What is gentrification?

Gentrification refers to the process where urban neighborhoods undergo renovation and revitalization, often leading to an influx of more affluent residents. This transformation generally results in an increase in property values and rental prices, which can displace long-term, lower-income residents who can no longer afford to live in that area. The characteristic of gentrification is the change in the economic demographic of a neighborhood, where higher-income individuals move in, leading to the transformation of local businesses, culture, and community dynamics.

In contrast, while urban decay relates to neighborhoods experiencing decline, it is not the same as gentrification, which focuses on revitalization and renewal. The influx of low-income residents into urban areas does not accurately represent gentrification, as that process usually involves higher income individuals moving in rather than less affluent populations. Lastly, the growth of rural populations is unrelated, as gentrification specifically pertains to urban environments.