Gentrification and neighbourhood satisfaction: A study of Philadelphia

Neighbourhood satisfaction is an important facet of life and consideration for policy, as it affects one’s quality of life and well-being, as well as broader residential mobility patterns. While studies have addressed gentrification’s various outcomes, especially residential displacement, few have investigated the relationship between gentrification and neighbourhood satisfaction. Using data from the 2016 Philadelphia Housing and Neighbourhood Survey and mixed-effects logistic regression models, this paper explores the relationship between gentrification and neighbourhood satisfaction, examining how it varies by gentrification type, respondent race, and length of residence. We find that, while gentrification is overall positively associated with neighbourhood satisfaction, its effect on neighbourhood satisfaction is heterogeneous by gentrification type, respondent race, and length of residence. Specifically, when examined by type, only moderate gentrification is positively associated with neighbourhood satisfaction. Hispanic residents and non-Hispanic Black residents are less likely to be satisfied in gentrifying neighbourhoods than in non-gentrifying neighbourhoods. Lastly, gentrification is not significantly associated with neighbourhood satisfaction among long-term residents.