Gentrification is a process of change currently underway in many American cities. Gentrification brings conflict between longtime residents of old neighborhoods and new arrivals.
What is gentrification?
Gentrification is the process of transforming a low-value urban neighborhood into a high-value one. It is, in essence, the rapid development of a city over a short period of time. What accompanies gentrification is often the displacement of a neighborhood’s old residents and the inflation of real estate prices. A lot of cities all over the world experience gentrification, which greatly impacts the housing market.
In the Philippines, for example, gentrification has swept across key cities especially Metro Manila. Once sleepy neighborhoods have been transformed, over time, into commercial districts that leveraged on the local consumer market. Places such as Poblacion (Makati) and Maginhawa (Quezon City) have emerged from their residential identities into retail and leisure destinations with a thriving commercial real estate.
Why gentrification happens
Rapid job growth and an increase in traffic congestion are some of the reasons why gentrification happens. In particular, traffic congestion can increase commute times and decrease the overall quality of life which paves the way for gentrification.
Effects of gentrification
Gentrification can bring about the commercial and economic development of a given area as more businesses relocate and as more infrastructures get built. This gives more work opportunities for people both inside and outside key cities.
Accessibility is another effect brought about by gentrification as public transportation options increase and the travel time to do leisure activities like shopping, dining, etc is decreased. With more affluent people moving into the area, it tends to become more desirable for people in the same socioeconomic bracket.
Gentrification can bring about an increase in property values as real estate development begins. Investors can make a profit by investing in these gentrified areas before they reach their full potential.
Gentrification in the Philippines
The Philippines is no stranger to gentrification, having bore witness to the transformation of some of its well-worn locations into bustling streets of activity.
An example is Poblacion, Makati—a 102-hectare residential barangay located in between the famous Kalayaan and Jupiter Streets. Included here is the Rockwell Center which many years back had turned into a commercial mixed-use hub full of hole-in-the-wall restaurants and bars. The transformation of the once quaint neighborhood into a place-to-be has highlighted some of its effects such as the problem of parking in a mostly residential area and the rising price of properties. The same can be said for the areas of Kapitolyo and Maginhawa, which are now both known for their commercial establishments.
Closing thoughts
Gentrification is an inevitable phenomenon as areas continuously develop. Property owners in these key areas, can either develop their property into a commercial concept or put it out for sale or lease in the market for those who wish to invest in the area.
Source: Santos Knight Frank
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