The 
process of wealthier 
residents moving to an area, and the 
changes that occur 
due to the influx of 
wealth. As wealthier inhabitants move into an area that is already populated with lower-income residents, the 
neighborhood begins to
change as well. Often this will spark an 
urban renewal process, which 
cleans up the town, but often 
leads to an increase in 
rent, taxes, and other 
items. Sometimes this change 
means that the previous residents can no longer afford to live in that neighborhood, which is why gentrification can sometimes be used in a negative 
context. However, many good changes also historically accompany gentrification, such as decreased 
crime rates and increased
economic activity.