Old Southwest (Roanoke) Travel Guide - Free

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Old Southwest

Old Southwest Roanoke pairs Victorian homes, Highland Park, historic streets and easy access to downtown, Grandin Village, dining and local culture.

A Residential District Beside Downtown

Old Southwest occupies the streets immediately southwest of central Roanoke, where the city's commercial core gives way to tree-lined avenues, substantial historic houses and quieter residential blocks. Its commonly recognised area is not defined by a single hard boundary, but the district is closely associated with the neighbourhood around Main Street, Mountain Avenue, Elm Avenue and the streets leading towards Highland Park. Downtown is close enough to reach on foot, while Grandin Village and Wasena lie nearby beyond the neighbourhood's residential streets.
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Architecture and Local Character

The district's character comes from its late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century housing. Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, American Foursquare, Tudor Revival and Craftsman-influenced buildings stand alongside smaller workers' houses and later infill, creating a varied streetscape rather than a single uniform architectural style. Broad verges, mature trees, porches and gently undulating roads give many blocks a settled, walkable quality. Old Southwest's historic designation reflects this concentration of buildings and its connection with Roanoke's growth during the railway and industrial era.

Parks, Culture and Everyday Roanoke

Highland Park provides one of the neighbourhood's principal open spaces, with lawns, mature planting and a more relaxed pace than the downtown streets nearby. Elmwood Park, the Roanoke Star's overlook and the Virginia Museum of Transportation are close by, but lie outside or near the district and should be understood as neighbouring attractions rather than Old Southwest landmarks. Dining and nightlife are similarly concentrated at the edges, particularly around downtown, Wasena and Grandin Village. Visitors come to Old Southwest chiefly for its architecture, local history and easy walking connections, discovering a lived-in part of Roanoke rather than a purpose-built tourist quarter.

Best attractions in Old Southwest

Old Southwest's principal attraction is its historic residential streetscape, best explored on foot around Highland Avenue, Mountain Avenue and the blocks near Highland Park. Visitors can examine the changing details of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century houses, from elaborate porches and gables to simpler American Foursquare and Craftsman-influenced designs. Highland Park offers lawns, mature trees and a pause from the surrounding roads, while the neighbourhood's proximity to downtown makes it easy to extend a walk towards Elmwood Park and Roanoke's central cultural venues. The Virginia Museum of Transportation, located nearby rather than clearly within Old Southwest, provides a major railway-focused attraction associated with the city's wider industrial story. Grandin Village and Wasena are also close for cinemas, cafés and local businesses, but they are adjacent districts with their own identities. Old Southwest is therefore most rewarding as an architectural and urban-history excursion rather than a concentration of formal visitor attractions.

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Best landmarks in Old Southwest

Old Southwest's most important landmarks are collective rather than monumental: the Old Southwest Historic District preserves a broad group of houses, gardens, street patterns and mature trees that document Roanoke's expansion during the railway and industrial era. Highland Park is a significant local landscape feature, providing public open space within the residential setting. Architectural details vary across the district, with Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, American Foursquare, Tudor Revival and Craftsman-influenced buildings contributing to its visual identity; individual houses are private properties, so their importance is best appreciated from public streets. The district's relationship with downtown is also historically meaningful, as its streets show how Roanoke's growing workforce and professional population moved beyond the central business area. The Virginia Museum of Transportation and other downtown landmarks are nearby reference points, but they should not be confused with landmarks located inside Old Southwest itself.

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Explore Old Southwest on the map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Old Southwest, mapped for you.

Best restaurants in Old Southwest

Old Southwest itself is predominantly residential, so its dining scene is closely linked to the nearby commercial areas rather than concentrated on one neighbourhood street. Downtown Roanoke, within easy reach of the northern edge, supplies the broadest choice of restaurants, cafés and bars, while Grandin Village and Wasena offer further independent dining and relaxed evening options just beyond the district. Visitors should check the exact address when choosing a venue, as the informal boundaries between these areas are easy to cross. The surrounding food culture reflects Roanoke's mixture of long-established local businesses and newer independent eateries, with options ranging from casual meals and coffee to more substantial dining. Farmers' markets and food-focused events elsewhere in central Roanoke can also complement a visit, but should not be presented as permanent Old Southwest institutions. Staying in the neighbourhood is therefore more about residential atmosphere and walkable access to nearby dining than about a dedicated restaurant quarter.

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Best bars in Old Southwest

Old Southwest is not a concentrated nightlife district, and its streets generally become quieter after evening activity in the surrounding city has wound down. The nearest substantial choice of bars, live entertainment and late dining is in downtown Roanoke, while Wasena and Grandin Village provide additional nearby venues with more local, neighbourhood-scale atmospheres. These areas are close enough to combine with an Old Southwest architecture walk, but they should be treated as adjacent districts rather than part of the historic residential core. Evening visitors should expect a mix of pubs, restaurants and cultural programming rather than a large nightclub scene. The neighbourhood's own after-dark appeal lies in its calm streets, porch-lined houses and proximity to central venues; anyone walking back should use well-lit routes, watch traffic at larger crossings and keep noise considerate near homes.

