6.1 Retaining Boston’s Competitive Advantage in Housing

The cost, availability, and quality of housing in a city or region are crucial to its ability to attract a highly skilled and talented workforce.   Businesses, professionals and institutions alike are highlighting the importance of housing for the growth of the economy and their ability to attract skilled professionals and workers. 

Rising housing prices and rents over the last decade have made Boston and the region an extremely expensive place to live.   Despite the 2006 drop in home sales prices, housing costs are still out of reach of many low- and moderate-income households. 

For Boston to sustain its competitive edge as a thriving high-tech center that can grow, attract and retain knowledge workers, it must be able to offer a range of housing choices and prices.