Rolando

Walkable, mid-city Rolando, also known at Rolando Village, sits right in the center of four main freeways. And although the community rests along University Avenue — a main corridor to the 15 — all its streets are tucked in a quiet locale. First laid out in the 1920s, it maintains a charming nostalgia on signage inscribed “The Historic Heart of Rolando.” Homes here span from close-knit 1930s bungalows through post-War colonial styles. Megan Beauvais, Realtor with Compass says, “Although a lot of the homes in Rolando are pre- and post-War homes with colonial style, you’ll also see some Spanish-style homes which are popular in San Diego. So, if you love that kind of architecture, it’s a great opportunity to find an affordable Spanish style for less than you might in Kensington or Mission Hills. And while Rolando’s homes tend to be more compact, from around 1,100 to 1,400 square feet, they’re typically on larger lots than you’d find in Talmadge.”

In Rolando, you’ll see neighbors strolling amid the glow of acorn-style lampposts in the evenings and connecting through its meandering streets using public pathways between homes. Pastel stucco exteriors and neatly landscaped yards are prevalent, sometimes dotted with palms that catch the balmy breeze. It’s evident that residents cherish their homes, adorning them with rose bushes, flowering trees or quaint picket fencing. Spanish style homes with arched entryways share sidewalks with compact wood-sided homes featuring stone walkways. Pricing can range from $350,000 for a 650-square-foot condo built in the ‘70s, to $850,000 for a beautifully renovated 1950s ranch style on a 14,000-square-foot lot. A remodeled duplex close to San Diego State University can ask $1 million or more.

Residents head less than a mile up College Avenue to SDSU and dine at eateries in the Campus Plaza Shopping Center within walking distance of home. “And for families with children, or residents with active lives,” says Beauvais, “you can walk or bike to ice skating, day camps, and a gym at the Kroc Center. It’s a huge community hub that’s somewhat of a YMCA alternative.”

Public-school students start their journey at Clay Elementary School within the neighborhood and move on to Horace Mann Middle School which earns a B- grade from Niche. Ninth through 12th graders can attend Crawford High School, which Niche grades an overall B. For parents of sixth through 12th graders, the neighborhood is also home to the award-winning independent-study Charter School of San Diego, an academic intervention alternative. CSSD was the first K-12 school in San Diego to receive the Malcom Baldrige National Quality Award for excellence through innovation and visionary leadership.

Adjacent to Clay Elementary, a several-acre joint-use field opened in 2021. It’s enjoyed by the community as a local park after school hours and by students during school breaks. Clay Park is also equipped with basketball courts, a playground, and plenty of gathering space.

Rolando’s cuisine scene is burgeoning with choices such as the farm-to-table Terra American Bistro and craft beer and barbecue at Corbin’s Q. It’s also home to mainstays including Cheba Hut “Toasted” Subs, and Woodstock’s Pizza, a popular go-to in Campus Plaza for more than 25 years. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll likely find it in Campus Plaza, from bowls and wraps at Everytable to toppable fro-yo in a rainbow of flavors at Yogurtland.

Beauvais adds, “Campus Plaza also has the biggest Vons in the area and a Starbucks, so residents love being able to walk to the grocery store or out for coffee dates. You’ll also be living within a few minutes’ drive of Trader Joes on the San Diego State University campus. And just west of Campus Plaza, there’s a café called the Living Room that locals love.” At the Living Room, you can treat yourself to espresso drinks, European-style cakes, and fresh sandwiches.

"What you get in Rolando,” says Beauvais, “that you don’t get elsewhere; is proximity to a major university and a very walkable lifestyle.” From its central location to its calm, residential tempo, Rolando may be the right fit for your way of living.

Written By

Lia Girard

Video By

Lucas Dyke