Working Class Neighborhoods

In the early 20th century, hundreds of neighborhoods developed in small and large Texas communities. Many of these neighborhoods were home to the working families of local industries and reflected the means and tastes of a generation of Texans. Neighborhoods typically consisted of a many residences, corner grocery stores and businesses, churches, and schools.

Today, some of these neighborhoods suffer from neglect, inappropriate alterations, abandoned buildings, and disenfranchised residents, while others have become targets for demolition and insensitive redevelopment.

Despite that, working-class neighborhoods sustain many inner-city areas providing important homes to long-time residents and first homes for new immigrants. Some of these neighborhoods are listed as local historic districts and in the National Register of Historic Places. These neighborhoods are threatened by neglect, demolition, abandonment and inappropriate rehabilitation.