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Best nightclubs in Old Southwest

Old Southwest is not a concentrated nightlife district, and its streets generally become quieter after evening activity in the surrounding city has wound down. The nearest substantial choice of bars, live entertainment and late dining is in downtown Roanoke, while Wasena and Grandin Village provide additional nearby venues with more local, neighbourhood-scale atmospheres. These areas are close enough to combine with an Old Southwest architecture walk, but they should be treated as adjacent districts rather than part of the historic residential core. Evening visitors should expect a mix of pubs, restaurants and cultural programming rather than a large nightclub scene. The neighbourhood's own after-dark appeal lies in its calm streets, porch-lined houses and proximity to central venues; anyone walking back should use well-lit routes, watch traffic at larger crossings and keep noise considerate near homes.

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Best shops in Old Southwest

Shopping within Old Southwest is limited because the area is chiefly a historic residential district rather than a retail quarter. Visitors will find the most useful independent shops, cafés, galleries and everyday services in nearby downtown Roanoke, particularly around the central commercial streets, with further small businesses in Grandin Village and Wasena. Those adjacent areas are easy to combine with a neighbourhood walk but retain separate identities. Downtown's long connection with the railway and civic centre is reflected more in its institutions and commercial buildings than in a single Old Southwest market tradition. For locally made goods, books, records, crafts or gifts, visitors should check current businesses and market schedules in the wider central Roanoke area rather than expect a permanent shopping strip inside the district. The distinctive purchase in Old Southwest is more likely to be time spent exploring its architecture than a specialised local product.

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Old Southwest essentials

Getting There
Old Southwest is easiest to reach from downtown Roanoke, immediately to the north and east of the neighbourhood. Valley Metro buses serve the wider central and southwest areas, with downtown stops providing the most useful interchange for visitors checking current routes. Amtrak's Roanoke station is downtown on Norfolk Avenue SW, within practical walking distance of the northern part of Old Southwest, though the route includes busy roads and differing pavement conditions. Drivers can approach via Main Street, Elm Avenue or surrounding arterials, but parking availability varies by block. Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is outside the neighbourhood, so visitors arriving by air will need onward road transport.
Getting Around
Walking is the best way to appreciate Old Southwest's houses, porches, gardens and changing streetscapes, especially around Highland Avenue, Mountain Avenue and the blocks near Highland Park. The neighbourhood is close to downtown, but its roads are not uniformly flat and some pavements, crossings and older entrances may be less convenient for visitors with limited mobility. Cycling is possible on local streets, although visitors should account for traffic and hills. Downtown, Wasena and Grandin Village are nearby but separated by larger roads and different neighbourhood layouts; consult a current map rather than assuming every short-looking route is equally direct.
Safety
Old Southwest is primarily residential, so ordinary urban precautions are appropriate rather than a special safety routine. Keep valuables out of sight in parked vehicles, stay aware near traffic and use care when crossing wider roads linking the neighbourhood with downtown and adjacent districts. After dark, choose well-lit routes and remain attentive around quieter residential blocks, particularly when walking alone. Dining, entertainment and public events can make nearby downtown and Grandin-area streets busier at night, so allow for traffic and pedestrians. Respect residents' privacy and remember that historic houses are private homes, not open-air museums.
Emergency Situations
In an immediate emergency in Old Southwest, call 911 for police, fire or ambulance assistance; the number works throughout the United States. Give the dispatcher the street address, a nearby intersection or a clearly identifiable landmark, since residential streets can look similar. For non-urgent medical needs, ask accommodation staff or a local pharmacist to direct you to an appropriate clinic or hospital, and use a current map for the nearest facility rather than relying on an outdated listing. Visitors should carry identification, medication details and any relevant insurance information, particularly when exploring on foot.
Do's and Don'ts
Do admire the neighbourhood's architecture from public pavements, use established crossings and support nearby independent businesses in downtown, Wasena and Grandin Village. Do keep noise down near homes, especially when returning from evening venues, and ask permission before photographing residents, private gardens or interiors. Do not enter yards, porches or driveways to obtain a better view of a house, and do not treat historic features as props to touch or climb. In restaurants and bars, normal United States etiquette applies: queue patiently, follow venue instructions and remember that gratuities are customary for table service.
Local Tips
Begin at the downtown edge and make a loose loop through the historic residential streets before continuing towards Highland Park. Compare the larger early twentieth-century houses on the more prominent avenues with smaller homes on side streets, where the district's social and architectural variety is often clearest. A map is useful because the recognised Old Southwest area blends into neighbouring districts without a dramatic gateway. Pair architectural walking with a visit to a nearby park, museum or Grandin-area café, but label those places accurately as outside or near the neighbourhood. Morning and late afternoon usually provide softer light for appreciating façades without disturbing residents.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHowdy[hah-dee]
GoodbyeFarewell[fair-well]
YesYup[yup]
NoNah[nah]
Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome[pleez/yer welcome]
Thank youMuch obliged[muh-chuh-blahy-jd]
Excuse me/SorryPardon me[pahr-dn mee]
How are you?How y'all doin'?[hau yawl doo-in]
Fine. And you?Fine. And you?[fahyn. and yoo?]
Do you speak English?Y'all speak English?[yawl speek ing-glish]
I don't understandI don't savvy[ahy dohnt sav-ee]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI reckon I'll take a gander at the bill o' fare, if you please[ahy rek-uhn ayl tayk uh gan-dur at thuh bil uh fair, if yoo pleez]
I don't eat meatI don't eat meat[ahy dohnt eet meet]
Cheers!Bottoms up![bot-uhmz uhp]
I would like to pay, pleaseI reckon I'll settle up, if you please[ahy rek-uhn ayl set-l uh-p, if yoo pleez]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help]
Go away!Git![git]
Call the Police!Send word to the Sheriff![send wurd tuh thuh sher-if]
Call a doctor!Fetch the doc![fetch thuh dahk]
I'm lostI'm turned around[ahym turnd uh-round]
I'm illI'm ailin'[ahym ay-lin]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I reckon I'll buy...[ahy rek-uhn ayl bahy]
I'm just lookingI'm just lookin'[ahym juhst look-in]
How much is it?How much fer it?[hau muhch fur it]
That's too expensiveThat's too highfalutin[thats too hahy-fuh-loo-tin]
Can you lower the price?Can y'all knock the price down?[kan yawl nahk thuh prahys doun]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What's the reckonin'?[whats thuh rek-uhn-in]
It's one o'clockIt's aught one[its awt wuhn]
Half past (10)Half past (10)[haf past (ten)]
MorningMornin'[mawrn-in]
AfternoonAfternoon[af-tur-noon]
EveningEvenin'[eev-nin]
YesterdayYest'day[yest-duh]
TodayToday[tuh-day]
TomorrowTomorrow[tuh-mawr-oh]
1One[wuhn]
2Two[too]
3Three[three]
4Four[for]
5Five[fahyv]
6Six[siks]
7Seven[sev-uhn]
8Eight[ayt]
9Nine[nahyn]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?[wheres a/the]
What's the address?What's the address?[whats thuh uh-dress]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?[kan yoo show mee (on thuh map)]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?[whens thuh nekst (bus)]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)[a tik-it (to)]

