Aerial view over Old Southwest Reno: Craftsman bungalows and two-story homes on tree-lined streets, with the downtown Reno skyline and snow-capped mountains beyond
Newlands Historic District · Tree-Lined Streets · Southwest Reno

Old Southwest Reno Homes For Sale

Old Southwest Reno homes for sale, from Nevada Real Estate Group: the tree-lined neighborhood less than a mile southwest of downtown that contains the Newlands Historic District, listed on the National Register in 2016.

Browse Homes

Where Can You Find Old Southwest Reno Homes for Sale?

In October 2026, ZIPs 89509 and 89501 together had 204 active listings, per NREG’s MLS analysis of NNRMLS data — condos and downtown included. The listings panel below narrows that to homes whose MLS records mention Old Southwest, newest first.

  • MEDIAN LIST PRICE (ZIPS 89509, 89501)

    $630K

    NREG analysis of NNRMLS data via Repliers, as of October 29, 2026

  • DAYS ON MARKET (ZIPS 89509, 89501)

    53

    NREG analysis of NNRMLS data via Repliers, as of October 29, 2026

  • HISTORIC DISTRICT

    Newlands · NRHP 2016

    National Register reference 16000912

  • TO MIDTOWN RENO

    2–3 min

    NREG road model, east toward S Virginia St, no traffic

Chris Nevada, Founder of Nevada Real Estate Group

Written by

Chris Nevada

Founder, Nevada Real Estate Group · Nevada License S.181401

16+ years in Nevada real estate

Page updated October 26, 2026

Property research

Verify for your address

Confirm current school assignments, association documents, parcel taxes, and insurance with the applicable sources.

Last updated

October 26, 2026

Individual data periods may differ from the page update date.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

What Should You Know About Old Southwest Reno at a Glance?

Old Southwest Reno is the tree-lined neighborhood less than a mile southwest of downtown that contains the 171-acre Newlands Historic District, per the National Register nomination. In October 2026, ZIPs 89509 and 89501 together had 204 active listings at a median list price of $630,000, per NREG’s MLS analysis; those ZIPs also include Midtown and downtown condos.

  • Historic district: The Newlands Historic District — about 171 acres between the Truckee River, Arlington Avenue, Monroe Street and Keystone/Marsh Avenues — joined the National Register in 2016.
  • Homes: Houses from the late 1800s to the mid-1960s — Craftsman, Period Revival, Prairie, Ranch — on lots from a tenth of an acre to two acres.
  • Market: 204 active listings and a $630,000 median list price across ZIPs 89509 and 89501 in October 2026, condos and downtown included.
  • Schools: Zoned by street to Hunter Lake, Mount Rose or Beck Elementary, then Swope Middle and Reno High, per the WCSD zone map.
  • No new rules: National Register listing is honorary and adds no restrictions for owners, per the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office.

Last updated October 2026 · Sources: NREG’s MLS analysis, National Register nomination, WCSD zone map

PRICE DISTRIBUTION

How Many Old Southwest Reno Homes Are for Sale in Each Price Range?

The median list price across ZIPs 89509 and 89501 is $630K per NREG’s MLS analysis (October 2026). The cards below count only listings in those ZIPs whose MLS records mention Old Southwest — the same set as the listings panel — so a condo or lot can appear.

Under $500K

5

active listings

Browse Under $500K →

$500K–$750K

6

active listings

Browse $500K–$750K →

$750K–$1M

10

active listings

Browse $750K–$1M →

$1M–$1.5M

7

active listings

Browse $1M–$1.5M →

$1.5M+

3

active listings

Browse $1.5M+ →
Browse Old Southwest Reno Listings

How Can You Find an Old Southwest Reno Home by Price & Area?

In October 2026, ZIPs 89509 and 89501 together had 204 active listings, per NREG’s MLS analysis. The links below narrow that to listings mentioning Old Southwest (31 on September 26, 2026); the ZIP cards show whole-ZIP counts from our ZIP pages that day.

204 active listings across ZIPs 89509, 89501 as of October 29, 2026 · MLS data

STAY AHEAD OF THE MARKET

How Can You Get New Old Southwest Reno Listings First?

Custom alerts by price, beds, baths and street — delivered when a match lists. Old Southwest homes come up a few at a time, so an alert shows you each one the day it appears.

  • Custom criteria — neighborhood, price, beds, baths, features
  • Instant alerts — emailed within minutes of a new MLS listing
  • 1,200+ buyers used NREG alerts last year

Create your alert

School planning

Which Schools Serve a Reno Address?

