If you’re thinking about moving to Atlanta, Georgia, you’re going to find some pricey real estate, except perhaps in some of the communities on the city’s south side. What you’ll find there are heavily gentrified neighborhoods with “mini mansions” next to shacks and what not.
Although real estate prices in Atlanta continue to rise, the rush is on to gobble up the city’s remaining cheap homes for sale. Through it all, the gentrification of Atlanta continues.
In this article, we’re going to cover some key aspects of Atlanta’s gentrification and its impacts.
The strict definition of gentrification, according to the dictionary, is “the process of renovating and improving a house or district so that it conforms to middle-class taste.”
The benefits of gentrification are many:
- Economic improvement
- Increases tax base and property values
- Raises the profile of the community
But the major con is that it promotes family displacement, particularly of disenfranchised communities that don’t have the means to rebuild once they relocate or can’t afford other areas of the city.
In July 2019, a Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia study found that Atlanta is the fourth-most gentrified city in the country, only behind these three cities:
- Washington D.C.
- Portland
- Seattle
The bank compiled its results from the 2000 census data and findings from the American Community Survey.
The study highlighted some adverse effects of gentrification but also noted its positive affects on children who are able to stay in the area.
“We find that on average, gentrification decreases their exposure to neighborhood poverty and increases their exposure toneighborhood education and employment levels, all of which have been shown to be correlated with greater economic opportunity,” the study said.
One of the more illustrative ways gentrification in Atlanta can be seen is through a study by the nonprofit National Community Reinvestment Coalition, which is based out of Washington, D.C.
The study and accompanying map shows cities affected the most by gentrification. If you search for this area, you’ll see that Atlanta is one of the most gentrified cities in the United States.
The report looked at over 1,000 American communities that experienced gentrification over a 13-year period beginning in the year 2000.
According to the study, Atlanta was the fifth-most gentrified city in America. Here’s the top 10.
- Washington, D.C — 40%
- San Diego, CA — 29%
- New York, NY — 24%
- Albuquerque, NM — 23%
- Atlanta, GA — 22%
- Baltimore, MD — 22%
- Portland, OR — 20%
- Pittsburgh, PA — 20%
- Seattle, WA — 20%
- Philadelphia, PA — 17%
Although it is a controversial notion, the truth is that gentrification is quietly championed by urban planners in Atlanta and other parts of Georgia.
It also can create ugly divisions among class. It’s no secret that as affluent people move into the neighborhood, a measure of resentment can arise.
The fact about many large metropolitan areas, Atlanta included, is that developers don’t build low-income housing, they build it for those with money.
To counteract the negative impact of gentrification in Atlanta, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has released the Atlanta Housing Affordability Action Plan, which outlines steps the city will take to provide housing for all.
Here’s A Map Of The Most Gentrified Neighborhoods In Atlanta
The Most Gentrified Areas In Atlanta Include:
The map characterized the following areas of Atlanta as being in “late stage” gentrification:
- Old Fourth Ward
- Edgewood
- Kirkwood
- East Atlanta
The following areas are considered in the “dynamic stage” of gentrification, meaning the neighborhoods are under immense pressure to gentrify:
- Adair Park
- Bankhead
- Benteen Park
- Boulevard Heights
- Capitol View
- Dixie Hills
- Venetian Hills
- Fort McPherson
- Hunter Hills
- Mozley Park
- Venetian Hills
- West End
- West Lake
- West View
In the foreword of the action plan, Bottoms said” “The 45 actions in this Plan provide a roadmap to increase the supply of housing inthe City of Atlanta for a full spectrum of residents.”
One of the goals to to create or preserve 20,000 affordable homes by 2026, a bold but doable plan.
She added: “We will implement these actions in a transparent and open manner and hold ourselves accountable to the milestones, metrics, and goals outlined in this Plan.”
Final Word
Go to almost any part of Atlanta’s inner city and you will see the signs of gentrification, freshly remodeled homes just blocks away from blighted properties and more. While home prices continue to increase, you might want to look into renting at least for a while.
