Rolando - San Diego, CA Area Guide

Although originally designed in the 1920s, the Great Depression slowed development, and Rolando primarily grew as the result of the post-war housing boom of the 1940s and '50s. The name "Rolando" came from its famous rolling hills (and because Spanish-sounding names were in vogue at the time).

Although not known for its arts scene, Rolando does provide a handful of annual events and festivals. Check out the Summer Concert Series, held each year over July and August, complete with food trucks face painters. Each December, Rolando's Community Council hosts a holiday party with holiday treats and performances by Rolando's very own Holiday Quartet.

With a burgeoning restaurant scene and global dining options, Rolando features hip bistros, tea shops and family restaurants. University Avenue, in particular, houses many ethnic restaurants with flavors from all over the globe. Bourré Southern Bistro adds a California fusion twist to Creole favorites such as jambalaya, fried catfish and gumbo. Featuring the charm and ambiance of New Orleans, the restaurant hosts live musical performances and other special events.

Clockwork's Coffee Shoppe, on the corner of College and El Cajon Boulevard, sources its beans from San Diego's own up-and-coming Westbean Coffee Roasters. With a warm, inviting atmosphere, ample seating and free Wi-Fi, you can make Clockwork's your home away from home for work or study. Serving not just drinks (try the Choco Elvis) but also killer hot paninis for breakfast, lunch and dinner, locals can plug in and never have to leave.

Cafe Europe, an interesting blend of coffeehouse, hookah bar and study lounge, sits on El Cajon Boulevard. Grab an iced latte and an out-of-this-world Greek salad before curling up on one of the comfy sofas. Cafe Europe's ambiance works well for a mellow hookah smoke (try the special house mix, Skittles) as well as for students seeking a quiet place to study.

With San Diego State University situated inside Rolando's borders, locals have no trouble finding night time entertainment options, ranging from dive bars to dance clubs to classy wine bars. The Tower Bar, located on University Avenue, was originally built as a drive-in soda fountain back in 1932. A true dive bar, the Tower Bar regularly invites local metal, punk and electronic bands to perform live music. A night at the Tower Bar isn't complete without trying the absinthe, prepared in the traditional French method using an absinthe water fountain. Although there isn't a food menu, the bartender is known to pull out free popcorn from time to time, and customers can bring food in from the vendors that often congregate just outside.

While driving remains the primary mode of transportation in the Rolando area, five bus lines do pass through the neighborhood's boundaries, making public transportation a reasonable alternative. Uber is available in Rolando, as well as throughout most of the San Diego area. Bike lanes are fairly common, and roads are generally pedestrian-friendly. Rolando also prides itself on having picturesque catwalks throughout the city. Constructed at the same time as the standard sidewalks (which are plentiful and wide), the eight catwalks around town connect from street to street, allowing residents to quickly cross the canyons separating different parts of the neighborhood.

Rolando encompasses a good number of local neighborhood parks. Clay Park is favored among residents for its wide grassy fields (perfect for spontaneous soccer or cricket games), dog-friendly policies, kids' playgrounds and jogging paths.

Another big draw in the area is the Aztec Aquaplex. Monthly memberships or day passes are available, which include access to the Aztec Recreation Center with racquetball courts and fitness classes. The Aquaplex itself includes two large outdoor solar-heated pools and a 20-person spa to enjoy year round.

Rolando's cost of living sits at 10 percent less than the San Diego average, but this still makes it 25 percent greater than the national average. Gas prices run a little more costly than the national average as well, hovering around 10 percent higher.

A standard one-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,100 per month, which is about 10 percent less than the average for San Diego overall. The average price of a domestic beer at a Rolando pub hovers around $3.75, and an average cup of cappuccino in a coffee house sets you back just under $4.

Not quite a shopper's paradise, Rolando still features some unique gems for the locals. Blue Dolphin Glass, located on El Cajon Boulevard, showcases pre-made stained glass pieces but will also create handmade custom windows and panels. Classes on how to make your own stained glass are often held as well.

Buddha For You, also found on El Cajon Boulevard, offers exquisite Buddhist, Hindi, and Thai statuary, as well as Eastern art and meditation supplies. An unparalleled find in the San Diego area, Buddha for You also offers classes for adults as well as children and serves as a warm meeting-place for those in the spiritual community.

Another uncommon shop found in Rolando is the Garden of Fragrance on 54th Street. This family run business carries hundreds of fragrance oil scents, incense sticks, cones, incense holders and oil burners. You can also purchase supplies to make your own incense — or even start your own incense business.

Rolando houses a number of solid grocery store options for residents, including regional chains such as Northgate Market and Ralphs. For a more distinctive shopping experience, check out World Foods Supermarket on El Cajon Boulevard. Featuring Chinese, Vietnamese, Hispanic, and American foods, World Foods is known for its diverse fresh produce, meats, and seafoods.

The Rolando area also supports a local farmers' market, located in the parking lot of the College Avenue Baptist Church. With the beautiful all-season weather, the market is open year round.