10 Regional Affordability Bethlehem, Stamford, and New Haven cited the affordability crisis when they discussed housing in their cities. These cities are located within strong regional housing markets, with median home values ranging from $236,500 to over $600,000 and value-to-income ratios as high as 5.7. These cities tend to have more compact, mixed housing stock, with relatively low shares of single-family detached homes and higher proportions of attached and small multifamily units. Despite this diversity, demand far outpaces supply. These cities also share important geographic characteristics. All are commuter cities to New York City, connected by major highways and transit systems, with thousands of people traveling in for work while choosing to live in places perceived as more affordable. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, increased movement out of larger metropolitan areas has accelerated population growth to these smaller cities, placing added strain on existing housing stock. In addition, all three are notably “eds and meds” cities, where large institutional presences were identified as intensifying affordability pressure. These institutions attract people who have short-term or transitional housing needs, increaing demand for a limited local supply. At the same time, the value of housing diversity was less geographically linked and emerged across various regions. Allentown, Quakertown, and Providence highlighted their diverse housing stock as a key asset. These cities share a similar pre-zoning fabric where historic development patterns continue to shape presentday conditions. They have an older housing stock, much of it built before 1940, and high percentages of attached Distillation Guidebook Co-Lab • 9.18–9.19 2025
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