What is gentrification?

Gentrification is defined as the process of urban transformation that occurs when wealthier residents move into a formerly lower-income neighborhood. This influx often leads to increased property values and changes in the neighborhood's economic and social dynamics. As more affluent individuals settle in, they may bring new investments, businesses, and amenities, which can enhance the overall appeal of the area. However, this development can also displace long-standing residents who can no longer afford to live in the changing environment due to rising rents and property taxes.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of gentrification. A decline in urban property values is the opposite of what typically occurs during gentrification. The creation of affordable housing is often a response to gentrification, but it is not a description of the gentrification process itself. Enforcing zoning laws may influence urban development but does not specifically define gentrification. Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the transformative process characterized by an influx of wealthier residents and its subsequent impact on neighborhoods.