New Whole Foods in Harlem packed with customers since opening its doors

Despite claims of gentrification, residents seem to by happy with the new Whole Foods open for business in Harlem.

The new store on 125th Street has been packed with customers since it opened its doors Friday morning.

The neighborhood has been described as a food desert, where residents don't have easy access to healthy produce.

While residents enjoy having more variety, a local real estate expert says the neighborhood's prices are already increasing.

"Ever since the Whole Foods development was announced, I saw, personally, price jumps 20, 30 percent on the sale side, rental increases 10 to even 20 percent a year," said John McGuinness, a licensed associate real estate broker with Compass.

"It brings choices. It brings better quality food," said one resident. "It brings also a different crowd. It brings a gentrified crowd to NoLa. It brings a higher cost of living. It's a double-edged sword."

Officials with Whole Foods say they will work with community organizations and local charities to help improve the neighborhood.