Abstract

Once-quiet rural communities like Pucón, Chile, are facing the pressures of gentrification as urban residents seek refuge in greener settings. Drawn by the allure of natural beauty and a slower pace of life, affluent newcomers have driven up property prices, displacing long-term residents, including Indigenous communities. This influx strains local infrastructure and disrupts the social fabric. While proponents highlight economic opportunities, the social costs are mounting—rising inequality, fragmented communities and worsening health outcomes. Mental health challenges, cardiovascular issues and additional stressors of changing lifestyles underscore the growing inequities. Pucón exemplifies the delicate balancing act facing many rural areas: how to embrace growth and migration without undermining social cohesion, environmental sustainability and equitable access to health.