Could Alleys be the New Hip Place to Live?

Our neighborhoods have changed a lot in the last few years.  Our houses and condos are getting more expensive.  People are moving into downtown.  People are leaving downtown.  Is there an opportunity in our neighborhoods for folks to find a home in between our streets.  The Washington Post reported last week on the increase in alley living:

In a transforming city, one of the more ironic changes has been the elevation of the humble alleyway abode. As the real estate market has heated up in Washington over the past several years, scores of new owners have bought the vacant or derelict eyesores and rehabilitated them.

“The alleys are the place to go,” said Steven Cummings, who is moving his photography studio to an alley building next to Bernhardt’s. “Everything is so high now. You can really create a nice place in an alley. All it takes is vision — and nerve.”

I’ve heard a few stories of people transforming spaces in downtown Tacoma that most of us would’ve overlooked.  Spaces in the back of buildings.  Spaces below the street level that we all see every day.  Is there a treasure trove of potential space in our alleys and side streets?  Is this where our entrepreneurs and artists should be searching for their true hip urban (and affordable) home? 

Link to The Washington Post

Via MetroSpokane and tipped by Michael