Lived in Phoenix back in the 90s.

Sometimes one could find good values
on Van Buren and the hourly motels were
convenient.  

Still have fond memory of a greek
conversation with one young hispanic provider
I met there.

Is Van Buren still good or has it gone
downhill?

It's bad. If you are interested in getting HIV, then that's the right place to go.

they had a long article a few weeks ago and it didnt sound like it was a nifty place to play in my opinion....

I agree with azfrnick. I acually live on Van Buren (not in the bad part tho) & see the walkers all the time. I would stick with the indis or the servces. You'll be safer & cleaner.

Just my 2 cents.
Vampy

Sounds like its gone downhill.
And wherever one plays, covers should be used.

I'm not planning to come to town, but was just
wondering what the street scene was like now.

Van Buren hasn't really slid downhill. It's always been at the bottom of the slope.