The march of gentrification across Melbourne’s suburbs has quickened in recent years, but not everyone is happy about it.

While some residents may be thrilled their home has shot up in value, others are less than enthused with the changes that gentrification brings.

The process can permanently change an area, and may result in the cultural or physical displacement of long-term residents, according to University of Melbourne sociology lecturer Max Holleran.

“They might just feel like their neighbourhood has really changed, and that could be because it was an ethnic enclave and it turned into something else, or it could also be that stores are unaffordable or not welcoming to people who live there,” Dr Holleran says.

Recently, we asked Domain readers if their neighbourhood had undergone gentrification, and how they felt about it. This is what they said.*

James, Footscray

“Going are the smiling, welcoming faces of migrant businesspeople; appearing instead are the arrogant sneers of hipsters – uniformly white with a moustache – peddling elitism and disdain. I fear Footscray’s uniqueness is being lost; soon, one could stand upon Hopkins Street but not realise that it wasn’t Brunswick Street, Fitzroy Street or Sydney Road. I feel alienated from the suburb that I chose to live in because of its high levels of acceptance, and a bit scared that I’ll never again find a place where I feel comfortable to just be me.”

Darren, Footscray

” Empty shops are now being reopened with creative businesses and bars. Far from taking the suburb backwards, a night-time economy is starting to emerge and flourish. I love it. The suburb is now being reborn all over again.”

Katherine, West Brunswick

“Everything has changed. As soon as I saw activewear tights and black parkas come into the suburb, I knew we were in for trouble. Now it’s full of crappy apartment blocks with no end in sight. I’m mad as hell. The suburb has been ruined. I never eat out any more because the price of everything has skyrocketed. Ten years ago, Brunswick West was in its heyday. There was a community, great affordable food, and everyone fit in because all ages and types and nationalities lived here. Now I have to get up at 8am on a Saturday to avoid the stupid queues to get a coffee at my local. I may move to Camberwell!”

Sam, Richmond

“The old Greek hangout on Swan and Burnley streets has shut up shop. It looked like it was there forever. Things do change but it would be interesting to hold onto these stories.”

CH, Richmond

“The grittiness of Richmond is long gone. The multi-cultural aspect of Richmond is long gone. It’s been taken over by kids in the early 20s who can afford to spend $1.2 million on their first home, and folks who go out for breakfast in activewear, puffer jackets and jeans with elastic at the bottom and no socks. It’s really sad.”

Andrew, Coburg

“It hasn’t changed to the extent of Brunswick but you can feel it coming. New hipster eateries are opening and small retail businesses are closing. There’s also lots of shitty developments. We chose to leave. It was really sad because Coburg was a great little unique community within Melbourne, but that will shortly be lost.”

Alan, Belgrave

“There are more high quality eateries in the hills than ever before. Organic fruit and vegetable delivery from a farmer saves us the drive to the supermarket. Many artists and musicians are joining the community as they are getting tired and outpriced in the inner suburbs. Positive changes do happen in the outer suburbs. It’s as relaxed and laid-back as ever before.”

Kay, Mont Albert

“First to go years ago were the small supermarkets. Next to go were most of the butcher shops and greengrocers, and then slowly lots of little shops – clothes shops, gift shops, newsagents, bakers etc. Next came the boring cafes. Our local strip shopping centres are lost forever to gentrification. They are not disappearing, they have disappeared. I’m angry and sad. We are being forced into our cars as we can no longer walk to the shops for a bottle of milk or a load of bread. There is no sense of community about the experience of ‘going to the shops’ where you might stop and chat to someone. It is a faceless, lonely experience.”

Christine, Heidelberg West

“Public housing homes and estates have been sold to make way for more privately-owned apartment and townhouse developments. Although many public housing tenants will return, there is no increase in public housing stock thus altering the demographic and sense of community. I’m extremely disappointed as I relocated from Northcote to escape the noise, the traffic congestion and the “deconstructed, smashed avocado, soy latte set”.”

Sonia, Caulfield South

“Far too many local businesses are closing and being replaced by far too many cafes, massage parlours and nail bars. I loathe it all, especially the number of apartment blocks being built.”

Alan, Caulfield South

“The local milk bar has been reborn as a cafe. Dingy worn out inter-war buildings have been tossed out and cafes are everywhere. Now there are more people in the park and the tram stop is much busier. I’m loving it.”

Anna, North Carlton

“A few small shops in Rathdowne Street have closed and been replaced by architects’ offices. These architects are loving their suburb to death. Their offices mean nothing to most of the people walking past. I’ve got nothing against architects but can they not take up prime locations?”

Anonymous, North Melbourne

“The North Melbourne Hotel has been replaced with a La Porchetta. I don’t think I need to explain how this has made me feel.”

* Some comments have been edited for clarity or brevity.

What about your suburb? Let us know below