Surprising New Research on Gentrification in Houston

A new report by the Kinder Institute of Urban Research at Rice University examines seven case studies to highlight the different types of housing development that occur when a neighborhood gentrifies.

An article on the Kinder Institute's Urban Edge blog provides insight into the "Re-Taking Stock" report, listing a number of key findings from the report, including this bombshell: "Affluent areas that have gentrified or have faced no risk of gentrification saw more construction [and demolitions] than gentrifying areas, likely steering higher income housing growth away from gentrifying neighborhoods."

Another key finding gentrification from the report suggests that gentrifying neighborhoods (e.g., the Fifth Ward, Independence Heights, and the Third Ward) "face an elevated risk of quick turnover due to demolition patterns and townhome development near the boundaries of high-demand neighborhoods."

The report also makes a remarkable distinction for Houston as the national leader in urban infill. Development in the city's urban core (i.e., the Inner Loop) surpasses the total annual housing production of other major cities, according to the report.