missing a beat, she said, “It’s the walkability and the old neighborhood feel. Every house has a story.” And that really sums it up. This isn’t just a place on a map, it’s a living, breathing part of Reno’s story.

Thinking About Making a Move?

Whether you're relocating from California or looking to level-up your Reno lifestyle, the Old Southwest provides a rare mix of charm, history, and convenience that you just can't find in newer developments. And if you need help navigating whether this neighborhood is the right fit for your needs, we’re always happy to help.

Want to explore other Reno neighborhoods with the same local insight? Check out other communities we work in.

Have questions or ready to start house hunting? Reach out to us, we love helping people find the right fit in Reno, Sparks, or even up in beautiful Lake Tahoe.

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