Summary
Rosewood is an ethnic, low-income neighborhood that is fairly close to downtown and the University of Texas, but has had persistent problems with neglect, poverty, and crime. Over half of the predominantly African-American and Hispanic population is at or below the poverty line.
But the neighborhood is slowly improving with the help of the city and its residents. Its attractive features include proximity to the city center, ample green space and parks, and easy access to public transportation.
Features
Although known as an area with rampant poverty and crime, Rosewood has many attractive features. It is also rich in history and culture.
In the early 20th Century, Rosewood was a vibrant African-American community. Though segregated, the neighborhood was a center of activity. The Doris Miller Auditorium, which still stands today, served black servicemen and their families during World War II. The neighborhood also had many jazz clubs and one of two black-only movie theaters in the city. Unfortunately the neighborhood declined during the 1970s and suffered from neglect. Today there is little in the way of nightlife, entertainment, or quality dining in the neighborhood.
In recent decades, though, the city has focused its revitalization efforts on Rosewood and other east Austin neighborhoods. In 2001, the city and the neighborhood developed a plan to attract businesses to Rosewood and increase local safety.
The city is traversed by several major local thoroughfares and is close to I-35. All of this helps with commuting but also creates a traffic problem. Additionally, a railroad line passes through the middle of the neighborhood, contributing to noise. But the neighborhood does have many attractive features.
Rosewood Park, in the southern section of the neighborhood, has a lot of open green space, with walking trails and picnic areas. The Rosewood Recreation Center includes a swimming pool, tennis courts, ball fields, and a playground, and holds events and classes throughout the year. Another neighborhood amenity that is good for kids is the 55,000-square-foot Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex. Built in 1999, this facility holds after-school events and movie showings. It has an indoor roller skating rink, a bowling alley, arcade, a movie theater, and food court.
Although home prices and income are well below city averages, that could change when the neighborhood improves. As the city population continues to surge, artists, students, and others may soon be attracted to the neighborhood with the nice parks, accessible public transportation, and easy commute to downtown and the university.
Views From the Street
| Chicon St. | Poquito St. and New York Ave. | Stafford St. |
| Eckert St. | Sanchez St. | Hargrave St. |
| Crest Ave. | Kuhlman Ave. | Graham St. |
Facts and Figures
Neighborhood ProfileCommunity Information
ShoppingReal Estate and Apartments
Homes in Rosewood have one and two bedrooms and were built in the 1940s to 1980s. Average home prices are around $300K, well below city average. Some homes are priced in the high $100K range, others above $400K.
Rosewood, Austin, Texas
Major Zip Code: 78702
Other Zip Code: 78722