Differentiating the Hype and Substance of Philadelphia's Renaissance

Throughout the latter half of the twentieth century there was growing concern about Philadelphia’s job loss, diminishing population, and brain drain. However, in recent years the media has shifted its critical outlook to focus on a more optimistic view of the city’s future and verbally confirmed a booming renaissance. At a closer look, it appears that the city is indeed going through some changes. The housing market has improved in general and Center City is growing in business and population. But the crime statistics show instability, homelessness appears to be on the rise, and much of the touted regeneration seems to be based on advances made in Center City. The findings do not contradict the assertion of a boom. They simply point out that in order to sustain growth and benefit Philadelphia as a whole, instead of a select demographic, we must choose to use the momentum of current progress wisely.