Wednesday, April 13, 2005

Mangos, Ganja and a Guy named Animal

Like many of you, we live in what is called an up and coming transitional neighborhood. In other words, the houses are small and old. But, they have character. The prices are almost as high as the suburbs. But, at least all the homes do not look alike. And, even though the prices are high, you never know what type of crime is happening in the near vicinity at any time of day or night.

It is the kind of place where you get to know your neighbors. You get to know you police officers. You even get to know which sex offenders live on your block. However, you have character in the hood. You have diversity. We have millionaires behind us, artists across the street, a grumpy old lady a couple of house down and people who will never speak to us next door (I am not sure why. I think they are mute or something). Luckily, your kids can grow up knowing that not everyone is white and driving a minivan (not that there is anything wrong with that). They grow up knowing a few Democrats (not living in fear of them in the 'burbs). They may even get to now a few Green Party types.

I say all of this as an introduction to a wonderful article from the local paper by one of the staff writers who bought a home in our general neighborhood (Seminole Heights) last year. It gives you the flavor of the diversity and challenges. You may recognize some of these traits from your own neighborhood, if you are lucky.

link (aritcle's name is mangos, Ganja and a Guy Named Animal)

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