What drives income segregation in cities and neighborhoods?

[EricMS]

I’ve noticed my own neighborhood seems to be getting more segregated by income, not less. I live in a mixed building but the newer luxury units across the street have a separate entrance and amenities, and it just feels like we’re living in two separate worlds. Is this economic segregation just the new normal in cities now?

[MarkRJ]

Yeah I’ve seen it too. Across the street there’s that new luxury building with a separate lobby and pool, and you can feel the difference. It’s like economic segregation playing out in real life, not a theory in a meeting room. The bus stop and grocery store are the same, but the vibe is two ecosystems side by side. On Saturdays it’s more obvious.

[John19]

I talked to a neighbor who works in leasing, and she said the math is simple: if you price units high enough, you can fund nicer amenities and still keep the maintenance fees manageable. It isn’t a conspiracy, just market logic, and the result is visible. Parking spots and shared lounges get prioritized for the newer tenants, and the rest of us feel drifted toward the back.

[Aurora75]

I keep wondering if the real problem is zoning and incentives that push new luxury builds without anchors for the rest. Is that the real problem?

[Andrew14]

I went to a residents association meeting and asked if we could share a space like a community room or garden path that everyone can use. Nothing changed yet, but I counted how many people stopped by after work to sign a note and it felt like there was more awareness, even if the outcome isn’t there yet.