History of Old Southwest

A Suburb Beyond Roanoke's Centre

Old Southwest developed as Roanoke expanded beyond its original commercial centre in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The arrival and consolidation of the railways had turned Roanoke into an important transportation and manufacturing city, bringing new residents, businesses and civic investment. Streets southwest of downtown were laid out for a growing population seeking houses beyond the denser central blocks. The neighbourhood's early construction included substantial detached homes as well as more modest residences, reflecting the different occupations and incomes created by the city's industrial economy.

Streetcar-Era Residential Growth

Much of the district's built character emerged during the period when electric streetcars and improved roads made suburban living more practical. Homes in Old Southwest display the architectural preferences of the period, including Queen Anne ornament, Colonial Revival symmetry, American Foursquare plans and Craftsman details. Porches, front gardens and relatively generous plots helped establish a residential landscape distinct from downtown's shops and offices. Highland Park reinforced the area's appeal as a neighbourhood with access to open space, while nearby institutions and commercial streets connected residents to the wider city.

Preserving a Historic Streetscape

As post-war development, changing household patterns and automobile-oriented planning altered many American cities, Old Southwest retained a substantial collection of older houses and streetscapes. The Old Southwest Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, recognising its architectural concentration and importance to Roanoke's urban history. The designation helped frame the neighbourhood as a significant historic residential area, although it did not turn the district into a museum: its houses remain part of an active residential community, with restoration, adaptation and occasional new construction continuing over time.

A Neighbourhood Beside a Changing Centre

In recent decades Old Southwest has benefited from its location between downtown Roanoke and the Grandin and Wasena areas, both of which have developed strong dining, arts and independent-business identities. The neighbourhood itself remains primarily residential, while nearby public investment and changing patterns of city living have increased interest in its walkable historic setting. This relationship explains much of Old Southwest's contemporary character: visitors can explore a preserved early twentieth-century streetscape, yet remain close to the museums, parks, restaurants and cultural venues of central Roanoke.

Neighbourhoods near Old Southwest

The closest neighbourhoods to Old Southwest, if you have time for more than one stop.

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Roanoke
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