Gentrification is an increase in rent and property values that happens as more wealthy people move in to lower-income neighborhoods. Gentrification affects community members by pressuring them into moving due to the high prices of housing.
Gentrification has caused housing and rent prices to greatly increase for the past couple of years. According to an Investopedia article published in September 2018, median rent per month in Redwood City was $4,422.
Rent has gone up in the Redwood City community because of many companies moving in; for example, the new Stanford building on Broadway Street. The space could have been used for something community members deem more necessary, such as a community center.
Below are some students and teachers who have noticed a change in the Redwood City community. In the videos, they explain their stories of how gentrification has affected their families and or their students.
In this video, Prep sophomore Molly Kelter explains her point of view of what’s happening in downtown Redwood City:
Prep Community Engagement Manager Jacqueline Garcia talks about how many students have moved due to the cost of living or for other reasons. She also talks about how, if the rent keeps on increasing, she will have to move to a more affordable place.
Prep physics teacher Dan McClure explains how his rent has increased by $600 since he moved to his current place in Redwood City and how he would struggle to pay that cost if his girlfriend couldn't help support.
Prep sophomore Sebastian Allas explains how he has noticed many new buildings and parking lots being built in Redwood City. He also says how his family is looking for a new home partly because of the high rent cost.
Prep history teacher Miles Bennet-Smith talks about all the new companies that have emerged because more people are seeking housing in the area since they work at those companies. He also points out that many families are struggling to afford rent.
Prep history teacher Chris Kelly shares how the rent in other places hasn’t increased as much as in Redwood City. He also said that his ability to find a home near the school he teaches at is difficult.
Gentrification is affecting students and teachers in different ways. Even though not everyone is being directly affected by gentrification; if the rent keeps on increasing, it will start to affect them, their family members, and their overall community.