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South of Indian School Scottsdale: Homes, Pricing, and Neighborhood Guide (2026)

South of Indian School Neighborhood Guide
By Anne Sostman | The Scottsdale Agent | License SA718853000

Old Town’s Most Dynamic
Residential Pocket.

Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona · 85251

South of Indian School is the residential heartbeat of Old Town Scottsdale, a neighborhood in constant reinvention where original 1950s ranch homes sit next to stunning new construction builds and designer renovations. Walkable to over 100 restaurants, galleries, and Scottsdale Fashion Square, this is the neighborhood that defines what it means to live in Old Town rather than just visit it.

“South of Indian School is where Old Town living actually happens. This is not a tourist district, it is a real neighborhood with real homes and extraordinary walkability to everything that makes Old Town special.”
— Anne Sostman | The Scottsdale Agent

85251
Old Town Scottsdale Zip Code
1950s
Original homes from the 1950s and 1960s
100+
Walkable restaurants in Old Town
Top STR
Arizona’s strongest short term rental market

Old Town Specialist

Ranch Homes · Renovations · New Construction

Investment · STR · Primary Residence

Off Market Access Available

Published by Anne Sostman

Overview

What Is South of
Indian School?

South of Indian School is the broad residential zone within Old Town Scottsdale located south of Indian School Road, stretching toward Thomas Road and bounded roughly by Scottsdale Road to the west and 68th Street to the east. It is the neighborhood that most people picture when they think about actually living in Old Town.

The housing stock is dominated by single family ranch homes built in the 1950s and 1960s, many on generous lots by Old Town standards. Over the past decade, this area has become one of the most active renovation and tear down markets in all of metro Phoenix. Investors and owner occupants are purchasing original homes and either fully renovating them or scraping the lot for new construction.

The defining advantage of this neighborhood is walkability to Old Town Scottsdale’s core. Residents are within walking or biking distance of Scottsdale Fashion Square, the Entertainment District, the Arts District, the Scottsdale Waterfront, and dozens of the Valley’s best restaurants.

Real Estate

What Buyers Need
to Know.

South of Indian School is a market driven by renovation activity, investor demand, and walkability premiums. Here is how the inventory breaks down for buyers considering this area.

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Original Ranch Homes
Block construction ranch homes from the 1950s and 1960s, typically 1,100 to 1,600 square feet on 7,000 to 9,000 square foot lots. Many retain original carports, galvanized plumbing, and two prong electrical. Unrenovated originals start in the mid $400Ks.
Full Renovations
The most active segment. Developers are transforming original ranch homes with open floor plans, quartz countertops, designer tile, modern HVAC, and resort style backyards with pools. Renovated properties sell between $700K and $1.2M depending on lot size and finish quality.
New Construction
Scraped lot new builds deliver contemporary architecture, four to five bedrooms, indoor outdoor living, and modern energy efficient systems. Prices range from $1M to $1.5M+, with the walkable Old Town location commanding a significant premium.
Investment and STR
Among the strongest short term rental markets in Arizona. Walkable proximity to Old Town, Spring Training, Barrett-Jackson, and the Phoenix Open drives year round demand. Well positioned four bedroom homes report gross annual revenues exceeding $100K.

Lifestyle

Why People Choose
South of Indian School.

What makes this neighborhood a compelling place to call home.

Walkability to Old Town
Walk or bike to over 100 restaurants, 30+ galleries, Fashion Square, the Waterfront, and the Entertainment District. A car optional lifestyle that is exceptionally rare anywhere in metro Phoenix.
No HOA on Most Properties
No monthly dues, no architectural review committees, and no restrictions on short term rentals. Maximum flexibility for owners to live, rent, or renovate as they choose.
Renovation Opportunity
Affordable original housing stock on generous lots in a premium walkable location creates one of the most compelling value add renovation markets in the Valley.
Year Round Event Calendar
Spring Training, Barrett-Jackson, the Phoenix Open, weekly ArtWalk, Parada del Sol, and over 1,000 annual events at the Performing Arts Center are all within walking distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

South of Indian School
FAQ.

The questions buyers, relocators, and investors ask most.

Where exactly is South of Indian School?
The residential area within Old Town Scottsdale south of Indian School Road, generally bounded by Thomas Road to the south, Scottsdale Road to the west, and 68th Street to the east. Zip code 85251.
What are home prices in this area?
Original unrenovated ranch homes start in the mid $400Ks. Fully renovated properties range from $700K to $1.2M. New construction on scraped lots ranges from $1M to $1.5M+. Pricing depends on lot size, renovation quality, and proximity to the walkable core.
Is this area good for Airbnb investment?
One of the strongest STR markets in Arizona. Walkable proximity to Old Town, no HOA restrictions on most properties, and a year round event calendar drive consistent demand.
What school district serves this area?
Scottsdale Unified School District. Nearby schools include Tavan Elementary and Hohokam Elementary. The area is also convenient to Scottsdale Community College and Arizona State University.

Work With Anne

Old Town Living Starts
with a Conversation.

Whether you are buying your first Old Town home, investing in a short term rental, or selling into one of the most active renovation markets in the Southwest, a private conversation costs nothing and changes everything.

Schedule directly below

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Choose a time that works for you — no obligation, completely confidential.

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480.999.9945