It is located 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) north-east of the central city and bounded on the north by the North Island Main Trunk Railway (Milson), on the east by Palmerston North-Gisborne Railway (Kelvin Grove), the south by Main Street East (Terrace End) and the west by Ruahine Street (Palmerston North Hospital Area).

Roslyn is also located 2.1 km SE from Palmerston North International Airport.

[3] Richter, Nannestad & Co., a sawmilling company, acquired and cleared the vast deep forested area northeast of Palmerston North.

In 1924, Ross died, the property passing to his wife (who lived at the house until her death thirty years later).

In 1940, Mrs Ross sold land around Rangimarie to the Government, which became the basis of a new state house subdivision.

Rossmont was chosen because of the location; the fact the area is higher up from the rest of Palmerston North.

[7] Vautier Park, a former Edwards Brick and Pipes quarry site and Palmerston North's main outdoor netball park, is named for Catherine Vautier, a former teacher at QEC who was instrumental in the formation of Manawatu Netball.

[8] Edwards Pit Park, a former Brick and Pipes site and former soccer ground, has been redeveloped with native trees, waterways and paths.

Roslyn was formerly a part of the Papaioea Ward of the Palmerston North City Council, alongside neighbouring Milson, Papaioea, Palmerston North Hospital Area and Kelvin Grove.

Prior to 1996, Roslyn north and east of Featherston Street was part of the Manawatu electorate, while Roslyn south of Featherston Street was in Palmerston North electorate.