Commute Eats Up Housing Savings for Many

In an in depth article, the Union-Tribune reported recently on a national study conducted by the Center for Housing Policy. The study looked at San Diego County and 27 other metropolitan areas, and found that many workers are caught in a vicious cycle where commuting costs make it too difficult for them to save money for a home closer to their jobs. This, in turn, leads to increased traffic congestion.

Sue Reynolds, president of Community Housing Works, a lender and developer of affordable rental properties, said the study shows the connection between congested freeways and the region’s shortage of homes for working families.

“There really is a link between the traffic that drives everybody crazy and our failure to invest in affordable housing and transportation infrastructure,” Reynolds said.

As in much of the country, relatively few residents here use public transportation. Eighty-eight percent of low-to-moderate income workers within San Diego County arrive to work in private vehicles, the study said. The report recommends that civic and government leaders nationwide look for ways to increase housing densities near job centers while encouraging the construction of affordable housing along public transit corridors.

“It is essential for regions to coordinate their housing and transportation policies to ensure they fully reflect the needs of working families,” said the report, titled “A Heavy Load: The Combined Housing and Transportation Burdens of Working Families.”

Tom Scott of the San Diego Housing Federation agrees the solution is to build more affordable housing along transit systems. “The transit system is not going to catch up to the population until there is enough population along transit lines,” Scott said.