Ask the district for the address-specific school assignment for the enrollment year, since boundaries change, and confirm it before you buy. Proximity to a school does not guarantee admission; charter, magnet and private schools set their own rules. Check Washoe school zoning · Nevada Report Card

CRIME DATA

How Can You Check Reported Crime Near a Home?

Ask the law-enforcement agency that serves the address for its current reports, and compare places only across the same reporting period, boundary and offense definitions. Missing records do not mean zero crime, the FBI cautions against ranking communities on crime totals alone, and a citywide figure does not describe a particular street.

FBI crime data resources · FBI guidance on comparing communities

Living In

What's It Like Living in Old Southwest Reno, NV?


The Answer

Old Southwest is an established in-town neighborhood of mature trees and older homes, less than a mile southwest of downtown Reno. Its core is the Newlands Historic District, which the National Park Service listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2016, per the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office. Midtown’s restaurants and shops are two to three minutes east along South Virginia Street, and Reno High School sits inside the neighborhood.

What is Old Southwest Reno known for?

For the Newlands neighborhood: curving and grid streets on a bluff above the Truckee River, mature trees, masonry pillars, a circular park and houses built between 1889 and 1965 in Craftsman, Period Revival, Prairie, Queen Anne and Ranch styles, as described in its National Register nomination. The Senator Francis G. Newlands House (1890) at 7 Elm Court, a National Historic Landmark since 1963, stands inside the district.

Who should live in Old Southwest Reno?

Buyers who want an older home on a tree-lined street close to downtown, Midtown and the University of Nevada, Reno, and who are ready to maintain an older house. Buyers who want a clubhouse, community pool or new construction should look at Reno’s master plans instead.

What is daily life like in Old Southwest Reno?

Short drives or bike rides to Midtown and downtown, walks to Idlewild Park on the Truckee River, and quiet residential streets. By our free-flow road model, without traffic, the airport is 6 to 10 minutes away and Incline Village on Lake Tahoe 44 to 55 minutes.

Location

Where Is Old Southwest Reno

Old Southwest has no official boundary. This page uses roughly the Truckee River (north), South Virginia Street (east), Plumb Lane (south) and Lakeside Drive (west), which contains the Newlands Historic District. Most of it is in ZIP 89509; part of the district, including the Newlands House on Elm Court, is in 89501. Drive times are from our free-flow road model on OpenStreetMap data, without traffic.

Midtown Reno
2–3
Min
Downtown Reno
3–6
Min
Airport
6–10
Min
UNR Campus
5–8
Min
Incline Village
44–55
Min

Old Southwest Reno

At a Glance
$630,000
Median List Price (ZIPs 89509/89501)
204
Active Listings (ZIPs 89509/89501)
53
Days on Market (ZIPs 89509/89501)

Median, active-listing and days-on-market tiles: NREG analysis of NNRMLS data via Repliers, as of October 29, 2026.

Historic District
Newlands (National Register, 2016)
District Size
About 171 acres
Period of Significance
1889–1965
ZIP Codes
89509, part of 89501
Lot Sizes (district)
0.1 to 2 acres
HOA
None on many older homes — confirm
Zoned High School
Reno High
To Midtown Reno
2–3 min (road model)
Airport
6–10 min (road model)

Quick Answer

Is Old Southwest Reno a good place to live?

For buyers who want an older home on a tree-lined street close to downtown and Midtown, it often is: the Newlands Historic District at its core is one of Reno’s best-preserved early-twentieth-century neighborhoods, per its National Register nomination, and Reno High School sits inside the neighborhood. The trade-offs are older houses that need careful inspection and no community amenity package.

Source: Newlands Historic District National Register nomination

Census Housing Data / ZIP 89509

What Does the Census Show About Housing in ZIP 89509?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024, the tiles below compare housing and population figures for ZIP 89509 and its surrounding area with the wider county. Each tile's label names the area it covers.

These are housing and population counts only. We don't describe who lives in a neighborhood or suggest which buyers it suits. Compare homes by their features, location, HOA terms and total cost, and use the Census source for the full tables.

Population (ZIP 89509)
35,632
vs Washoe Co 497,200
Home Value
$703,700
vs Washoe Co $539,900
Owner-Occupied
55.5%
vs Washoe Co 59.9%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates, ZCTA 89509 and Washoe County · Checked

POPULATION & GROWTH · ZIP 89509

How Fast Has ZIP 89509 Grown?

Slowly. ZIP 89509 is largely built out, and its population rose about 4% between the 2010 and 2020 Censuses.

33,395ZIP 89509, 2010 Census
34,817ZIP 89509, 2020 Census
35,632ZIP 89509, ACS 2020–2024

ZIP 89509 population: 2010 and 2020 Census, ACS 2020–2024

The 2010 and 2020 figures are decennial Census counts for ZCTA 89509; the last bar is the ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate, a period average rather than a single-year count. We do not publish a projection.

