Phoenix's Changing Neighborhoods

This article from the New Times about the changes happening in the Sunnyslope neighborhood is pretty interesting. I have lived in Phoenix proper for about 4 years and have seen the changes in my dodgy blighted neighborhood. My neighborhood is still going through a lot of changes. It is an interesting mix of old residents, Latinos, young hipsters, gays and young married couples.

For my good friends in Tucson who think Phoenix is one giant nondescript blob of a strip mall, it is time to clear the visions of Mesa out of your head and come see what is going on in the capital.

The arts district has been vibrant for years and BTW one of the biggest in the country. Good restaurants are popping up everyday and houses are still relatively cheap. The light rail will be operating in about a year and the new ASU campus is on its way.

For the uninitiated here are a few of my favorites:

1. For the arts: http://www.artlinkphoenix.com/
2. Best Coffee: http://www.luxcoffee.com/ (Great coffee and free wifi)
3. Best food: http://www.pizzeriabianco.com/pane/index.html (I think Pane Bianco is better than Pizzaria Bianco, which is supposed to be one of the best pizza places in the country. The sandwiches at Pane Bianco are some the best things I have ever eaten. You should eat here about six or seven times because everything is good.)
4. Best Food: http://www.lagrandeorangegrocery.com/ (The food is great, although the Yuppie clientele can be a little annoying at times. Try the poached eggs with prosciutto)
5. Best Food: http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&um=1&q=fate&near=Phoenix,+AZ&fb=1&view=text&latlng=33457685,-112068735,2842730746124692367 (Fate is great Asian food. It is a mix of different styles and all of them good)

Enjoy...

Here's to Phoenix my beloved home... Cheers