Housing production has not met demand and current housing prices in communities throughout Essex County, Massachusetts are at all-time highs. As a result, it is extremely difficult for young families to purchase a home here – even in the towns where they grew up. It is less likely than ever that the municipal employees, teachers, nurses and other essential service workers can afford to live in the towns they serve. Empty nesters also face increasingly limited housing options.

The lack of affordable housing penalizes employers in the area whose workforce has to commute here daily from New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Executives from prominent regional companies and colleges all cite housing costs as a key concern. Some companies say they may need to relocate facilities to other states if the housing issue isn’t adequately addressed and colleges are having trouble recruiting and retaining qualified faculty.

Despite losses in State population in recent years, the population in Essex County is projected to grow to approximately 770,000 by 2015. That’s roughly 50,000 more people than the 2000 Census counted. Essex County needs to produce enough new housing, both for homebuyers and renters, to accommodate new household growth and maintain normal vacancy rates and inventories. The social and economic vitality of the region depends on it.

home@last was created to raise awareness and support for the development of housing that people can afford in our communities.