Final answer:
The 7-letter word that describes a luxurious neighborhood or a trendy boutique is 'upscale'. It pertains to areas with high-end properties and businesses meant for affluent individuals and reflects broader urban trends like gentrification and the development of exurbs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question is C) Upscale. The word upscale is a 7-letter term commonly used to describe neighborhoods filled with luxury homes and also refers to elegant and trendy boutiques or establishments that cater to a high-end clientèle. This term is associated with communities and commercial areas that are designed for luxury, safety, and comfort, highlighting the exclusiveness and affluence of the residents or consumers.
Gentrification is an urban phenomenon where wealthier individuals move into and renovate areas, often leading to the displacement of current, typically lower-income, residents and businesses. It can result in the creation of upscale neighborhoods. Additionally, the exurbs are communities that arise farther out than the suburbs and are typically populated by residents of high socioeconomic status, indicating a trend in which members of the upper class seek exclusive residential enclaves away from the inner city.