FUN, FAST, HISTORIC, DANGEROUS: these are just a few of the adjectives that come to mind when describing Dixwell Avenue. Welcome to the Harlem of New Haven, named after a judge who got famous for hiding under a big rock. It is not something we would like to be remembered for, but perhaps that's why we don't have streets named after us.

At first sight, when you are walking down Dixwell Avenue, you are most likely to see boys dressed in black standing in front of Dixwell Plaza. They are usually hanging around, laughing and talking loudly. You will see kids getting out of school, mothers and grandmothers waiting at the bus stop for their kids, and kids running down the street yelling, perhaps talking about each others' mothers. You may also see men on the corner selling newspapers -- and flirting with the girls who pass by.

Dixwell is filled with young people. The neighborhood is home to many schools, including Helen Grant Elementary, Wexler Grant, and Hillhouse High School. This means plenty of chances for education for the children of the neighborhood. You can always tell when schools out because all these children fill the neighborhood. Kids are running around with cheer and glee, while the teenagers are just sitting on the porch chatting and joking around. Many are playing in the neighborhood's parks and sports fields.

But Dixwell is not only a hang-out place. It is also the center of the African-American community in New Haven, and the home of well-known community buildings that serve that community -- for instance, the Dixwell Community House (Q House) and the Dixwell Congregational Chuch. It is also home to public housing projects like Monterey Place and a mix of local businesses.

Let's not forget Dixwell plaza, home to many small businesses. You can smell the cooking from China King and Downtown Pizza from a block away. The Stetson Library has a good assortment of books , given its small size. There's also a new salon, Mid-K Beautry, that opened a few months back. Walk by, and you are bound to hear a stream of gossip. Finally, there's the newly added C-Town. Some neighborhood residents wonder whether having a chain shopping store will hurt local businesses -- while others appreciate the new addition.

Dixwell is a neighborhood that appeals to everyone one way or another. Dixwell is home to many diverse people and many distractions. It has its fair share problems, but what neighborhood doesn't? We ask you to come by for a moment or two, take a look around and indulge yourself. We know you won't be sorry.

- Erin Braxton and Wesley Frasier