As cities grow, the need for affordable housing often does not keep pace. In many places, population growth in urban centers has outpaced housing stock, and highest-density housing is often on the periphery. Even where developers are required to keep a percentage of new units affordable, wages often have not risen alongside cost of living.

Beyond rent, affordability includes associated costs of living—utilities, energy costs, transportation costs or transit access. Housing prices tend to decrease further from central hubs of activity, but so does access. As people move further out, they may be faced with scarce public transit and food deserts that require additional transportation expenditures, such as car insurance, parking, fuel, and registration. 

In their own words: Homer | London, UK