Urban Renewal & Gentrification (College Board AP® Human Geography)
Study Guide
Written by: Kristin Tassin
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Positive Consequences of Urban Renewal & Gentrification
Urban renewal
Urban renewal projects aim to redevelop and revitalize urban areas in response to economic decline or deterioration of infrastructure
For example, a city government might target a declining neighborhood and attempt to build public housing or encourage private developers to construct new buildings and services
Positive consequences of urban renewal include:
increased economic growth, as renewed development attracts businesses and increases property values
improvements in housing, transportation, and infrastructure
the creation of more attractive urban environments
Gentrification
Gentrification is the process by which higher-income residents move into traditionally lower-income neighborhoods, leading to changes in:
housing
culture
population demographics
Once housing has been renovated, it becomes attractive to wealthier residents because of its proximity to:
job opportunities
businesses
entertainment
There are benefits to gentrification:
It increases public and private investment in housing, infrastructure, and services
Gentrification tends to result in lower crime rates and greater economic activity in these areas
New businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues often open after an area has become gentrified
Negative Consequences of Urban Renewal & Gentrification
Both urban renewal and gentrification also have negative consequences
The negative consequences of urban renewal and gentrification include:
the displacement of traditional residents
lower-income individuals may be forced out of an area due to rising rents and property values
historic neighborhoods may lose their character and areas may experience “placelessness” as traditional lower-income residents and unique local businesses are displaced
Worked Example
Compare gentrification and suburbanization in terms of the socioeconomic impacts on an area’s original residents.
Answer
Gentrification causes property values to rise, which often displaces the original residents of an area who are no longer able to afford rents, mortgages, or property taxes. Original residents will, therefore, leave the area for a more affordable location. Suburbanization often leads to the loss of businesses in the city center, as they relocate to suburban areas. At the same time, wealthier residents leave urban areas to move to the suburbs. This leaves behind less affluent residents in the city center, who now have less access to businesses and services.
Examiner Tips and Tricks
The above Worked Example uses the task verb “compare.” The compare task requires you to describe or explain the similarities and/or differences between two or more processes or concepts. When comparing, be sure to address each topic the prompt asks you to compare. In addition, the above question is a helpful reminder to reply to the theme of the prompt. This prompt asks for socioeconomic impacts on residents. There are other effects of gentrification and suburbanization that are political, cultural, and environmental. But to answer this prompt correctly, you need to address socioeconomic impacts only.
Last updated:
You've read 0 of your 5 free study guides this week
Sign up now. It’s free!
Did this page help you?
