Affordable Housing: Collier and Lee Counties
By: Rachael Abrams, William Caldwell, Lindsey Garven, Erin Hicks, Christal Pipkin, Katelyn Wyatt
Introduction:
Affordable housing is a major issue of concern in southwest Florida. As more and more people choose to make it their permanent home or preferred vacation destination, supply and demand forces have and will continue to influence the rising cost of housing. Historically, Collier and Lee counties are known for income levels that fall well below the national average. Initially residence accepted low pay without contention because the low cost of living and the pristine, subtropical environment offset this discrepancy. In hindsight, change was inevitable. The reasons that people flocked to southwest Florida in the past are still quite similar to reasons people come here today— with one exception; the cost of living is now much higher than the national average while wages have remained on the low side. For many people who migrate to SW Florida from northern states, housing costs are less important. Many have already established careers and can afford high priced real estate. In contrast, people who rely on SW Florida as their sole place of residency and work can no longer afford to live here.
So what does this mean for Collier and Lee counties? What factors influence the realization of affordable housing in theses areas? What is being done in terms of affordable housing to compensate for the current situation? Can residence of Collier and Lee counties actually influence policy and direct change? Our answer to this last question is a resounding, YES! The following text addresses all of these concerns and attempts to place them into a categorical perspective to facilitate understanding and prompt initiative. We have provided links to relevant sites that will also afford additional information regarding these issues. While perusing this site please keep in mind that inaction leads to dissatisfaction. We all have a voice that matters. We must simply choose to use it. If the cost of housing continues to rise while wages remain stagnant, the future of affordable housing and economic stability of southwest Florida seems uncertain at best.
Table of Contents
Data and Results
1. Housing Costs in Lee County
2. Housing Costs in Collier County
3. Affordable Housing and Wages
4.
5. Job Market
6. Real Estate and the Relationship to FGCU
