For years, housing advocates on Long Island have been pushing for more high-density units to help accommodate the increased need for affordable housing. However, that desire for high-density housing has met great resistance from many Long Islanders, who are concerned about the effect that high-density housing units might have on their communities and property values. With the Island facing a major shortage of available housing, and with home prices continuing to rise, some opponents of high-density housing are giving it a fresh look.
High-density housing refers to any residential building or complex with a large number of residents in a relatively small area. The term can refer to apartments, condominiums, or other similar buildings, and usually refers to buildings that are three or more stories high. The purpose of high-density housing is to maximize the number of people who live in a given area, which eases the burden on the real estate market and allows for people to find a permanent residence for cheaper than the price of a full parcel of real estate.
High-density housing is controversial, particularly in suburban areas like Nassau and Suffolk Counties, for a number of reasons. In practical terms, high-density housing tends to drive down property values, meaning that existing homeowners can lose equity in their homes when high-density housing is built. In a more sentimental sense, many residents are also concerned about the “character” of their communities changing from a traditional suburb to something closer to Queens. However, housing is at a premium at the moment, and with many younger New Yorkers moving away to find cheaper places to live, some believe it may be time to reconsider high-density housing as a way of retaining citizens and making life on Long Island more affordable.
In this kind of market, it’s important to have an agent to help you find a house that meets your needs. Charles Rutenberg Realty is one of New York’s largest Real Estate companies with multiple offices providing a full suite of real estate services, including residential and commercial sales or leasing. We serve clients in Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Kings, Bronx, Westchester, Putnam, and Orange Counties, and bring our knowledge and experience to bear in every transaction. If you are interested in buying, selling, or leasing real estate, give us a call at 516-575-7500 or visit our contact page.
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