Finger Ave, Redwood City

Finger Avenue is the centerpiece of one of the oldest residential districts on the San Francisco Peninsula and is a classic example of a permanent “neighborhood in transition”. Our three-block-long street contains two historic homes; one of them, the original Finger Farm House, built around 1855, is the second oldest house in Redwood City. The two subdivisions that border Finger Avenue were mostly developed before the Depression and some of the homes have modernized over time amongst native oaks and redwoods. The result is an eclectic mix of historic homes, pre-Depression cottages, older estates, post-WW II ranch homes, and even a few modern mega-houses. No house is alike, no lot is alike and the neighborhood attracts folks who dislike the blandness of post-war tract homes or the efficiency and density of planned developments. This mix of home vintages, coupled with both small and large lots, and mature native and “classic” vegetation, creates an environment unique in the area. It's a great neighborhood to walk around in, and there's a healthy supply of wildlife and birds to enjoy (although sometimes one starts to lose patience with the antics of racoons and possums!)

One of the great advantages of living on Finger Avenue is that the mix of large lots, old homes and large trees and landscaping gives the street a "rural" feel despite the fact that it is located within 15 min walking distance of both downtown Redwood City and downtown San Carlos. A SamTrans bus stop is on the corner of El Camino Real and Finger Avenue, and the CalTrain station is a 10 minute walk away. Many restaurants, shops, movie theaters, the local high school, and several parks are all within walking distance of the street. It's a pedestrian-friendly and safe place to live and the mix of housing supports workers and professionals, homeowners and renters.

Despite being located next to El Camino Real, the main commercial artery that runs down the Peninsula, Finger Avenue is a pretty quiet street. One negative is that occasionally some litter will blow up from El Camino and occasionally a homeless person will wander up the street. But despite this, after living here for over 20 years there's been virtually no crime. Traffic isn't too bad, either, but the unfortunate thing is that the street is very narrow and there are often a lot of parked cars on the street which makes access in and out of our driveways a bit dicey at times.

All and all, a great street to live on, especially if you cherish older homes and neighborhoods!