City of Anaheim

by Ryan P.

Anaheim...it's NOT the city of dreams!  I was born here, lived here for one year, grew up in Orange, then moved back ten years ago...lemme tell you, this place sucks.  Here's why:-Disneyland, The Convention Center, Honda Center, and The Stadium bring in billions of $'s a year, yet the city is run down-Downtown Anaheim could have been vibrant, beautiful and charming, but 30 years ago the genius city officials decided to demolish most of the wonderful older buildings (http://photo.anaheim.n...) leaving downtown Anaheim a barren wasteland with an ugly 1970's residue-Anaheim does not have a Trader Joe's-The city is a strange dichotomy of affluent Anaheim Hills and poor to middle class Anaheim...anything fancy or good is built in Anaheim Hills or within walking distance to Disneyland (The Anaheim Resort)...stupid, confusing, and elitist-Other than Downtown Disney and The Gardenwalk there's nowhere to shop (The Anaheim Plaza sucks)-There's nowhere good to eat here (except Cortina's)Conclusion: I need to get the hell out of here!

by clarke t.

Like any big city in major metropolitan area or region of the country, Anaheim has its share of neighborhoods and business zones and or strip malls that can be viewed as 'run down'. But those kinds of problems cannot be laid totally on city leaders and planners shoulders. It is the responsibility of homeowners, landlords, and business owners of keeping up and maintaining their property. City officials and the code enforcement department can only do so much. And like everything else in this economy, even with the SLR, the AC, C, and ASA fewer tourist's are visiting and those that are are spending less once they get here. Everybody feeling the 'pinch'. Those aspects aside I think Anaheim is a pretty good place to call home. There's an old saying, 'home is what you make it'.' I choose not to dwell solely on the bad things about Anaheim and sound like nothing more than a bitter, disillusioned, cynical individual. I realize that I'm just one person and can't turn solve all of what I may see as the cities problems. But when I do see something that I think needs attention i.e. my neighborhood's parkway trees needed trimming, uneven sidewalk sections, dangerous potholes on local streets, unmaintained property in the neighborhood, I have called the city and generally they have responded well and take care of the situation. It's always easier to sit back and just complain about the things you think are wrong, rather than take any kind of proactive approach. I can't understand if one is so obviously disgusted with Anaheim in the first place, why they would choose to 'move back' here? Go figure. As with all cities Anaheim has gone through many changes throughout its history. And like most cities, I think it has become an ethnically diverse city. Something I think to be a good thing. I'm sure there are others who would not think as I do. But that's their problem. For instance, I love the fact that I can find many a great authentic international food restaurants right here in Anaheim. From Mexican, to Greek/Mediteranean, and all the Asian varieties etc. etc. All one has to do is look around. And while Ryan may be right about Anaheim deciding to tear down many of the old downtown buildings in what is known as the Colony District, it hasn't totally destroyed them all. Not by a long shot. Especially if one considers the many residential homes that made up the 'central' downtown area. I suggest you do a little research, Ryan. Also there's the Muzeo Museum, a cultural arts museum, housed in the downtown historic Carnegie Library Building. Further to the southeast on Santa Ana Street I believe there are several other historic buildings on the renovation block, and not being threatened by the wrecking ball. Further I think Anaheim has some very nice city parks. I especially like Pearson Park with it's quaint ponds and the ducks. Nice tennis courts, ball field, and an Amphitheater that has inexpensive summer entertainment. Just one of many fine parks the city has to offer. And to those who only see Anaheim as a tourist and resort town, I suggest you take off your 'blinders' and look beyond. For there is so much more to Anaheim. Further I don't put much stock into those who would only focus on what they consider to be bad about Anaheim. Sure there are bad things about Anaheim, but that's true for every city. I choose not sound bitter, disillusioned, or cynical about Anaheim. If I see something that needs attending to I'd like to think a take a little pride in the city in which I live to do something about it instead of just complaing about 'how bad' Anaheim is.

by cesar z.

best city in the entire US of A. you can quote me on that. Ryan P is a loser.

by GQ M.

I agree with Ryan P. All the good things are near Downtown Disney or Anaheim Hills. When I go down La Palma Ave. towards Buena Park, it is disgusting to see how that part of Anaheim went down. I have family friends that live near that area, and it is sad to see how that part is poorly maintained.

by Steven P.

After living and working in Anaheim for the past two years, I've come to these understandings:1. Everyone in Anaheim under the age of 40, at one point or another, have worked at Disneyland. Don't even bother asking.2. West Anaheim might be a little more run down than the rest of Anaheim, but it has better and more diverse food. You can find peruvian ceviche next to halal meats next to an el pollo loco next to a hookah cafe next to an iranian bakery next to an import deli next to a pho joint next to a korean salaryman bar and then some. Wunderbar.3. East Anaheim have beautiful scenery and fun hiking trails. Come by after it rains and the desert flowers bloom; breathtaking.4. They have a most excellent public library system. Which also happens to employ a startling number of young, smart, attractive, kind-hearted, and dedicated employees. The patrons of these libraries are well taken care of and the future of APL is bright indeed.Anaheim, truly das best 'heim around. I love this city.