The primary reason for the popularity of mixed-income housing among policy makers and developers is its perceived social benefits.
There appears to be widespread agreement among housing

practitioners that including a mix of incomes within a development can be helpful in creating a safe, healthy, and sustainable living environment for families. Unfortunately, very little research has been done to assess these claims. More research is necessary to determine the extent to which, and under what circumstances, mixed-income housing achieves its social goals. [1] Practitioners recommend a mixed-income housing approach for the following reasons, among others:* Deconcentration of poverty, and racial and socioeconomic integration -- High concentrations of poverty are associated with negative child and family outcomes. Many practitioners believe that mixed-income communities provide a safer environment that offers a greater range of positive role models and exposure to more job leads for area residents. High quality of maintenance and amenities -- In order to attract market-rate tenants, mixed-income developments must be attractive and well-maintained, and must offer desirable amenities and services (i.e. pools, tennis courts, free parking, access to public transportation and job centers). As a result, lower-income tenants enjoy better quality homes and neighborhoods than they generally would in developments that are 100-percent subsidized. On the other hand, the need to provide such amenities may increase the cost of the affordable units, reducing the effectiveness of cross-subsidies to some degree. Economic development -- When sited in "revitalizing" neighborhoods, mixed-income developments may be an effective tool for economic development. The influx of higher-income residents may lead to higher property values, better schools, improved access to transportation, and more retail options. Political acceptance -- Mixed-income housing carries a political advantage in that the inclusion of market-rate housing makes "affordable housing" more acceptable to those who might otherwise oppose such projects.

What makes a mixed-income development successful? A mixed-income development's ability to attract and keep residents depends on a number of factors, not all of which can be controlled (i.e. market conditions). Some common elements of success that designers of mixed-income housing should keep in mind include: A convenient location with access to public transportation, job centers, and high quality schools. Design that does not distinguish market-rate units from affordable units by either appearance or amenities, and that disperses units at all affordability levels throughout the development. A continuum of income levels rather than a strict division between "market-rate" and "low-income" tenants. A well-designed community that is attractive and fits seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhood. Many mixed-income developments include innovative "new urbanist" design features such as a pedestrian-friendly layout, ample outdoor space, and "green" buildings. This section draws heavily from Increasing Access to Low-Poverty Areas by Creating Mixed-Income Housing. 2007. By Diane L. Houk, Erica Blake, and Fred Freiberg. New York, NY: Fair Housing Justice Center. Please see this resource for further information.

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You are currently reading: What are the benefits of mixed-income communities? Other pages in this section: How do cross-subsidies support mixed-income communities? Under certain market conditions, the profits associated with market-rate units can be great enough to subsidize development of affordable homes. How can jurisdictions facilitate the use of cross-subsidies to create mixed-income communities? By combining cross-subsidies with other incentives, communities have successfully used cross-subsidies in a wide array of markets. Click here to view other resources on cross-subsidies.

*This section draws heavily from Mixed-Income Housing Developments: Promise and Reality. [PDF] 2002. By Alastair Smith. Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University and Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation; and Mixed-Income Housing: Myth and Fact. [PDF] 2003. By Deborah L. Myerson. Washington, DC: Urban Land Institute. Consult these resources for further information.

[1] Mixed-Income Housing: Myth and Fact. [PDF] 2003. Deborah L. Myerson. Washington, DC: Urban Land Institute.