Part 7/9:
The Dichotomy of Hope and Frustration
My conversations with locals exposed a complex mixture of hope and disillusionment regarding Bitcoin's impact. While the influx of money has rejuvenated the community, "Bitcoin Beach" may have inadvertently marginalized residents who lacked the financial means to compete in this new landscape.
Mike Peterson aptly characterized this tension by comparing it to surfing—while the sport can elevate coastal communities, it often leads to gentrification that alienates longstanding residents. Most locals acknowledge that the real estate boom primarily benefits returning wealthy Salvadorans and international investors rather than the original community members.