Ever explore your city and run into a very posh, urban neighborhood that you don’t remember existing a couple years before? Odds are you’re looking at gentrification. Many people contribute to and recognize the effects and the process of gentrification, but remain unaware that a term for it even exists. Gentrification, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is “the process of renewal and rebuilding accompanying the influx of middle-class or affluent people into deteriorating areas that often displaces poorer residents.” In order for these “deteriorating areas” to be “renewed” and “rebuilt,” the area essentially has to be cleared out. An area is cleared out through the raising of property taxes, often beyond the point of affordability, which, like Merriam-Webster touched on, results in the subsequent displacement of those who lived in the area. From one side, gentrification looks like the transformation and modernization of undesirable areas. On the other end, it appears to be something more like the diaspora of members of a given neighborhood. It is the pushing out of the people, places and memories that once existed in order to make room for something more desirable for those with money and power. It sends the message that the appearance and wellbeing of a certain place only matters when certain people (usually those who are wealthier and whiter) live in it. So for neighborhoods like the one I grew up in, gentrification means a new beginning that its old residents often can’t afford and aren't allowed to be a part of. It is the new face of class segregation, making clearer the divide between those who have and those who have not. Here's how to tell if its happening around you.
1. There’s construction everywhere. You can’t drive down a street without seeing some lot blocked off for renovations or a block without detour signs.
2. One of your favorite childhood stores no longer stands. Whether it was the local chicken spot, the corner store with the best candy deals, or the soul food joint with the best catfish for miles, it’s gone and it’s probably not coming back.
3. You’ve noticed an increase in eco-friendlier cars. Odds are, you can look in any given direction and spot,at least, one Prius or Hybrid.
4. You no longer know where to go for cheap oil changes and car parts. All the old auto shops have been replaced with bicycle supply and repair stores.
5. Public transportation has gotten exponentially better. City buses seem nicer, run more often and are actually accessible with accurate travel schedules.
6. When someone calls the cops, they actually show up. Fast. For gentrification in college towns, this means that noise complaints are taken seriously and house parties don’t seem to be able to last as long as they used to.
7. You now have access to a nearby health-foods store. Whether it be Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or a local organic market, they're everywhere.
8. Less graffiti, more “urban art.” You look around and the walls and concrete that were once filled with freelance spray paint are now covered with elaborate or inspiring murals.
9. There seem to be more urban joggers and dog walkers on your neighborhood streets than ever before.
10. Everything feels a little off. Houses look different, streets and sidewalks are paved and the stores have all changed. You may even find yourself needing to rely on memories to make your old neighborhood feel like home again.
