Affordable housing has a lot of common misconceptions.

Let's debunk them, as well as reveal how affordable housing strengthens communities and boosts local economies.

Myth: Affordable housing reduces property values.

Research consistently shows that affordable housing does not reduce property values. Well-designed affordable housing can enhance neighborhood appeal and contribute to property value stability. 

Affordable housing benefits individuals and communities by reducing homelessness, lifting people out of poverty, improving health and education outcomes, and supporting employment stability. For aging adults, it helps maintain independence and quality of life. While some worry that affordable housing lowers property values, research shows little evidence of this. In fact, developments funded by programs like the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) often increase property values, reduce crime, and enhance neighborhood diversity and vitality, although impacts can vary depending on the area's income levels.

For more information, check out Urban Institutes April 2022 Brief, 'Assessing the Impact of Affordable Housing on Nearby Property Values in Alexandria, Virginia.'

myth: affordable housing increases crime.

The belief that affordable housing increases crime is unfounded. Research shows that developments like those funded by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) do not lead to higher crime rates. In fact, affordable housing can enhance neighborhood safety by providing stable housing, which reduces crime likelihood. Studies even suggest that these developments can lower crime rates and improve community well-being. The myth that affordable housing increases crime is not supported by evidence and should not deter efforts to create necessary housing options.

For example, Escobedo at Verde Vista transformed distressed public housing in Mesa, Arizona, reducing crime and creating a safer neighborhood with affordable and market-rate homes.

For more information, check out Livable Cities Lab's 2022 research on 'The Impact of Affordable Housing on Housing & Crime in Orange County.'

MYTH: affordable housing leads to overcrowding and infrastructure strain.

Careful planning and thoughtful design can make affordable housing a valuable addition to any community. A great example is The Marist on Cathedral Square in Tucson, Arizona. This project beautifully renovated the historic Marist College building and added a new affordable housing complex with 83 units for seniors. The development not only preserves the historic facade of the original building, but also provides essential housing in downtown Tucson. By respecting the area's history and meeting the needs of seniors, The Marist on Cathedral Square shows how affordable housing can enrich a community.

When we work with our cities and towns, we can create affordable housing that fits well with local infrastructure and blends with existing home designs.

For more information, check out Brookings Institute's 2019 Research Brief, '"Gentle" Density Can Save Our Neighborhoods.'

MYTH: Affordable housing is only for those experiencing extreme poverty.

Affordable housing is often misunderstood as being only for the extremely poor, but it serves a wide range of people in our communities. Many hardworking families, veterans, seniors, and individuals with moderate incomes - like teachers, nurses, and first responders - benefit from affordable housing options. These are people who contribute significantly to our society, but may struggle with high housing costs. By providing affordable housing, we help create stable, diverse communities where everyone, regardless of income, can live and thrive.

MYTH: affordable housing looks bad.

Today's affordable housing is designed to be visually appealing and to fit seamlessly into communities. Far from the outdated stereotype of unattractive buildings, modern affordable housing often features high-quality architecture and landscaping that enhances the surrounding neighborhoods. Many of these projects have even won design awards for their innovation and beauty. Additionally, they frequently set standards for energy efficient and environmental sustainability, proving that affordable housing can be both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible.

For example, Apache Junction Villas used contemporary design elements to ensure the development is visually appealing and fits well within the local context. 

MYTH: AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS A GOVERNMENT HANDOUT.

Affordable housing isn't about government handouts; it's about creating opportunities for hardworking individuals and families to live in safe, stable homes. Many affordable housing programs are partnerships between private developers, nonprofits, and local governments. These homes are built to be affordable through innovative financing, tax incentives, and smart planning - not just government aid. Residents of affordable housing often pay rent, just like anyone else, but at a rate they can manage. This approach helps create thriving communities where people from all walks of life can live and contribute, fostering economic growth and social stability.

For more information, check out this Enterprise article on how the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit works. 

MYTH: AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISN'T NEEDED IN MY COMMUNITY.

Affordable housing is essential in every community. Many people, including teachers, first responders, and service workers, live and work in communities where housing costs are rising faster than wages. Without affordable options, these critical members of society may be forced to live far from their jobs, which strains local economies and increases traffic and environmental impacts. Affordable housing ensures that all communities remain inclusive, diverse, and capable of meeting the needs of all residents, contributing to overall social and economic stability. Every community benefits from having homes that people can fit into their budget.

For more information, check out this Forbes 2020 article titled 'How Communities Benefit from Affordable Housing.'

Stability. Resilience. Growth.

Affordable housing is a critical component of healthy, thriving communities. It provides stability for working families and enhances economic resilience. By investing in affordable housing, we promote growth, reduce poverty, and ensure that essential workers can live in the communities they serve.