Gentrification is far from a new phenomenon. It has historically displaced lower income communities, and by connection – people of color from their homes for hundreds of years. It has catalyzed major shifts in the demographics of neighborhoods and reshaped the cultural landscape in regions that were once bursting with diversity.

Gentrification results in the exodus of low income groups from neighborhoods to make way for wealthier, more affluent ones. While the initial intent of city developers may have been to simply improve living standards in the region, it still remains a controversial topic.

It has been historically observed that gentrification disproportionately affects people of color – such as black and Hispanic communities in the US due to their overrepresentation within lower-income groups that rent rather than own the properties they reside in.

A study on gentrification in the United States found that home owners were less likely to be displaced by gentrification than renters were.

Where Gentrification Is Most Likely to Occur

Gentrification appears to be more prominent in larger coastal cities in the US. Seven cities account for half the gentrification in the entire US. These are New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, Philadelphia, D.C, and Baltimore.

Areas close to the central business district of each city were most prone to experiencing gentrification.

Effect on Cultural Diversity

Over 135,000 Black and Hispanics in the US were displaced as a result of gentrification between 2000 and 2012. These residents were replaced primarily by white residents, and to a lesser degree - Asian residents. The net impact however, was a reduction in the racial diversity of the residents inhabiting these areas.

The exodus of black and Hispanic residents can impact local businesses close to gentrified neighborhoods. Restaurant owners or grocery store owners that cater primarily to a certain racial or ethnic group may find their business suffering after residents that once frequented their establishment moved out of the area and were replaced by residents who don’t frequent their type of establishment.  

The presence of low-income minority groups such as immigrants can sometimes result in the creation and growth of unique subcultures that are represented by ethnic stores and cuisines in a particular area. However, following gentrification these stores may shut down. Resulting in the loss of said subculture.

Some developers may attempt to recreate such subcultures by opening higher-end establishments in the neighborhood that mimic the original stores or cuisines, but they are often decried as inauthentic attempts to appropriate and commodify things that are considered cultural cornerstones.

Combating Gentrification

Gentrification can seem inevitable in cities where economic growth and urbanization are prioritized. Some proposed solutions to combat the occurrence and effects of gentrification include:

·      Building more middle-income housing in areas that are likely to experience gentrification. The goal would be to provide low-income residents with housing options that are still within their existing neighborhood.

·      Freezing or lowering property taxes on long-term residents so that they can afford to continue living in their current residence.

·      Prohibiting the development of luxury housing in neighborhoods that are at-risk.

Gentrification will likely continue to be an issue for low-income minorities as long as people remain ignorant of its prevalence and effects. We should strive to educate others on the harmful effects of such a process in hopes that it could unite people from multiple fronts to combat it.