Neighborhoods of RVA: Rosedale

Situated in Northside, the Rosedale neighborhood was somewhat overlooked until recent years. Rosedale lies on the west side of Hermitage Road, just north of the I-64/I-95 overlap, east of I-95, and south of Bryan Park.

When traveling through Northside, it’s easy to miss Rosedale. With Laburnum Avenue being the sole major road running through the neighborhood, there aren’t many reasons to turn off the beaten path. Some might argue that limited through traffic is actually a positive attribute for a neighborhood, and I would concur. Reduced traffic on these narrower streets creates a more pedestrian and family-friendly environment.

In contrast to neighboring areas like Bellevue, Laburnum Park, and Sherwood Park, most homes in Rosedale were constructed between 1930 and 1960, with a few exceptions dating back to the turn of the century. Notably, the exceptions are situated along Hermitage Road within the Hermitage Historic District, a designation bestowed by the City, the Virginia Landmarks Register, and the National Register of Historic Places.

Tucked away on the western edge of the neighborhood is Lewis Ginter’s “Rosedale Lodge,” constructed in 1896. Ginter built this lodge not only as a favor to the Deep Run Hunt Club but also to generate more interest in the adjacent neighborhoods he was developing. After changing hands several times over the years, the home is now privately owned.

The majority of homes in Rosedale, especially those built from the 1930s onwards, occupy parcels of less than half an acre and are smaller in size compared to their historic counterparts. One-story cottages, bungalows, and two-story Colonial Revival and Tudor homes, ranging from 900 to 1800 square feet, were the standard. Many of these homes have undergone renovation and expansion in recent years, often exceeding 2000 square feet in size.

The rapid growth of nearby Scott’s Addition, combined with increased commercial and retail investments, as well as growing residential interest in Northside neighborhoods, has brought Rosedale into the spotlight and created new demand for homes in the area. Here are a few popular spots nearby:

PARK365 (formerly ARCpark) – Two and a half acres of playground for kids of all ages and abilities.  

The Diamond – Minor League baseball is just blocks away at The Diamond.

Brickhouse Diner on the Boulevard – It’s a popular spot for brunch, lunch and/or dinner on the covered patio.

Bryan Park – Azalea gardens, frisbee golf, tennis, trails for riding or walking, playgrounds, ponds… there’s a little something for everyone.

Roy’s Big Burger – A walk-up burger joint offers a bit of nostalgia just up the street on Lakeside Avenue.