The City of Tacoma laid out the Affordable Housing Action Strategy during a city council study session this week. According to the report, 40 percent of households in Tacoma pay more than one-third of their income on housing each month.
It's no secret that the Tacoma housing market is becoming less affordable.
Isaac Miller, owner of Theory Real Estate in Tacoma said prices doubled in the last three years in areas such as the Hilltop.
"At this point, I would say average price in this area is $260,000 and $280,000 is what would you expect to find for a 3-bedroom house," said Miller
"I own some rental properties and so for all of my rental properties, like I've had the same tenants for four years," said Miller, "And they're all locked in for under $1,000 a month and they're like, 'Even though my place isn't amazing I'm going to stay here because I can't find anything else cheap right.'"
Those in the community like Alberta Hawkins, a hilltop resident, said it's challenging to afford to stay in her neighborhood.
"I talked to a lot of my friends and stuff and it's hard. You got to get somebody to live with you to rent a place out. That's ridiculous. They need to make it so you can get a place to live," said Hawkins, "When we got this house here, I think the first apartment was $500 and now the increase they pay $1,050 for one bedroom."
There are many stories like Alberta's Cousin, Don Gore.
"Well, I moved down from Seattle because I couldn't afford it up there and I bought a house down here."
Over the last two decades, the city has lost more than $2 million in federal funding for local housing, according to the report.
Miller said areas like South Tacoma Way could still an option for home buyers.
"This is one of the last affordable areas in Tacoma," he said.
And According to the City's Report, the city needs to find better ways to get low-income folks connected with the private housing market.
Affordable Housing Action Strategy Overview by KING 5 News on Scribd
