Gentrification

This is a process whereby urban developers convert low income neighbourhoods and inner city ghettos into upscale communities which comprise of condominiums (condos), lofts and renovated homes. Low income families are replaced by wealthy singles and young couples Yuppies (Young Urban Professionals) or Yumas (Young Upwardly Mobile Adults). It is seen as controversial because the process achieves its goal of renovation and renewal but it squeezes out the low income people. The phenomenon was first seen in the 1950s but the term ‘gentrification’ was first used in the 1960s.

Negative consequences of Gentrification:

As property is bought by wealthy outsiders (usually white) and by urban planners, the rents of houses and properties greatly increase. As a result, local residents may be faced by higher rents (from their landlords who cash in on the craze). As they cannot pay the rents, they are forced out.

Local businesses which served the community either have to relocate, close down or are bought out by the new investors. For example, have you ever seen a corner store in Westmoorings or in Beverly Hills?

There can be an overall change in the character and culture of an area after gentrification occurs.

Racial conflict occurs as the people who are forced out are usually coloured and replaced by wealthier Caucasian (white) residents.

Positives Impacts of Gentrification:

Run down inner city areas are transformed.

The creation of affluent neighbourhoods raises the city’s income through taxes. This increased revenue benefits all of the city’s residents (at least it is supposed to).

Inner city problem like crime and drugs ‘appear’ to be eradicated.

The new residents demand ‘proper services’ such as paved roads and a reliable water supply. This results in the rehabilitation of old structures and in general new construction projects occur.

Sub-Urbanization

This is a term used to describe the growth of residential areas on the outskirts or fringes of major cities. The phenomenon occurred as cities tried to find space for more people, as a result the city grew outwards. The exact definition of the ‘suburbs’ varies from country to country, but it is almost always a residential area on the edge of a city or separate residential communities within commuting distance of the city.

Counter-Urbanization

This is the process where people, economic activity and jobs migrate from urban areas to the outlying rural areas. Essentially it is urban to rural migration.

Causes:

Retirees who leave the city and opt for rural life where they live out the remainder of their golden years.

The development of long distance commuting. Many people migrate to the rural areas to live but are able to afford the cost of commuting or own their own private transport.

The urban – rural shift of employment. Many firms are leaving the rents of cities and relocating to cheaper rural areas.

The rise of the ‘work from home’ movement due to the internet and computer age.

Lastly there are various push and pull factors that motivate people to leave urban areas (refer to migration).

Benefits:

The movement from urban – rural relieves pressure on urban areas.

With more firms and industries relocating to rural areas, rural residents are no longer restricted to employment in primary activities such as farming.

Land and home owners in the rural areas can sell at higher prices to the migrants from urban areas.

Those moving into the area can experience better living and working conditions than they had in the city.

New arrivals create an increased demand for some rural services such as gas stations or restaurants. Locals can capitalise and benefit from this.

Newcomers to rural areas are motivated to improve the local environment of rural areas.