Multi-family housing vs “Affordable” housing (spoiler: they are not the same)

Southern Utah has been growing, and will continue to grow at an above average pace. This continued growth, especially at such a quick pace, has brought all types of people to our region and for various purposes: retirees, students, young families, young professionals… and everywhere in-between.

Finding a place to live in Southern Utah has been a huge challenge for some, given the current shortage on housing. To complicate matters even more, the relative non-existence of multi-family type housing, is disqualifying many would be residents.

From what I’ve seen in the investor/developer side of things: there is an awesome opportunity to fill the deficit in multi-family housing here in Southern Utah.

As I have discussed the need for this type of product, I have been amazed by the general misunderstanding of exactly what multi-family housing entails, and what it does not. The most common, is that multi-family housing = low income or “affordable” housing. Here’s some context…

What Is a Multi-family Home?

A multi-family housing is any home that multiple families live in at once. Types of multi-family homes include apartments, condominiums, duplexes and townhomes. Here’s what you should know about each type.

• Apartment: Apartments are multiple-housing units within one building. There might be many units or a few units, depending on the size of the building and each apartment within it; there can be one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. There are also studio apartments, which are usually one big open space (no doors to other rooms) that has a living and sleeping area.
• Condominium: Condos are similar to apartments, but you can buy and own one unit or multiple units to rent out. In many places, units for purchase are condos, while those that are rented are called apartments. If you buy a condo, you’ll likely be responsible for paying a homeowners association (HOA) fee and other costs required to manage each condo that you own.
• Duplex: A duplex has two units next to each other, separated by a single wall. Each unit has its own entrance. There are also triplexes for three-unit structures and quadruplexes that have four units in a single row.
• Townhome: A townhouse tends to have many levels—usually two or three—and sits in a row next to other townhomes. The homes all have their own entrances and living spaces, but are separated by a single wall.

What is “Affordable housing” (sometimes called Public Housing)

Public housing, quite simply, is housing that is owned and/or managed by the government for the purpose of providing housing to low-income families. Public housing projects come under the oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, but they may be administered by one of over 3,000 housing agencies.

To determine a family’s eligibility to live in public housing, the government evaluates your income and expenses compared to the local average. Families with incomes at 80 percent or below the Area Median Income are considered “lower-income” families, while those at 50 percent or below the AMI are classified as “very low income.” In expensive cities, even lower-income families may qualify for some type of subsidized public housing.

Embracing Diverse Living Situations

Another comment I hear quite often about multi-family housing, is the general disbelief that people would choose to live in a place in such tight proximity to neighbors, with minimal or no yard, and in a downtown relatively more “urban” location.

Several of the larger and more impactful multi-family projects built within the last few years, have now existed long enough to have created a unique and desirable living culture for downtown residents. The life and culture residents are actually seeking, can be found now at places like Joule Plaza and City View Apartments. Just because this is not the “norm” does not mean it shouldn’t exist. Saint George and its long-time residents would do well to embrace and hold space for the many different ways people choose to enjoy living, working and playing in our area.