2010
33,395
2020
34,817
2020–24
35,632

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census and U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024. 2010 count from the 2010 Census (SF1). Checked September 2026.

REPORTED MARKET SERIES

How Is the Reno Market Trending Around Old Southwest?

Old Southwest has no MLS boundary and too few monthly sales for a stable trend line, so the charts show Reno citywide single-family sales from NREG’s Reno market report (settled months, August 2025 to July 2026). The July 2026 median sold price was $669,063, up 5.8% on July 2025.

Median Sold Price (Reno citywide)

$669,063 in July 2026, +5.8% vs July 2025

Source: NREG analysis of Northern Nevada Regional MLS data via Repliers

Days to Contract (Reno citywide)

53 in July 2026, 12 fewer than July 2025

Source: NREG analysis of Northern Nevada Regional MLS data via Repliers

Homes Sold per Month (Reno citywide)

246 in July 2026, −6.8% vs July 2025

Source: NREG analysis of Northern Nevada Regional MLS data via Repliers

The long view: the median sold price in Reno rose 117% between 2015 ($273,230) and 2026 ($593,246), across 54,244 recorded closings — Northern Nevada Regional MLS (NNRMLS) records via Repliers.

53
MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET (ZIPs 89509/89501) · OCT 29, 2026
$630K
MEDIAN LIST PRICE (ZIPs 89509/89501) · OCT 29, 2026
204
ACTIVE LISTINGS (ZIPs 89509/89501) · OCT 29, 2026
< 1 hr
OUR RESPONSE TIME

ZIPS 89509 + 89501 MARKET

Get matched with an
Old Southwest Reno specialist.

Market Competitiveness

How Competitive Is the Old Southwest Reno Market Right Now?

Across ZIPs 89509 and 89501, 204 homes were for sale in October 2026 at a median list price of $630,000, per NREG’s analysis of NNRMLS data. Among the listings whose MLS records mention Old Southwest, about six in ten were priced at $750,000 or more on September 26, 2026.

  • 204Active listings (ZIPs 89509, 89501, October 29, 2026)
  • 57Median days on market (ZIPs 89509/89501)
  • 61%Old Southwest listings at $750K+ (Sept 26, 2026)
  • NewlandsNational Register district, 2016
Before You Buy

What Should You Compare Before Buying a Home in Old Southwest Reno?

Compare individual homes by the features, services, and total ownership costs that matter to you. The points below can help structure your property research before you make an offer.

Which Old Southwest Reno Profile Fits Your Buyer Type?

Professionals

  • 5–8 min to UNR (road model)
  • 4–6 min to Renown Health (road model)
  • 6–10 min to the airport (road model)
  • Midtown 2–3 min east
Best for Professionals →

Older-Home Buyers

  • Houses from 1889 to 1965 in the Newlands district
  • Craftsman, Period Revival, Prairie, Ranch
  • Lots from 0.1 to 2 acres
  • Budget for inspection and upkeep
Best for Older-Home Buyers →

Best Fit For

  • Buyers who want character — the Newlands Historic District’s Craftsman, Period Revival and Prairie houses, listed on the National Register in 2016.
  • People who work in town — downtown, Renown Health and the university are each 3 to 8 minutes away by car (road model).

Ready to explore homes in Old Southwest Reno? We can compare streets, lots and inspection risks for you.

Start Your Old Southwest Reno Search

Pros

  • Newlands Historic District: National Register listing is honorary, with no added owner restrictions
  • Mature trees and older homes less than a mile from downtown
  • Reno High School inside the neighborhood
  • Midtown 2 to 3 minutes east (road model)

Honest Considerations

  • Older homes need careful inspection — wiring, plumbing, sewer line, foundation
  • No community amenity package
  • Homes near the Truckee River need a flood-zone check
  • Headline market figures cover two ZIPs, condos and downtown included

Old Southwest vs. Surrounding ZIPs

How Does Old Southwest Reno’s ZIP Compare to Nearby Reno ZIPs?

Old Southwest has no MLS boundary, so this table compares its main ZIP with the ZIPs around it, from NREG’s MLS analysis on September 26, 2026. Each ZIP includes every neighborhood and property type in it.

ZIP 89509 vs. nearby Reno ZIPs · snapshot September 26, 2026
SubmarketMedian Price$ / Sq FtDays on MarketActive ListingsBest For
ZIP 89509 — Old Southwest, Lakeridge$699,493—61179Old Southwest and southwest Reno
ZIP 89503 — Old Northwest, West University$510,000—5383Older homes north of the river
ZIP 89519 — Caughlin Ranch$949,900—6657West foothills
ZIP 89523 — Northwest Reno$697,000—56154Somersett and northwest Reno

Source: NREG ZIP pages — median list price, average days on market of active listings and active count, September 26, 2026. Price per square foot is not published.

