AU Associates, one of our partners located in Lexington, Kentucky, recently showcased a series on social media called "Myths About Affordable Housing." We've all heard myths related to low-income housing, and this was a great way to debunk those theories and share why affordable housing is so important throughout the communities we serve. We appreciate them allowing us to share some of their myths and facts:
Myth: Affordable housing lowers property values.
Fact: Studies show that affordable housing has no negative impact on property values. Properly maintained affordable housing developments, designed and built to standards desired by the community, may even increase property values.
Myth: Affordable housing will increase traffic congestion.
Fact: Residents of affordable housing tend to own fewer cars and utilize public transportation more often. Housing built near job centers reduces traffic by allowing people to live near their jobs.
Myth: Affordable housing will increase crime in the area.
Fact: Like everyone else, families living in affordable housing want a safe place in a good community for their children to grow up.
Myth: Affordable housing will hurt local schools and lower standardized test scores.
Fact: Without affordable housing, many families have to relocate more frequently. When a child is in a stable home and educational environment, test scores increase.
Myth: Affordable housing will look "cheap" compared to market-rate housing.
Fact: Affordable housing must comply with the same architectural and aesthetic standards as market-rate developments and actually has additional restrictions and higher standards, including requiring energy efficiency appliances.
