Chicago Tribune

3 housing myths, debunked: Poverty, property values, and gentrification

CHICAGO - Homeownership can come with a hefty supply of emotions, paperwork and financial planning. And as one grows more attached to a residence over the years, feelings often deepen as house becomes home and memories start to accumulate.

So when terms like gentrification, poverty and low-income housing are bandied about in your neighborhood, you may be somewhat wary. But not so fast. Common misperceptions surround these topics. Myths abound. Here are three such falsehoods - and the truths behind them - according to experts.

Myth 1: Gentrification has as much to do with morals as with economics.

What's the definition of gentrification?

Depends who you ask.

According to Jason Patch, co-author of the book "Gentrifier" and associate professor at Roger Williams University, it is the reinvestment into a devalued neighborhood to create

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Chicago Tribune

Chicago Tribune3 min read
Commentary: We Are Seeing A Lethal Shift In America’s Gun Violence Crisis
While gun violence declined last year, a closer look at the data reveals a striking and surprising trend. While the total number of shootings is going down, the lethality of shootings — the odds of someone dying in a shooting — seems to be going up.
Chicago Tribune4 min readAmerican Government
Editorial: Looming Battle Over Social Security And Medicare Needs Reasoned Debate
The rhetorical war between the right and the left over the future of America’s safety net programs for its seniors is getting hotter as the presidential election nears. The latest trigger was a set of recommendations by the Republican Study Conferenc
Chicago Tribune3 min read
Review: 'Water For Elephants' Is One Of The Most Authentic Circus-themed Shows To Make It To Broadway
“Water for Elephants,” the new musical based on the 2006 Sara Gruen novel and the 2011 movie with Reese Witherspoon, has one of the more remarkable ensembles ever seen on Broadway. I’ve seen a hundred shows where actors try to do tricks, or forge a c

Related Books & Audiobooks