Legal Definitions - gentrification

Definition: Gentrification is when middle-class or wealthy people move into a run-down urban neighborhood and fix it up. This often leads to higher property values and can force lower-income residents to move out.

Example: In Brooklyn, New York, many artists and young professionals moved into the neighborhood of Williamsburg in the 1990s. They renovated old buildings and opened trendy shops and restaurants. As a result, property values skyrocketed and many long-time residents, who could no longer afford the higher rents, were forced to move out.

Explanation: The example shows how gentrification can lead to the displacement of lower-income residents. The influx of wealthier residents can drive up property values and make it difficult for long-time residents to afford to live in the neighborhood. This can lead to a loss of community and cultural identity as well as social and economic inequality.