Roosevelt - Redwood City, CA Area Guide

The area of Roosevelt began as home to the Ohlone people. After the movement West by American settlers, the port became a busy center for shipment of lumber and other goods. Redwood City continues to serve as a popular port as the only deepwater port in the Bay Area south of San Francisco. The neighborhood also houses the San Mateo County History Museum, a historical building with exhibits containing artifacts and information from the regions past. The upper rooms of the museum can be rented out for events and parties. The Independence Day parade arrives every summer as one of the largest celebrations of the year and has continued to be a yearly attraction since 1861.

Roosevelt contains plenty of options for residents when it comes to eating out. Restaurants in this area represent a good mix of cuisines, with American classics as well as Thai, Indian and Japanese eateries. Vesta acts as the most popular pizzeria here. Known for innovative takes on classic pizza recipes, Vesta provides a creative dining experience with a mix of red- and white-sauce pies. Diners especially rave about the sausage and honey pizza. Many people like to order a few small plates with the meal as well, so come ready to split a few treats with friends.

Located just down the street from Vesta, The Sandwich Spot serves as a well-known favorite for locals in the area. This specialty deli sports a menu of huge sandwiches to choose from, such as The Manwich or the popular The Bomb on a Dutch crunch roll. Many people swear by the Wednesday special of a tri-tip sandwich for only $8. With plenty of outdoor patio seating, big screens inside for sports games and hookah past 5 p.m., The Sandwich Spot serves as a popular all-around hangout along with being a sit down restaurant. If you're craving one of these sandwiches on the go, call ahead and order some takeout for the road.

The nightlife options in Roosevelt provide residents with plenty of choices for weekend fun. The neighborhood includes the usual selection of dive bars and wine lounges. The Mardi Gras Lounge hosts occasional pool tournaments and sports fans appreciate being able to watch the Sunday night football game on one of the many televisions.

When it comes to live music, the people of Roosevelt can usually find a band playing at one of the many bars near El Camino Real. However, for the best experience in live entertainment, a visit to Fox Theatre proves an absolute must. This classically designed theater acts as host to live bands, plays, movie screenings and comedy acts alike. With vintage design and two levels of seating, Fox Theatre provides a modern entertainment venue in an antique style. Fans of classical music enjoy the multiple performances of the Peninsula Symphony in this theater, as the organization has made Fox Theater one of its frequent stops during the season.

Roosevelt locals enjoy the convenience of having multiple transportation options at their disposal, the most common of which remains the Sequoia Caltrain Station. Located just across El Camino Real from Roosevelt, this Caltrain Station connects residents to San Francisco city to the north and San Jose to the south. Sequoia also acts as a central hub for buses coming through the area. Taxis don’t come through the area too frequently due to its suburban nature, so call ahead in order to catch a cab, or use Uber as an alternative service.

When it comes to walkability, the general rule seems to be that the closer you live to El Camino Real, the more amenities you can walk to. Since most of the restaurants and shops lie on the other side of El Camino Real, those living closer to this central road can walk more often. However, those living just outside of walking distance can easily ride a bike to reach most destinations of the area. With a fair amount of bike infrastructure and a biker-friendly atmosphere, cyclists don’t have to worry about their safety on these roads. The placement of El Camino Real provides convenient connections for drivers by connecting them to Highway 101 to the east. Within Roosevelt, parking remains fairly open for the most part; however, parking spaces begin to include meters and get relatively tight once you cross El Camino Real.

The area around Roosevelt contains numerous free community parks to choose from. Red Morton Community Park acts as one of the closest and most popular for locals. The park grounds include an extensive amount of amenities, including tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds and a pool. For those looking to exercise, the park also features open fields and trails for walking. The park also serves as a community voting place and runs multiple summer programs for children. Pet owners should check out Shore Dogs Park for a fun getaway with their furry friend. Unlike other parks of the city, Shore Dogs Park remains an off-leash area, allowing dogs to run free through the open fields without being tied to the leash of its owner.

Compared to the California average, residents of Roosevelt experience an overall higher cost of living. The chief contributors to these higher costs seem to be housing and grocery prices. A one-bedroom residence can typically be found for around $1,575 per month. Transportation options in the neighborhood remain plentiful, with the SamTrans bus service running multiple routes. A ticket on the service to San Francisco costs $2 one way or $5 for a day pass. Drivers here pay more for gas than other parts of the country, with the average gas price ranking 12 percent higher than the national average. Depending on the bar or restaurant, you can expect to pay somewhere between $5 to $6 for a beer on tap.

The area of Redwood City contains good options for casual shopping and browsing. Though some of the boutiques here prove very expensive, some locations feature great deals. The central area of commerce lies just across El Camino Real.

Elvias Boutique on El Camino Real sells women's clothing and accessories. Elvias specializes in Latina fashion alongside dress and tuxedo rentals. Another well-established boutique near Roosevelt, Pickled leans more toward high-end fashion with prices that match its refined preference. The full sale rack here comes highly recommended for those looking to walk away with a purchase without spending too much of their paycheck. Nevertheless, the stylish clothing from up-and-coming brands such as Splendid and Free People make this boutique a popular destination for the serious fashion shopper.

Though the options remain plentiful, many residents choose to visit the nearby Costco on Middlefield Road for weekly groceries. Whole Foods Market, Safeway and smaller grocers also service the area along with the wholesale warehouse. For a taste of local agriculture, check out Sigona's Farmers Market located just across the street from the Costco parking lot. With prices that compete well with bigger groceries such as Safeway, this farmers market has become a popular destination for those looking to buy local and fresh produce at affordable prices. In addition to fruits and vegetables, the market also includes vendors for fresh bread, beer, wine and olive oils.