svosho

Big Oak trees, lots of variation in home styles and unpretentious neighbors make this an inviting neighborhood. There are no sidewalks on many streets, however. As you drive south on Apple beyond 8th street the neighborhood gets nicer, especially when you reach Maple. Being near Lyons Avenue provides many shopping and dining choices that can be walked to in 5-10 minutes or a quick car trip. Lots of doctors and dentists on Peachland Avenue- just one block west. The Vallarta Hispanic market at Lyons and Apple that opened in 2007 has begun to change some of the housing nearer to Lyons Ave with more multi-family immigrants moving in. The intersection of Apple and Cherry street now has several single family homes that have multiple immigrant families living under one roof. Concerned local residents have written the city as this is a code violation, but the city has been unresponsive. Still great vibes in the neighborhood, but the multifamily immigrants all living in a single family dwelling are a growing concern in terms of neatness and visual appeal. We still feel as safe as ever and enjoy the cultural diversity and food. If you are a "genuine" person and want to live in an established neighborhood with diverse architecture this is your place. If you are looking for cookie-cutter stucco tract homes, this is not for you. There have been literally dozens of homes (40 that I can count in my head) either completely remodeled, leveled and rebuilt, or newly built on open land in the last 7 years adding to property values and bring in more wealthy residents. It is truly a diverse and eclectic mix of traditional families, the wealthy and immigrants that makes this a neighborhood, not just a place to live. Perhaps that is why this neighborhood is referred to as "Happy Valley".