Lyulin, Sofia
Lyulin (Bulgarian: Люлин, pronounced [ˈlʲulin]) is the largest residential complex in the capital of Bulgaria -- Sofia. It is located in the western outskirts of city and is divided into 10 microdistricts. The complex has a population of 240,000 and is at the disposal of all kinds of public transport.
Lyulin is a relatively new district. The infrastructural work on the complex began in 1971 and the first condominium was constructed in 1973. The complex is named after the nearby Lyulin Mountain. It is popular place to live, as transportation is good and the real estate is somewhat inexpensive.
Transportation
There are several bus lines and tram line (8), two Trolleybus lines (6 and 7), and recently—a subway. Two main boulevards -- "Tsaritsa Yoanna", and "Slivnitsa" transect the district. The bus, tram, and the trolleys go only to the center. The subway has limited overall coverage, but is very effective for going to the downtown area, and the Mladost district, the latter being in the opposite end of the city.
Housing
Lyulin is notorious for being a "concrete jungle" (according to Bulgarian standards). There are very few houses, and these are old and somewhat rural (there are still one or two shepherds grazing their cattle in some secluded parts of the West Park, and occasionally one can still see a horse-cart on a street); everywhere else it is packed with condominiums, mostly 8 and 13 floors. Most of these are in somewhat poor condition, but recently are being renowned on the citizen's expense (thermal insulation, air-conditioning, paint, etc.). There are many new condos, however, which offer much more comfort, but still, the old buildings are predominant. New blocks of flats are rarely taller than 6 or 8 storeys, come pre-insulated, and have underground garages (a feature that is recently recognized as necessity, as above-ground parking lots are congesting more and more) and maisonettes. The average apartment is small, some 80 sq meters (~850 sq feet), but the maisonettes are much larger.
Education & Health
There are 6 high schools, one elementary school, and a number of private educational centers, the latter usually studying foreign languages, mathematics, and Bulgarian language and literature. Most schools have indoor swimming pools. There are 2 state polyclinics—12th in Lyulin 9, and 26th in Lyulin 2—and "Mediva Center" in Lyulin 4, which is private.
Recreation & entertainment
In the outskirts of the district, towards the downtown is the large West Park; it is not very trim (can't be compared to New York's Central Park, for example), but is still extensively used for jogging, cycling (including dirt-biking), outdoor table tennis and sometimes, even ATV. There is also "Lyulin Beach" (outdoor swimming pool with various recreational activities) and a small football stadium. The local theater is "ARENA Cinema"—a large cinema complex.
Commerce
There is one large market-place, with numerous shops, selling various articles, and a number of super/hypermarkets (BILLA, Technopolis, Technomarket, METRO, Labyrinth, Praktiker, etc.). Most of these supermarkets are dedicated to one particular trade niche (for example, BILLA is for food and Labyrinth is for furniture).
Crime
Lyulin is commonly associated with crime. There has been a number of major crime-related incidents in the district, such as settlements between members of the organized crime. On one occasion, two police officers were killed in a shootout with suspects. Also, a construction engineering businessman was shot and killed while entering his condo. There is only one police department, which is poorly funded.
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St. Clement of Ohrid Church (1999)
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Silver Centre Trade Complex
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A view of 6th microregion of Lyulin District
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