Hey, what happened to the 'hood?

Have you ever lived in a bad neighborhood and then gone back to visit? And voila! It has been "gentrified"? I recently went for a weekend to visit my mom in Miami. I must admit that I have been a little neglectful. Last time I saw my mom, she visited me in November of last year. So I figured it was my turn to do the visiting, plus, she did summon me down for some help. You have to go once it turns into a summons. Ya know?

Wynwood is my old neighborhood. As I was growing up, there was a lot of crime, poverty, unrest, gangs, etc. It is located to another neighborhood, Overtown, which is also known as a bad neighborhood. Both are located near Downtown Miami and close Miami Beach. Wynwood is mainly small family homes with warehouses towards the northern part. This latter part of the neighborhood has been in rehabilitation for a long time. It is called the Miami Design District. Slowly, high-end interior design and antique shops have been moving in, but now - Bam!- we have designer shops also moving. You can find, Givenchy and Dior, plus many others.

Yet throughout the neighborhood you can fine little cafes popping up, tiny boutiques, and lots and lots of art, beautiful murals. Just check out these pictures. 

The murals are spectacular and there are so many more. You can find them even in the least touristy spots of the neighborhood. And let me tell you, there are still some blocks where you have to be careful even in the daytime.

At least somethings remain the same.The local grocer where you can get the cheapest fruits and vegetables is still there and the laundromat that has not been updated since they invented the washing machine is still there. 

Lets move on to the ... Nightlife. 
There is a nightlife. I mean there has always been a nightlife, but it use to be the kind you did NOT want to be caught in. If you know what I mean. 

Now, there are bars, clubs, art galleries, restaurants, and food truck rallies being held until 3 or even 4 in the morning. There is lots of traffic as people cruise up and down NW 2nd Ave in their flashy cars, and people walk up and down the street hopping from one place to the next.

I have mixed feelings on how the neighborhood is changing. I love the fact that it feels a little safer. I love that there is so much art and culture coming out of my old neighborhood. There are places to go and things to do in walking distance from my mom's house. 

Although, there is a sense of nostalgia for what it was and the people you know have moved out. There is a little bit of worrying about losing the Latin flavor and culture. 

At least I was worried, but as I was turning down one of the less trafficked streets, I passed by some jimmying the door to a car with a buddy on the look out. 

Ah... I think, "Now this is the "hood I know."