Transforming Lives: Housing Developments Near Transit Revitalize Communities

Mon Dec 01 2025 00:35:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Cities across the United States are innovating housing solutions by linking new developments to public transit. This strategy not only provides affordable living options but also revitalizes neighborhoods while reducing traffic congestion.

In an effort to combat homelessness and traffic congestion, cities from Los Angeles to Boston are prioritizing housing developments near public transit. Case studies highlight the positive outcomes for residents who gain independence and access to jobs without the burden of a car. State laws are increasingly supporting these efforts, yet challenges remain regarding local opposition and funding.

BOSTON (AP) — After years of living on the street and crashing on friends’ couches, Quantavia Smith was given the keys to a studio apartment in Los Angeles that came with an important perk — easy access to public transit.

The 38-year-old feels like she went from a life where “no one cares” to one where she has a safe place to begin rebuilding her life. The metro station the apartment complex was literally built upon is a lifeline as she searches for work without a car.

“It is more a sense of relief, a sense of independence,” said Smith, who moved in July. She receives some government assistance and pays 30% of her income for rent, amounting to just $19 a month for an efficiency with a full-market value of $2,000.

“Having your own space, you feel like you can do anything.”

Metro areas from Los Angeles to Boston have taken the lead in tying new housing developments to their proximity to public transit, teaming up with developers and passing policies that promote developments with more affordable units.

City officials argue that building housing near transit energizes neglected neighborhoods, provides affordable housing, and cuts greenhouse gas emissions by reducing car dependency.

Transit-oriented development is deemed a major solution for housing issues, utilizing extensive transportation investments to build homes close to travel infrastructure. “If you build the projects and don’t develop around them, you waste money,” said Yonah Freemark, from the Urban Institute's Land Use Lab.

Transit housing projects from DC to LA

The Santa Monica and Vermont Apartments where Smith lives is part of a plan by Los Angeles County Metro to build 10,000 housing units near transit stations by 2031, offering developers land discounts in exchange for affordable housing.

In Washington D.C., the transit authority has completed eight projects since 2022, resulting in nearly 1,500 apartments located within a half-mile of public transit. A significant partnership with Amazon involved $3.6 billion in low-cost loans aimed at affordable housing initiatives.

New housing near transit helps address traffic congestion and high housing costs. Projects in Boston, like the Pok Oi Residents, offer proximity to public transport, which is crucial for residents seeking convenience.

States target zoning regulations

States from California to Massachusetts are passing laws to dismantle restrictive zoning regulations that have contributed to housing shortages. California recently allowed taller apartment buildings near transit, while others like Colorado and Utah have mandated housing densities to be established close to transit hubs.

Despite advocacy for zoning reforms, local resistance poses challenges. In Massachusetts, some communities have stalled on new zoning initiatives, revealing a divide between state goals and local opposition.

New housing, a new life

In Los Angeles, Smith's six-story complex revitalizes the surrounding area with new amenities. Half of its units cater to formerly homeless residents, reflecting a concerted effort to improve accessibility.

“I’m very fortunate to be somewhere where the transit takes me where I want to go,” Smith expressed. For many, these transit-centered housing projects symbolize hope and a path toward a more independent future.