Lauren Schneiderman

Gentrification in Philadelphia

By Cassidy Madison
Ss Neumann Goretti High School

Many communities are touched by gentrification in Philadelphia. Gentrification is the process of a poor urban area changing because of wealthier people moving in, improving housing, and attracting new businesses, typically displacing current inhabitants in the process. The impact of gentrification is felt by longtime residents through tax increases and rising rents, forcing some to leave their neighborhoods. The evidence of these changes is visible in Philadelphia by the construction of fancy new buildings in certain neighborhoods. In South Philadelphia, the sales price is 184% more than the citywide rate.

An old, decaying, fenced-in building being remodeled in Philadelphia’s Newbold neighborhood.
A closed Western Union for sale in Point Breeze. The stores around it are more modern and recently built and renovated.
An old church falling apart on 18th St. and Wharton St. The church is surrounded by newly built houses.
A sign on 17th St. and Ellsworth St. that advertises buying houses with cash.
A closed check-cashing center, taken on March 1st, 2024.
An old historical building in Old City sits next to a newer apartment complex. 
Several new buildings that were recently constructed on Manton St. in Philadelphia’s Grays Ferry neighborhood.

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