Myths about Housing and Development
Higher-density development overburdens public schools and other public services and requires more infrastructure support systems.
Fact: The nature of who lives in higher-density housing–fewer families with children–puts less demand on schools and other public services than low-density housing.
Higher-density developments lower property values in surrounding areas
Fact: No discernible difference exists in the appreciation rate of properties located near higher-density development and those that are not. Some research even shows that higher-density development can increase property values.
Higher-density development leads to higher crime rates.
Fact: The crime rates at higher-density developments are not significantly different from those at lower-density developments.
Higher-density housing is only for lower-income households
Fact: People of all income groups choose higher-density housing.
Higher-density development is environmentally more destructive than lower-density development.
Fact: Low-density development increases air and water pollution and destroys natural areas by paving and urbanizing greater swaths of land.
Higher-density development is unattractive and does not fit in a low-density community.
Fact: Attractive, well-designed, and well-maintained higher-density development attracts good residents and tenants and fits into existing communities.
No one in suburban areas wants higher-density development.
Fact: Our population is changing and becoming increasingly diverse. Many of these households now prefer higher-density housing, even in suburban locations.
Higher-Density Development: Myth and Fact, ULI–the Urban Land Institute, 2005, https://uli.org/wp-content/uploads/ULI-Documents/HigherDensity_MythFact.ashx_.pdf.