ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the impacts of exurbanization on homeownership among working poor households beginning with an overview of exurban growth and housing affordability. While moving to suburban and exurban locations may result in more affordable housing, it does not always equate to better neighborhoods for all households. In addition, the savings gained from obtaining more affordable housing can be offset by the increased transportation costs involved in living in outlying areas. Racial and ethnic inequality is growing in areas that have experienced significant levels of suburban sprawl in the past few decades because whites and the non-poor are able to move farther away from minorities and the poor within suburbs. Policies that focus on inclusionary zoning for new developments have been suggested as a strategy to expand the available affordable housing in suburban and exurban areas. Promoting homeownership is not always the best solution for providing adequate and affordable housing.
