Orikal

Probably. Is there another bar on the 600 block?

I'd love to see it restored as well, but for $249K??!! I suppose it does sit on a double lot close to downtown...

I have a family member that lives near I-10 and Wirt, and the area has seen real change over the last few years. Once you get closer to Wirt and Hammerly, the area definitely has a different feel, mostly due to the large/older apartment complexes. I've driven the area at all hours of the day, and not once have I felt unsafe. Before deciding on Oak Forest, my wife and I seriously looked at a couple lots in the Wirt/Hammerly area, but ultimately decided we didn't want to build. Not too familiar with the Western portion of SB.

Is the park going to be open for bikes as well?

Wow, I missed all these recent posts. A brief backgound: I attended the Sweetwater Zen Center in San Diego for a while, and loved the atmosphere. People were open and welcoming, the Seisen exuded a learned and soothing nature, and everything was open for scrutiny and discussion. It was a group of people simply there to learn more (about whatever). The Zendo (despite not being in the greatest area of town) was always open, at any time, for those who wished to utilize it. Without mentioning where I attended, this center was the exact opposite. The instructor came off as very rigid, was openly (rolled eyes, etc.) annoyed by my questions (especially when asked if the Zendo could be used at off times, since I work odd hours), clearly even mocked me at one point, and the other visitors that evening seemed a little intimidated, most of which I attribute to the teacher. I've been to several centers outside TX and never encountered such an atmosphere. Despite practicing for several years, it was off-putting enough for me to lessen my practice for quite a while, which is a shame. (Western) Buddhism is not about being rigid and stuck in the past. it was an enormously dissapointing visit. I have done a lot of research and know of most of the suggestions presented here. However, I'm really looking for people's experiences at these centers, since I'm a little gun-shy at this point.

My mother has been a teacher for 30+ years, with a short 2 year break thrown in. Having grown up in that environment, I think it's deplorable, both the amount teachers are paid as well as how they are treated. My sister-in-law is now going to school for education, and I've warned her many times about the situations she will encounter. The only reason to teach now is because you love it and feel you have something to give, but even then, the burnout rate is very high. It's disgusting how little respect educators are given in today's world.

So what's the consensus? Is now the time to start investing in IH?

I've done plenty of searches online, but would like to know if anyone here attends any specific temples/zendos/etc. and enjoys the dharma and atmosphere. I've decided to start attending again after a hiatus due to some bad experiences, and would like to avoid repeating said experiences. Just looking for anyone's suggestions.

Alright! I'll be anxious to see what's going in.

We looked at that home back in April, and while it's on a great street, near a park, centrally located, across the street from a church, etc., the owner is asking WAY too much for the amount of work needed. He brought it down from $120K a couple months back, after an option pending failed (I'm sure because of the amount of work required). As others mentioned, I would suggest renting when you first get here, get a feel for the city and it's widely varying neighborhoods, and then make a more informed decision. I've lived here most of my life, and I'm still learning every day! Welcome and good luck!

I live right there in the Calais. I've watched the progression, and I'm anxious to see what kind of businesses go in there (other than the Nextel store).