Climate Gentrification: How Miami’s Rising Seas are Pushing Out Longtime Residents

The Shift in Miami’s Neighborhoods

In the heart of Miami’s historic Overtown, a once-thriving cultural hub for the Black community, new high-rise developments are sprouting up. These towering structures serve as a stark reminder of how neighborhoods are evolving. Longtime residents face skyrocketing costs as their communities become more desirable to developers fleeing coastal flood risks.

Overtown, along with areas like Allapattah, Liberty City, and Little Haiti, sits on the elevated Miami Rock Ridge. This geological feature offers a natural refuge from rising sea levels. As a result, developers are increasingly targeting these neighborhoods, leading to rising property values and displacing long-established communities.

Community advocates are vocal about the economic pressures this development boom creates. “More than anything, it’s about economics,” said Nicole Crooks. The influx of new developments in these areas is reshaping the social fabric, making it harder for existing residents to remain in their homes.

Climate gentrification is not unique to Miami. Across the United States, similar dynamics are playing out in cities as developers seek higher ground. This phenomenon disproportionately affects people of color and low-income families, exacerbating existing inequalities.

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Economic Pressures and Rising Rents

When neighborhoods gentrify, the impacts are multifaceted. Carl Gershenson from Princeton University noted that rising average incomes and education levels often accompany gentrification. This typically leads to an increase in the white population while pricing out people of color.

Miami’s transition into a finance and technology hub has further fueled housing demand. According to Moody’s, asking rents have surged by 32.2% in the past four years. This is significantly higher than the national average, making Miami the least affordable metro area in the U.S.

Wealthier individuals have the financial means to relocate away from flood-prone zones, adding pressure to higher elevation areas. This trend has resulted in the rapid appreciation of property values in these neighborhoods, further widening the socio-economic divide.

Key points to consider include:

• Rising property values and taxes
• Increased rent burdens for existing residents
• Displacement of longtime community members

The Emotional Toll

The effects of climate gentrification are not just economic but deeply emotional. As property taxes and rents soar, many residents find themselves unable to keep up. In some cases, single mothers and elderly residents are forced to leave their homes and live in more precarious conditions.

Residents of areas like Coconut Grove have witnessed firsthand the transformation of their neighborhoods. “My whole neighborhood is changing,” lamented Fredericka Brown, a lifelong resident of the area. The influx of new developments has altered the character and beauty of these communities.

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The higher elevation of neighborhoods like West Grove makes them attractive to developers, leading to a rise in property taxes. This financial strain often forces longtime residents to sell their homes, disrupting the generational continuity of these communities.

Community leaders stress the importance of preserving the historical and cultural identity of these neighborhoods. Carolyn Donaldson, a vice chair of Grove Rights and Community Equity, emphasized the need to balance development with maintaining the community’s legacy.

Nationwide Implications

Miami and Honolulu are often cited as the “canaries in the coal mine” when it comes to climate gentrification. These cities highlight a broader trend that is likely to expand as climate change continues to impact coastal areas. High-climate-risk regions across the U.S. are experiencing similar pressures.

For instance, after the 2021 Marshall Fire in Colorado, affected communities saw rents rise significantly. This trend is driven by the basic laws of supply and demand, where disasters reduce housing supply, driving up costs.

Researchers have found that high-climate-risk areas often see higher rents and property values, favoring wealthier individuals. The repaired and rebuilt properties generally cost more, exacerbating inequalities.

“It’s basic supply and demand: After disasters, housing costs tend to increase,” said Andrew Rumbach from the Urban Institute. This pattern underscores the need for policies that address the socio-economic impacts of climate change.

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Preserving Community Amid Development

Despite the challenges, community members are fighting to preserve their neighborhoods. In Little Haiti, Carl Juste, a longtime resident and photojournalist, has seen the impact of new developments like the Magic City Innovation District.

Magic City is zoned for multiple high-rise buildings and promises to bring jobs and economic prosperity. However, the development also raises concerns about the destruction of the neighborhood’s character and the displacement of existing residents.

Developers argue that projects like Magic City will benefit the community by creating jobs and supporting local businesses. Investments in community revitalization trusts and affordable housing initiatives are part of their strategy to mitigate the negative impacts of gentrification.

While some see these developments as opportunities for economic growth, others worry about the long-term consequences. “Exactly the very thing that brings [people] here, you’re destroying,” Juste said, highlighting the delicate balance between progress and preservation.