The Westside

I am crushing so hard on The Westside. For years I have enjoyed visiting this neighborhood, but I had no idea how much I would love it as a resident. Allow me to tell you why it’s simply the best.
First, let’s get 17^th and Summit out of the way. The intersection is the epicenter of what most people recognize as The Westside, and for good reason. Want to eat great food? Then why not hit up Westside Local, Chez Elle, Novel, or Los Alamos? Don’t forget Fervere, one of the city’s best boutique bakeries. You want coffee? Little Freshie brews up Oddly Correct, yet is equally well known for their snow cones and sodas. If you feel like doing some shopping there’s Westside Storey and Utilitarian Workshop. Get your haircut at Mood or The Calico Beard & Mercantile. If you need a place to stay, just go right around the corner and rent a room at Jefferson House. All of this on gorgeous treelined streets. It’s legit.
But since moving to the neighborhood, I’ve learned that The Westside is so much more than that intersection. I love the eclectic mix of both homes and residents. Walk along the treelined streets and you’ll see modern structures made of concrete and glass stack up next to stately century old manors. Cozy apartments are next to gigantic single-​family homes.
Traditionally a Hispanic neighborhood, its now amazingly diverse without losing it’s cultural history. The Maddie Rhodes Center nurtures Latino artists while right next door Baila Westside teaches traditional dance. The importance of the Hispanic culture is especially obvious around this time of year, with many of the businesses hosting altars for Dia De Los Muertos, plus a street festival that draws quite a crowd.
Speaking of festivals, this neighborhood is nuts for them. A quick look at the calendar reminded me that coming up is the Family Fall festival, plus a harvest dance. In December the mayor hosts an annual holiday party, and there are a smattering of other smaller events throughout the year.
With such extreme proximity to both The Crossroads and Southwest Boulevard, it’s always a surprise to me how many people don’t even know this enclave exists. But I can promise you that those that do know will love to visit, and those that live here don’t ever want to leave. Just like the billboards and graffiti art say, Bienvenidos al Westside!