Area Deep Dive

What Is Inside Each ZIP?

Submarket 1

ZIP 89509 — Old Southwest, Lakeridge

Old Southwest, the Newlands Historic District (with part of it in 89501), Lakeridge and the southwest Reno neighborhoods.

Browse ZIP 89509 — Old Southwest, Lakeridge homes →
$699KMedian Price
61Days on Market
179Active Listings
—Price / Sq Ft

Submarket 2

ZIP 89503 — Old Northwest, West University

Old Northwest and the blocks west of the University of Nevada, Reno, north of the Truckee River.

Browse ZIP 89503 — Old Northwest, West University homes →
$510KMedian Price
53Days on Market
83Active Listings
—Price / Sq Ft

Submarket 3

ZIP 89519 — Caughlin Ranch

Caughlin Ranch and the west foothills, 8 to 9 minutes from Old Southwest by our road model.

Browse ZIP 89519 — Caughlin Ranch homes →
$950KMedian Price
66Days on Market
57Active Listings
—Price / Sq Ft

Submarket 4

ZIP 89523 — Northwest Reno

Somersett and northwest Reno, 13 to 18 minutes from Old Southwest by our road model.

Browse ZIP 89523 — Northwest Reno homes →
$697KMedian Price
56Days on Market
154Active Listings
—Price / Sq Ft

Submarket 5

Newlands Historic District

The National Register–listed core of Old Southwest: 171 acres on the bluff south of the Truckee River, bounded by Arlington Avenue, Monroe Street and Marsh/Keystone Avenues, with houses built between 1889 and 1965. Listing is honorary and adds no owner restrictions, per the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office.

Browse Newlands Historic District homes →
16000912NRHP Reference
2016Year Listed
171Acres
1889–1965Period of Significance

Where Is Old Southwest Reno on the Map?

Old Southwest lies less than a mile southwest of downtown Reno, south of the Truckee River. Midtown is east along South Virginia Street, 2 to 3 minutes by car; downtown 3 to 6; the airport 6 to 10 (our free-flow road model, without traffic).

#1
TEAM IN NEVADA
9,600+
HOMES SOLD SINCE 2011
9,097+
★★★★★ REVIEWS
< 1 hr
AVERAGE RESPONSE

STILL DECIDING?

Not sure which
Old Southwest street fits?

BY ZIP CODE

What Does the Market Look Like in ZIP 89509 and Nearby Reno ZIPs?

Whole-ZIP figures from NREG’s ZIP pages on September 26, 2026: median list price, average days on market of active listings, and active count. Each ZIP includes all neighborhoods and property types in it. Our ZIP 89501 page had no current figure that day.

Reno ZIP code snapshot with ZIP 89509 · September 26, 2026
ZIPPrimary AreaMedian Price$ / Sq FtDays on MarketActiveYoY
89509Old Southwest · Lakeridge$699,493—61179—
89503Old Northwest · West University$510,000—5383—
89519Caughlin Ranch · west foothills$949,900—6657—
89523Somersett · Northwest Reno$697,000—56154—
89511South Reno · Galena foothills$1,337,500—72208—
89521South Reno · Damonte Ranch$699,000—62296—

Source: NREG’s analysis of NNRMLS data, as published on each ZIP’s page on September 26, 2026 (for example the ZIP 89509 page). Price per square foot and year-over-year change are not published for these ZIPs.

The Newlands Historic District

What Is the Newlands Historic District in Old Southwest Reno?

The Newlands Historic District is the historic core of Old Southwest: 171 acres on a bluff above the Truckee River, bounded by the river, Arlington Avenue, Monroe Street and Marsh/Keystone Avenues, and assembled from six subdivisions. The National Park Service listed it in the National Register of Historic Places in 2016 (reference 16000912), with a period of significance of 1889 to 1965. It was Reno’s second National Register district, after the University of Nevada, Reno Historic District (1987). Per the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office, listing is honorary and adds no restrictions for current or future owners.

Outdoor Recreation

What Outdoor Amenities Are Near Old Southwest Reno?

Old Southwest relies on city and regional parks rather than association amenities; the National Register nomination also notes a circular park inside the Newlands district. Drive times are from our free-flow road model on OpenStreetMap data, without traffic.

3–4 MIN

Idlewild Park

City parkPicnics · River trailFree

A riverside city park on the Truckee River, a few minutes from Old Southwest.

