Santa María la Ribera, Santa María la Ratera and Santa Mari la Juarica: Moments of a Neighborhood Gentrification Process

Abstract

The objective of the article is to discuss the transformations that Santa María la Ribera has undergone in recent years. The observed changes suggest the existence of a process of gentrification. The methodology is based on my experience as a resident of the neighborhood as well as on the census of new residential buildings. The results confirm the hypothesis: the middle classes are returning and the low-income residents are being displaced. The limitations of the research lie in the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic (access to libraries and conducting fieldwork). The main value of the research is that it reveals the characteristics (verticalization and social mix) of the gentrification process in a neighborhood of Mexico City. The findings show that Santa María La Ribera is undergoing a process of gentrification led by the government, supported by real estate developers and demanded by the middle classes.