Gentrification.

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Here is the definition on Gentrification directly quoted from Wikipedia
"Gentrification is the buying and renovating of houses and stores in deteriorated urban neighborhoods by wealthier individuals, which in effect increases property values and displaces low-income families and small businesses.[1] This is a common and widespread controversial topic in urban planning.[2] It refers to shifts in an urban community lifestyle and an increasing share of wealthier residents and/or businesses and increasing property value"
I personally, am very PRO Gentrification. The only neighborhood I have met, encountered and actually lived in, that should NOT be gentrified is Harlem in Northern Manhattan. Harlem should just always be Harlem. God Bless 125th street and the Apollo Theater. The Chelsea neighborhood used to be known as a strictly male dominated gay only neighborhood, but the gay community actually cleaned it up and greatly enhanced the overall ambiance of the neighborhood. They brought Cleanliness, New Construction, Art Galleries, Style and Cool. Go Gays Go! Of the very few tenant rep lease deals, I did while working in Manhattan, one of them was in authentic Chelsea. I recall the 2 bedroom, 3rd floor walk-up apartment rental with hardwood floors circa 19th and 7th street going for $2650 per month. My clients, the new tenants were 2 hot, professional "sex in the city" girls. I'm a good looking man, and tend to draw attractive female clients. Thus by bringing in young, attractive, straight female professional girls, I, the real estate agent was helping gentrify Chelsea. Sorry, but somebody's got to help the pretty ones?
Anyways...
Why am I so pro-gentrification. It is because deep down I believe in progressiveness. I yearn and hope for the world and society to be a better place on all levels. Drifting towards Utopia. Stores, people, laws, rules, architectural beauty, street, vibes, and all, are things I hope continue to evolve and improve. In the case of affluent citizens whom purchase in "up and coming" neighborhoods, why not? Sure. Let these rich people take a risk. If you, yourself are an owner in a stigmatized downtrodden neighborhood, and a millionaire buys next door, your property instantly appreciates in value. All you had to do was sit on your butt and watch tv. I love sitting and my butt and watching TV, don't you? Either way, I see no harm.
What would be harmful is if a downtrodden neighborhood got EVEN WORSE. For example the 5th ward in Houston, or perhaps neighborhoods in Detroit, St. Louis, Oakland and other cities where the quality, safety and desire to live there is going into underworld levels. Also, I think life and people in general should be okay with CHANGE. Yes CHANGE is ok. People whom become over settled and stuck in their ways, are not taking advantage of new surroundings, creations, and a zeal for life.
If I owned a property in a "gentrifying" neighborhood and got cashed out that would be cool! Why? 1. Because I obviously would have already gotten to live there and keep memories of the area. 2. I'd have more cash and rich skills, than the day before. 3. With this new wealth, I could perhaps live an improved lifestyle in a new city or area? We as people, should be able to embrace change, climb up the ladder in life, and go for it.
It is the cranky, mean, hermits, and neighborhood squatters of the old days, that pull an area back. Think about American life and culture in the 1950's, compared to today in 2015. Today is WAY BETTER. Everyone is MORE equal and righteously, free. Gentrification is a positive, and inevitable thing, just like paying taxes, and taking a shower. Eventually you need to do both.

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