Housing is one of the most basic of human needs. All cultures in the world, no matter how diverse in other respects, have invented ways to shelter their people. It is in homes that people create a foundation of family and friends, a sense of belonging in and to a place.  And if housing is not available, these most basic ties to family, place and community are put under tremendous stress.

Housing costs in Boston and the region have risen dramatically. Residents are divided into two camps: those who already own homes — particularly those who purchased them before the run up in prices — and those who do not and are being squeezed by rising rents or priced out of the housing market. Among the latter, some are moving to less expensive regions, some are living in overcrowded conditions, some are finding themselves homeless, and many are spending a growing percentage of their income on housing.

OVERVIEW

Metro Boston’s housing costs are among the highest in the nation