Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

What does gentrification entail?

1. The process of establishing new cities

2. The process of renovating an older, run-down neighborhood by higher-income families

3. The expansion of urban areas into rural regions

4. The upliftment of neighborhoods without any displacement

The correct answer is: The process of renovating an older, run-down neighborhood by higher-income families

Gentrification is characterized primarily by the transformation of lower-income neighborhoods through the influx of higher-income residents. This process typically involves the renovation and improvement of existing housing, infrastructure, and services in these areas. As higher-income families move in, property values tend to increase, leading to a shift in the social fabric of the neighborhood. The renovations often enhance the physical environment, attract new businesses, and improve public services, which can greatly benefit the area. However, one of the critical aspects of gentrification is that it frequently results in the displacement of long-time residents due to rising rents and property taxes. This aspect is crucial to understanding the implications of gentrification, as it can lead to social tensions and a loss of community among original residents. The other options describe processes that do not accurately define gentrification; for instance, establishing new cities, expanding urban areas into rural regions, or uplifting neighborhoods without displacement do not encapsulate the complexities involved in the gentrification process.