3 MIN

Truckee River Walk & Wingfield Park

Downtown riverfrontWalking · EventsFree

Downtown Reno’s riverfront path and river-island park.

8–10 MIN

Rancho San Rafael Regional Park

Regional parkTrails · ArboretumFree

Home of the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and the Great Reno Balloon Race, near the university.

8–11 MIN

Bartley Ranch Regional Park

Regional parkTrails · EquestrianFree

Trails, an amphitheater and equestrian facilities in south Reno.

20–27 MIN

Galena Creek Recreation Area

Regional parkHiking · PicnicsFree

Forested trails on the Mount Rose Highway.

29–38 MIN

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

Ski resortSkiing · SnowboardingTicketed

The nearest ski resort to Reno, on the Mount Rose Highway.

44–55 MIN

Lake Tahoe (Incline Village)

191 sq mi lakeBeaches · BoatingVaries by beach

Incline Village on Tahoe’s north shore, over the Mount Rose summit.

The Old Southwest Reno Lifestyle

What Does a Weekend in Old Southwest Reno Look Like?

A walk under the trees of the Newlands district, described in its National Register nomination, a short trip to Midtown’s restaurants, an afternoon at Idlewild Park on the river — and Lake Tahoe 44 to 55 minutes away.

171Acres in the Newlands District
1889–1965Period of Significance
2–3 minTo Midtown (road model)
6–10 minTo Airport (road model)

THIS WEEKEND'S OPEN HOUSES

Can You Tour Old Southwest Reno Homes This Weekend?

Sellers post open houses on the MLS late in the week, and many Old Southwest homes show by appointment. Set up an alert for your streets and price range, or browse the current listings.

Planning a move

What Should I Verify Before Moving to Old Southwest Reno?

Budget around the specific home, not a community average. Before you compare the cost of a move to Old Southwest Reno, get these in writing:

  • The parcel's annual assessment, prior-year tax bill and abatement eligibility. A sale alone does not reset Nevada’s tax cap. Nevada tax-abatement rules
  • Lender, insurance and utility quotes for the exact address, plus the association's resale documents and any special assessments.
  • The school assignment for the enrollment year, confirmed with the district.
  • Your tax situation, reviewed by an adviser — California-source income can remain taxable after a move (Franchise Tax Board).
  • Qualifying new residents generally must obtain a Nevada driver’s license and vehicle registration within 30 days. Check the Nevada DMV’s requirements and exceptions for your circumstances.

The full step-by-step relocation checklist, from timeline to first-week setup, is in one place.

Open the relocation guide

ECONOMY & JOBS

What Drives the Economy Near Old Southwest Reno?

Old Southwest sits close to downtown Reno, Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Reno-Sparks unemployment rate was 4.0% in July 2026 (preliminary). The Tesla Gigafactory at the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center is 26 to 33 minutes east by our free-flow road model.

$86,126Median household income, ZIP 89509ACS 2020–2024
4.0%Reno-Sparks unemployment, July 2026BLS, preliminary
5–8 minTo University of Nevada, RenoNREG road model, no traffic
6–10 minTo Reno-Tahoe International AirportNREG road model, no traffic

Major Employers Near Old Southwest Reno

  • Renown HealthRegional Medical Center 4 to 6 minutes away (road model)
  • University of Nevada, Reno5 to 8 minutes north (road model)
  • City of Reno / Washoe CountyGovernment offices downtown
  • Downtown casino and hospitality employersDowntown Reno, 3 to 6 minutes (road model)
  • Tesla Gigafactory NevadaTahoe-Reno Industrial Center, 26 to 33 minutes (road model)

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024. Checked September 2026.

NEIGHBORHOOD COMPARISON

How Does Old Southwest Reno Compare to Midtown and Downtown Reno?

A qualitative comparison; district facts from the National Register nomination and drive times from our free-flow road model on OpenStreetMap data, without traffic.

Old Southwest Reno vs. Midtown vs. Downtown Reno · September 2026
MetricOld Southwest RenoMidtown RenoDowntown Reno
Main home typeOlder single-family homesMixed: small homes, condos, loftsMostly condos and lofts
Historic designationNewlands Historic District (NRHP, 2016)Confirm per propertyConfirm per property
LocationSouthwest of downtown, south of the riverEast of Old Southwest along S Virginia StNorth of Old Southwest, on the river
Drive to downtown3–6 minShort drive—

Sources: National Register nomination; Nevada SHPO. Checked September 26, 2026.

Cost of Ownership

What Will Old Southwest Reno Cost You Each Month?

