Rosedale - Austin, TX

The rich history of the Rosedale area is heartily maintained, largely by the area's older residents, who recount the large impact of the Ramsey family in the original purchasing, maintenance and development of the area since the 1800s. The cultural and ethnic makeup of the neighborhood has remained relatively constant throughout time, and walking tours and upkeep by the Rosedale Neighborhood Association help continue the neighborhood's tight-knit legacy.

While no museums, theaters or art exhibits reside directly within Rosedale's boundaries, the nearby Elisabet Ney Museum maintains the residence and studio of one of Germany's most influential 19th-century sculptors. Also history buffs and veterans alike flock to the Texas Military Forces Museum, and its collection of military vehicles and Texas history exhibits.

The neighborhood association hosts several events throughout the year, for July Fourth and National Night Out, as well as caroling and food drives.

As a primarily residential neighborhood, look to the eastern borders of Rosedale, along Lamar Boulevard and Burnet Road, to find an enticing mix of chain and local eateries serving up sandwiches, sushi and homestyle cooking.

Two establishments vie for the title of best sandwich. At Noble Sandwich Co., choice fixings such as smoked pork belly, Creole catfish or duck pastrami win loyal regulars, many of whom point out that the breakfast menu is just as tasty and creative, including the oxtail waffles. The restaurant skips wait service, but clean tables and a relaxed, modern atmosphere welcome groups. A short walk away at Republic of Sandwich, seasonal specials and fresh extras such as broccoli rabe or cherry pepper spread put a twist on your classic roast turkey. The side dishes here are not overlooked, and the popular kimchi sprouts please with a balance of sweet, sour and a touch of spice. Morning customers to the take-out eatery can wake up with a breakfast taco stuffed with pastrami or pesto and ham.

Set the mood just right for a dinner date with a friend or that special someone at Fonda San Miguel, a sophisticated Mexican restaurant known for its delicious food and great ambiance. It's a little bit north of Rosedale, but it's well worth the visit.

For clubs and nightlife, Draught House Pub & Brewery specializes in two things: pizza and beer. The rotating selection of common, new and limited-edition beers goes great with the creative pizzas. Weekly pub quizzes pack the place for standing-room-only brainteasers. For a more relaxing evening, the Gusto Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar is adorned with Italian graffiti, and its cozy environment allows for refined enjoyment of your favorite wine.

Transportation in the Rosedale neighborhood is easy and safe for residents, who have ready access to public transportation and Capital Metro Buses, as well as free public parking on most streets. Unfortunately, because of its distance from more heavily trafficked areas, cabs don't pass through the neighborhood commonly. But at just a stone's throw from major streets like Lamar and Burnet, hailing a cab or an Uber is no trouble at all.

If you're looking for a healthier mode of transportation, Rosedale caters to walkers and even cyclists. While bike lanes are not common in the neighborhood, traffic is light and basic precautions suffice for safety. But with sidewalks and a protective neighborhood community, transportation in or through the area is a safe bet. And by car, the neighborhood butts up against Mopac, which while busy, provides access to other major highways to the north and south.

The centerpiece of the Rosedale neighborhood is Ramsey Park. Located at the heart of Rosedale, it offers tennis courts, playgrounds, a baseball diamond, a basketball court, and barbecue-friendly picnic areas. The neighborhood hosts numerous events throughout the year on most holidays, many of which are free and exclusive to neighborhood residents.

However, these activities and Ramsey Park itself are free, aside from the small fee to get into the pool during the summer months. While no portions of the park are specifically designed for exercise, parkgoers can certainly practice their fitness and athletic skills on the many fields, and runners enjoy the quiet streets of Rosedale to get in their daily miles.

Because of its established residential makeup, living in Rosedale isn't cheap for newcomers. For a one-bedroom residence, renters can expect to pay a median $1,011.16 per month, which is comparable to residents Downtown. This cost is due to the relatively small number of apartments in the neighborhood, and the fact that most standing near Lamar or Burnet are luxury apartments. But residents accept the higher cost due to cheap transportation and quiet streets.

Trips to the city center are still cheap, at $1.00 per ride, $2.00 per day pass and Metro Rapid express routes at $3.50 per ride. Beers and entertainment in close proximity aren't particularly cheap at trendy concept pubs, ranging from $5 to $10. But for drivers, gas does come in at roughly 6 percent cheaper than the national average.

Retailers pop up all along the eastern borders of Rosedale, and near its southwest corner as well. There is a wide selection of high-end shopping spots in the area. Main roads such as Lamar and Burnet carry tons of unique stores, such as the Top Drawer Thrift Store, which carries a funky selection of clothes and odd items. Proceeds from sales at this store are donated to Project Transitions, a hospice care and housing non-profit dedicated to those living with HIV/AIDS.

Carina Works offers home remodeling assistance with its unique and style-forward metal tiling selection, adding flair to any home upgrade. The Needleworks supplies the north central portion of Austin with needlepoint canvases, threads and sewing classes.

Residents only walk a few blocks to the east of Rosedale to arrive at two farmers markets, the SFC Farmers' Market and Ottmers Family CSA at Triangle Farmer's Market, but small grocery stores such as Rosedale Market on the edge of the neighborhood satisfy residents' hunger with organic selections. For an all-encompassing big-box grocer, there is a Randalls south of Rosedale.