There are many more middle and upper-middle class people moving into Harlem. Rising real estate prices and the influx of wealthier people are forcing those who have long lived in Harlem out of their apartments because they cannot afford them anymore. Middle and upper-middle class blacks are moving back into the area from the suburbs as crime rates have fallen. Black families sometimes move back to connect with their ethnic identities, but cause displacement of the people already living there. This black middle class has tripled since the 1960s and become more detached from the working class blacks who have been living in Harlem for years. During the 1990s, the number of middle and upper-middle class households in Harlem increased by 35% with the number of professionals, individuals with higher education, and homeowners having also increased.
As more lots are being transformed into condominiums, more white residents are also attracted to the area. Between 2000 and 2010, the number of whites jumped from 6% to 20% and the median household income rose 67%. The area is now younger and trendier than before. What were once rundown 99-cent stores and abandoned lots are now new houses and eateries. Looking at some of the contemporary pictures, there are now newer and more upscale restaurants. The 99-cent stores have closed and a different crowd of people are spending time in Harlem. Most of the people eating in Bier were young and white.
While some longtime residents see the new middle class blacks as positive to the Harlem community because they can bring new opportunities, others see them as sell-outs. Sometimes labeled “bougie,” from the word bourgeoisie, the wealthier black people moving in cause interracial strife in Harlem. The interests of the middle class differ greatly from the interests of the lower class in Harlem. Most people have different opinions on the gentrification. While some strongly do not want to see a white takeover, others have mixed opinions on the issue.
For more data and a very informative interactive map showing race, age, income and other statistics, click here
http://www.city-data.com/neighborhood/
Harlem-New-York-NY.html