Build a property-specific budget using a lender quote, the parcel tax estimate, insurance quotes and association documents. The starting amounts below are editable illustrations, not current local rates or verified fees. Compare the result with your Loan Estimate, and budget separately for maintenance, utilities and closing costs.

Illustrative Payment Estimator

Estimate Your Old Southwest Reno Payment

Home Price
$619,000
$619,000
$619,000
Down Payment
10% / $61,900
10% / $61,900
10% / $61,900
Interest Rate
7.0%
7.0%
7.0%
Term Years
30
30
30
Annual Property Tax Assumption
$3,700
$3,700
$3,700
Annual Insurance Assumption
$1,800
$1,800
$1,800
Monthly HOA Assumption
$0
$0
$0
Annual PMI Rate Assumption
0.50%
0.50%
0.50%
$4,397
Illustrative Monthly Payment
  • Principal & Interest$3,706
  • Property Tax$308
  • Insurance$150
  • HOA$0
  • PMI$232
Talk to a Lender

Inputs are assumptions, not a loan offer, insurance quote or parcel tax calculation. This simplified fixed-rate example applies the selected PMI rate below 20% down; actual mortgage-insurance eligibility, cost and cancellation depend on the loan. Maintenance, utilities, closing costs and special assessments are additional. Review the CFPB housing budget guide and confirm amounts with the relevant providers.

COMMUTE & TRANSPORTATION

How Easy Is Getting Around from Old Southwest Reno?

Drive times below are ranges from our free-flow road model on OpenStreetMap data, from the neighborhood’s map center, without traffic (posted limits, then a slower run with signal delays). Mean commute time for ZIP 89509 residents is about 18.5 minutes, per the U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates.

Drive Times from Old Southwest Reno

  • 2–3 minMidtown RenoEast via S Virginia St
  • 3–6 minDowntown RenoNorth across the Truckee River
  • 4–6 minRenown Regional Medical CenterNortheast via downtown
  • 5–8 minUNR CampusNorth via Virginia St
  • 6–10 minReno-Tahoe Intl AirportEast to the airport
  • 26–33 minTesla Gigafactory (TRI)Via I-80 east
  • 32–42 minCarson CityVia I-580 south
  • 44–55 minIncline Village (Lake Tahoe)Via I-580 and Mount Rose Hwy (SR-431)

Transportation Options

  • Driving

    Most trips are by car; Virginia Street runs north to downtown and the university and south through Midtown.

  • Walking & Cycling

    Midtown and downtown are close enough to reach by bike for many residents; check the route from your street.

  • Transit

    RTC Washoe runs Reno’s bus network; check its route map for service near the address.

  • Air Travel

    Reno-Tahoe International Airport is 6 to 10 minutes away by our free-flow road model.

Drive times are typical off-peak estimates for the route named; check live traffic before you rely on one.

Quick Answer

What credit score do you need to buy in Old Southwest Reno?

Conventional loans generally start at a 620 score and FHA at 580 with 3.5% down; VA has no program minimum but lenders set their own. Loans above the 2026 conforming limit of $832,750 are jumbo loans, which usually need a higher score, a larger down payment and more reserves.

Quick Answer

Are Old Southwest Reno homes a good investment?

We do not publish an Old Southwest appreciation figure, and no neighborhood guarantees a return. For context, NREG’s Reno market report shows the citywide single-family median sold price at $669,063 in July 2026, up 5.8% on July 2025. Judge a specific home on its condition, lot and recent comparable sales on nearby streets.

Old Southwest Reno FAQ — 16 Answers

What Do Old Southwest Reno Buyers Most Frequently Ask?

Most Asked

What is the median home price in Old Southwest Reno?

Old Southwest has no MLS boundary, so we report ZIPs 89509 and 89501 together: their median list price is about $630,000 in NREG’s analysis of NNRMLS data (September 2026). That figure includes Midtown blocks and downtown condos, so compare homes on the specific street before you judge a price.

What makes Old Southwest Reno different from other Reno neighborhoods?

Old Southwest contains the Newlands Historic District, a 171-acre neighborhood of homes built between the late 1800s and the mid-1960s on a bluff above the Truckee River, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. It is Reno’s second National Register district, after the University of Nevada, Reno Historic District. Mature trees, curving streets and a short trip to Midtown and downtown set it apart from Reno’s newer master plans.

What types of properties are available in Old Southwest Reno?

Mostly single-family homes, plus duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes. The National Register nomination lists Craftsman, Period Revival (including Tudor and Colonial Revival), Prairie, Queen Anne, Minimal Traditional and Ranch houses, on lots from a tenth of an acre to two acres. Some houses along Arlington and California Avenues and Clay, Court and Ridge Streets have been converted to commercial use, and condo and townhouse complexes sit on the neighborhood’s edges.

