Six Common Misconceptions About Affordable Housing

The conversation around affordable housing in Albuquerque and across New Mexico is often clouded by misconceptions, fear, and misunderstanding. At Sol Housing, we believe in a future where everyone can create community, connection, and joy in a home of their choice, and that vision starts with changing the narrative and separating fact from fiction.

As housing costs continue to rise in Albuquerque (with median home prices reaching $349,331 as of June 2025), the need for affordable housing solutions has never been more critical. Yet misconceptions persist that prevent our community from embracing the solutions that can help all of us thrive.

Read on to unpack the most common misconceptions about affordable housing in Albuquerque, and what’s the real truth. 

Plaza Feliz

Misconception #1: Affordable Housing Hurts Property Values

Research consistently shows that affordable housing has no negative impact on neighboring home values. In fact, well-designed affordable housing can enhance neighborhood property values.

Multiple studies, including comprehensive research by Trulia examining over 3,000 projects across the nation's 20 least affordable markets, found no significant effect on nearby home values. The truth is that affordable housing is either on-par with its surrounding neighborhood or in even better condition than neighboring properties.

Here in Albuquerque, affordable housing developments must meet the same construction and design standards as market-rate homes, often with additional requirements due to public funding involvement.

PAH! Hiland Plaza

Misconception #2: Affordable Housing Can’t Be Beautiful

Affordable housing is affordable because of financial assistance programs, not because of lower-quality construction.

All affordable housing must meet the same building codes and design standards as market-rate homes. Developers use quality materials because it simply makes economic sense. Affordable housing developments, especially with Sol, are built with the same care, attention to detail, and modern design standards.

Each of Sol Housing’s communities are not just reflective of the area in which they’re located, they are vibrant, community-focused, and complete with amenities that best serve residents. Take a look at our communities here: https://www.solhousing.org/communities

Luminaria

Misconception #3: Affordable Housing Increases Crime

No credible research supports this claim.

When people choose and care about their homes, they're invested in their community's safety and success. Stable housing means children can build lasting relationships with peers and mentors, families can put down roots, and neighbors look out for one another. The families who live in affordable housing want exactly what every family wants: a safe place to raise children, build equity, and contribute to their community.

Albuquerque's strength comes from stable, diverse neighborhoods where people from all walks of life can create a place to call home.

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Misconception #4: Affordable Housing Is a Government Handout

Affordable housing programs are  investments that benefit everyone and level the playing field.

Something many people don't realize is that wealthy homeowners receive far more housing subsidies through mortgage interest deductions and property tax write-offs than the government spends on affordable housing programs. These tax benefits disproportionately go to higher-income households while working families struggle to pay for housing and access homeownership.

Affordable housing programs create opportunities for hardworking families to achieve the same wealth-building opportunities that have historically been available to others. In fiscal year 2024, Housing New Mexico provided $737 million in assistance, impacting nearly 19,000 people and families. 

Plaza Ciudaña

Misconception #5: Only Certain People Need Affordable Housing

Affordable housing serves a diverse cross-section of our community, from teachers and nurses to seniors on fixed incomes to essential workers who keep Albuquerque running.

New Mexico's median household income is approximately $62,300, nearly 20% lower than the national average. In Albuquerque, where median home prices hover around $349,000 and the median rent is $1,391, housing affordability is a challenge for a wide range of households across all life stages and income levels.

Affordable housing programs typically serve households earning between 60% and 120% of the area median income. That includes a wide range of people, including teachers educating our children, nurses caring for our sick, retail managers, social workers, firefighters, and countless other professionals working full-time jobs who simply can't afford market-rate housing in the communities where they work.

Additionally, the number of New Mexicans aged 65 and over is projected to rise 62% over the next 15 years, growing from 343,622 to 555,184 people. Already, about 22.6% of Albuquerque residents are aged 60 or above. The median household income for New Mexico seniors is just $40,143, with 38% of senior households in Albuquerque earning less than $30,000 per year. Meanwhile, the average monthly cost for assisted living in Albuquerque is $4,283, far beyond the reach of most seniors living on fixed incomes. According to a recent AARP study, for every one affordable senior housing vacancy, there are nine eligible seniors waiting.

At Sol Housing, we recognize that affordable housing isn't about serving one narrow demographic, it's about creating communities where people from all walks of life can create joy in a home of their choice.

Sterling

Misconception #6: Affordable Housing Brings Down School Quality

Affordable housing actually improves educational outcomes for children.

Without stable, affordable housing, families become trapped in cycles of rising rents and frequent moves. This instability is devastating for children, who can't stay in the same school long enough to build relationships with teachers and peers, resulting in lower standardized test scores and reduced educational achievement.

When children have a stable home and the ability to remain in a single school system, their academic performance improves significantly. They build long-term relationships that are key to success in school and increase their likelihood of attending college. Stable housing means stable communities and stronger schools for everyone.

Casa Feliz

At Sol Housing, we're not just building houses. We're cultivating community, creating opportunity, and advancing housing justice throughout Albuquerque and New Mexico. We believe that affordable housing is a cornerstone of thriving communities and that everyone deserves the dignity, comfort, and wealth-building potential that comes with having a home to call your own.

The data is clear: affordable housing strengthens neighborhoods, supports working families and seniors, and creates more vibrant, economically diverse communities. By dispelling these misconceptions and understanding the facts, we can work together to ensure that Albuquerque remains a place where everyone has access to safe, stable affordable housing and vibrant communities.