The addresses in Salt Lake City are based on a grid. Temple Square is the zero point and everything moves north, south, east and west from there. So, 900 South and 900 East is exactly nine blocks east and nine blocks south of Temple Square and 1500 East and 1500 South is 15 blocks east and 15 blocks south of Utah's most famous landmark.

Locals will frequently shorten the numbers to 9th East and 9th South and 15th East and 15th South, or simply say 9th and 9th and 15th and 15th. But I use these as examples because of the treats you will find if you explore these areas. I call them all the Numbered Neighborhoods.

Both 9th and 9th and 15th and 15th have a small cadre of clothing, personal service shops, coffee houses, bakeries and restaurants. Two excellent Italian restaurants, Fresco and Trio reside in the numbered neighborhoods as well as the Paris Bistro whose fare mirrors its name.

Included in the boundaries is the corner of 11th East and 13th South, and here you'll find one of Salt Lake's best Japanese Restaurants, Kyoto, and a wonderful local grocery store, Liberty Heights Fresh.

In December 2000, Money Magazine picked Salt Lake as the "best place to live" in the western United States, and according to the magazine, Gilmer Park was the best neighborhood in the city. Gilmer Park begins at 11th East and 9th South in the Numbered Neighborhoods. The area was the home of the original Salt Lake Country Club. Now some of Salt Lake's finest homes line the winding streets of Gilmer Drive, Douglas Street, Herbert and Michigan Avenues. Rich in history and architecture, Gilmer Park is one of Salt Lake City's best-preserved historic neighborhoods.

This area has it all; historical character, stately architectural elegance, convenience and walk-able local charm. If that appeals to you, you should go by the numbers.

Gary B. Howard