What schools serve Old Southwest Reno?

The Washoe County School District zone map assigns Old Southwest by street to Hunter Lake, Mount Rose or Beck Elementary, then Swope Middle and Reno High School. GreatSchools rates Reno High 7 out of 10, Swope 6, and Hunter Lake, Mount Rose and Beck 9 each (September 2026). Confirm the zone for the exact address.

How long to get from Old Southwest Reno to downtown and the airport?

By our free-flow road model from the neighborhood’s map center, without traffic, downtown Reno is 3 to 6 minutes away (1.5 miles), Midtown 2 to 3 minutes east, the University of Nevada, Reno 5 to 8 minutes and Reno-Tahoe International Airport 6 to 10 minutes (3 miles).

What is the average days on market in Old Southwest Reno?

Across ZIPs 89509 and 89501, the median days on market for homes that sold in the past 90 days is about 53 days in NREG’s analysis of NNRMLS data. Individual Old Southwest homes vary widely with condition and price, so ask for the days on market of the homes you compare.

What amenities does Old Southwest Reno offer residents?

Old Southwest has no association amenity package. Residents use city parks such as Idlewild Park on the Truckee River, the downtown Riverwalk and Wingfield Park, and the shops and restaurants of Midtown along South Virginia Street.

What are investment and rental opportunities like in Old Southwest Reno?

The neighborhood includes duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes as well as single-family homes. We do not publish a rent figure for Old Southwest; compare current lease listings, and check any association or local rules for the specific property.

What are property taxes like in Old Southwest Reno?

Washoe County taxes run roughly 0.5–0.7% of market value. Nevada caps annual increases on a primary residence at 3% under Nevada Revised Statutes 361.4723 once the owner claims it (other homes get a cap of up to 8%), and a sale does not reset the cap. On a $630,000 home that is roughly $3,150–$4,410 a year; ask the Washoe County Assessor for the parcel’s actual bill.

How does Nevada's zero income tax compare to California for Old Southwest Reno buyers?

Nevada has no state personal income tax; California’s top rate is 13.3%, per the California Franchise Tax Board. California-source income can remain taxable after you move, so have a tax adviser model your own situation before counting on a saving.

How does Old Southwest Reno compare to Midtown Reno?

Midtown lies just east of Old Southwest along South Virginia Street and is Reno’s restaurant and shopping district, with more condos, lofts and small homes. Old Southwest is mostly older single-family homes on quieter streets. They are two to three minutes apart by car.

What should I know about HOA fees in Old Southwest Reno?

Many older single-family homes here have no homeowners association, but condominium and townhouse complexes in the area do. Check the listing and the title report for each address, and ask for the association documents if there is one.

What should I know before buying in Old Southwest Reno?

Commission a thorough inspection on any older home — wiring, plumbing, sewer line and foundation. Check the FEMA flood map for homes near the Truckee River. National Register listing is honorary and adds no owner restrictions, per the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office, but confirm any City of Reno permit rules before planning work.

What is the minimum down payment to buy in Old Southwest Reno?

Conventional loans can start at 3% down for qualified buyers, FHA at 3.5% and VA at zero for eligible veterans. At the $630,000 median list price for ZIPs 89509 and 89501, 10% down is $63,000 and 20% is $126,000. Loans above the 2026 conforming limit of $832,750 are jumbo loans with their own down-payment and reserve rules.

Is Old Southwest Reno better for buyers than Midtown Reno?

It depends on what you want. Old Southwest offers older single-family homes on tree-lined streets and the Newlands Historic District; Midtown, just to the east, offers restaurants, shops and more condos and lofts. They are two to three minutes apart, so tour both.

How long does it take to close on an Old Southwest Reno home?

A financed purchase usually closes in about four to six weeks in Nevada, and a cash purchase can close faster. Older homes can add time if the inspection or appraisal raises repair questions, and jumbo loans can take longer to underwrite.

Updated October 2026

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PEOPLE ALSO ASK

What Else Do People Ask About Old Southwest Reno?

Short answers with their sources: district facts from the National Register nomination, market figures from NREG’s analysis of NNRMLS data (September 2026) and school zones from the WCSD zone map.

What is the Old Southwest Reno neighborhood boundary?

There is no official boundary. This page uses roughly the Truckee River, South Virginia Street, Plumb Lane and Lakeside Drive. The defined part is the Newlands Historic District: the Truckee River, Arlington Avenue, Monroe Street and Marsh/Keystone Avenues.

Is Old Southwest Reno a historic district?

