Pros And Cons Of Gentrification

Is gentrification overall good or bad? It’s impossible to say with certainty. Like most issues, there’s positive and negative aspects. One of the biggest issues with gentrification is housing. Gentrifiers aim to rebuild and revitalize housing areas, modernizing and remodeling buildings to get them up to middle-class standard. When successful, this helps the community and draws in a new crowd. Updated urban living areas are a huge draw for those who want to live in the heart of the city. On the other hand, there were people living there before modernization began. With the nicer housing, property value and prices go up. This is sometimes so drastic that previous residents can’t afford to live in places they’ve been their entire lives. Like Richard Florida …show more content…
Mom-and-pop stores are bought out by chains like McDonald’s and Starbucks. Small businesses can’t compete with well known worldwide institutions. Many of the small storefronts are historic, and the stories living in the walls die when they’re turned into new stores and restaurants. These chain stores are famous for a reason, though, and usually have good, affordable products. The new businesses also mean new jobs, which can be hard-pressed in an area full of family businesses. When stores and restaurants change, patrons can find products they otherwise couldn’t. The extra attention being placed on an area can also make it safer. High-class residents tend to demand police involvement more than anyone else, so the streets are being watched. Trash and recycling receptacles are often added to the streets, helping with sanitation. One thing that often suffers, however, is culture and community. Tight-knit neighborhoods are formed through shared experiences or identity. All the change that comes with gentrification can disrupt that sense of unity. The new people coming in can add to the community or hurt its