The primary direct consequence of white flight, which refers to the phenomenon of white residents moving away from racially integrated neighborhoods to areas that are predominantly white, was the increased racial segregation in urban and suburban areas. This migration often led to the deterioration of neighborhoods that were left behind, as the departure of economically stable residents resulted in reduced investment, declining property values, and a weakening of community services.
In many cases, this also exacerbated economic disparities between different racial groups, contributing to systemic issues such as underfunded schools, inadequate public services, and higher levels of poverty in areas with predominantly minority populations. The effects of white flight can still be seen today in many cities, where patterns of segregation and inequality persist.