Its core is. The Newlands Historic District — 171 acres, period of significance 1889–1965 — was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016 (reference 16000912). Listing is honorary and adds no owner restrictions, per the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office.

Where is Newlands Heights?

The Nevada State Historic Preservation Office’s listing notice calls the district the Newlands Heights Historic District: the neighborhood on the bluff above the south bank of the Truckee River, between Arlington Avenue and Keystone/Marsh Avenues and north of Monroe Street. It does not extend to Plumb Lane or west of Lakeside Drive.

Are there new homes in Old Southwest Reno?

Very few. The area is built out; of the 610 resources counted in the Newlands district nomination, 37 were built after 1965.

How far is Old Southwest Reno from Reno High School?

Reno High School is on Booth Street inside Old Southwest, and it is the zoned high school for the neighborhood.

Is Old Southwest Reno walkable to Midtown restaurants?

Midtown is just east along South Virginia Street — 2 to 3 minutes by car in our road model — so blocks near Virginia Street are the closest. Check the walk from your street.

Does Old Southwest Reno have a flood risk?

Homes near the Truckee River can be in or near a mapped flood zone. Check the address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and ask your lender whether flood insurance is required.

How does Old Southwest Reno compare to Caughlin Ranch?

Old Southwest is older and closer to town, with the Newlands Historic District at its core. Caughlin Ranch is a newer planned community in the west foothills, 8 to 9 minutes away by our road model, in ZIP 89519, whose median list price was $949,900 on September 26, 2026.

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NEARBY COMMUNITIES

Which Communities Are Near Old Southwest Reno?

Drive times are ranges from our free-flow road model on OpenStreetMap data, without traffic. Where a median is shown, it is the whole-ZIP median list price from NREG’s ZIP pages on September 26, 2026, not a neighborhood median.

2–3 MIN E

Midtown Reno

See page

2–3 min from Old Southwest

View Midtown Reno →

3–6 MIN NE

Downtown Reno

See page

3–6 min from Old Southwest

View Downtown Reno →

8–9 MIN W

Caughlin Ranch

ZIP 89519: $950K

8–9 min from Old Southwest

View Caughlin Ranch →

7–10 MIN N

West University

ZIP 89503: $510K

7–10 min from Old Southwest

View West University →

13–18 MIN NW

Somersett

ZIP 89523: $697K

13–18 min from Old Southwest

View Somersett →

NEARBY

Lakeridge

ZIP 89509: $699K

Southwest Reno, ZIP 89509

View Lakeridge →

Sources & Methodology

Where Does This Old Southwest Reno Data Come From?

Each source below holds the fact it is cited for on this page. Market figures are NREG’s analysis of Northern Nevada Regional MLS data; every other figure names its source and date.

  1. NREG analysis of NNRMLS data — Active listings, median list price and days on market for ZIPs 89509 and 89501; Reno citywide monthly sales. NREG Reno market report
  2. National Register of Historic Places nomination — Newlands Historic District: 171 acres, boundaries, period of significance 1889–1965, 610 resources (487 contributing), styles and lot sizes. Newlands Historic District nomination (PDF)
  3. Nevada State Historic Preservation Office — National Register listing, Reno’s second district after UNR (1987), honorary status with no owner restrictions. Newlands Historic District listed
  4. Wikipedia — NRHP reference 16000912 and listing date, December 27, 2016. Newlands Historic District
  5. Washoe County School District — School zones for Old Southwest addresses (2025–26 and 2026–27). School Zone App
  6. GreatSchools.org — Ratings checked September 26, 2026: Reno HS 7, Swope MS 6, Hunter Lake, Mount Rose and Beck ES 9. Reno High School
  7. U.S. Census Bureau — ZCTA 89509 and Washoe County ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates; 2010 and 2020 Census counts. ZCTA 89509 profile
  8. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Reno-Sparks MSA unemployment rate, July 2026 (preliminary). LAUS series LAUMT323990000000003
  9. Washoe County Assessor — Parcel tax bills and abatement status for a specific address. Washoe County Assessor
  10. FEMA — Flood zone lookup for a specific address. Flood Map Service Center
  11. OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), Geofabrik extract — Road data for NREG’s free-flow drive-time model from the neighborhood’s map center (Geofabrik Nevada and Northern California extracts of October 22, 2026), run October 26, 2026. openstreetmap.org/copyright

Methodology: Listing counts, prices and days on market are NREG's analysis of Northern Nevada Regional MLS data received through the Repliers feed; this page refreshes them about once a day, and each market figure carries its date or window. Census and BLS figures are the published vintage named beside them and change only when the agency releases new estimates. Confirm details for a specific home with its listing and the responsible agency.

Updated: October 2026 · Next update: November 15

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