I WANT TO SEARCH FOR

Why is the eastern side of cities poorer than the west side?

Diving into the urban fabric

Why is the eastern side of cities poorer than the west side?
Anterior Seguinte

© Getty Images

StarsInsider
08/10/2026 08:00 ‧ 1 hour ago | StarsInsider

LIFESTYLE

History

In many cities, wealth seems to be divided quite vividly into two parts. Travel west and the streets may become greener, the homes larger, and property prices higher. But head east, and historically working-class or industrial neighborhoods often appear.

The pattern is especially noticeable in older European cities, and it has sometimes survived long after the factories responsible for it disappeared. One surprising explanation for this class divide is the wind. But there is a lot more to it than that.

Intrigued? Click on to see why this divide seems to exist.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU