This document summarizes a study on the connection between housing and transportation for older adults. It found that as the U.S. population ages, ensuring affordable housing near good transit options will become increasingly important. The study examined subsidized housing properties in several cities and found benefits for residents where housing was located near frequent, reliable public transportation that connected to services. However, not all older adults benefit equally from transit-oriented housing depending on individual limitations and community characteristics. The report recommends policies that preserve affordable housing stock, better integrate land use and transportation planning, and improve transit systems.

1. Title text here
Rodney Harrell, PhD
Senior Strategic Policy Advisor
AARP Public Policy Institute

2. U.S. population is growing …
and growing older
65+ Share of
Total
Year 65+ Population Total
Population
Population
2000 34,991,753 281,421,906 12%
2010 40,229,000 310,233,000 13%
2030 72,092,000 373,504,000 19%
2050 88,547,000 439,010,000 20%
Source: U.S Census Bureau - Census projections as of
8/2008

3. Livable Communities
Mobility:
Americans 50+ are
able to sustain
mobility as they
age
Photo by Jana Lynott
Housing:
Americans 50+
have appropriate
and affordable
housing options Photo by Jana Lynott

4. PPI Report:
“Preserving Affordability and Access in Livable
Communities:
Subsidized Housing Opportunities near Transit and the 50+
Population”
Authors:
Rodney Harrell, PhD
AARP Public Policy Institute
Allison Brooks
Reconnecting America
Todd Nedwick
National Housing Trust
 AARP, Reconnecting America, and the National Housing Trust developed a study, research
paper and Solutions Forum that looked at housing, transportation, and land use.
 This study looked at the differences between housing near transit and housing far from
transit, the location of subsidized housing in 20 cities, and how housing location mattered to
older persons who lived in those apartments.
PPI Report #2009-15

5. Miami, FL
 Properties were gated –
increased safety, but at a
cost
 Bus service reduced to
save costs
 Poor bus shelters
 Heavy Use of STS
(Paratransit)
 “Alternative” amenities and
services created

6. © Google 2010
© Google 2010
Las Palmas, Miami

7. Cleveland, OH
 Long waiting lists for
housing
 Safety and perception
of safety were issues
 Lack of access to train
station limits the use
by residents
 Good bus service on
main avenues,
problems getting
elsewhere

8. © Google 2010

9. 2 1
1
3
© Google 2010
© Google 2010
3
2
© Google 2010 © Google 2010

10. Twin Cities, MN
 The downtown location
in Minneapolis has
access to light rail,
buses, shopping
 Buses in Edina not
“frequent” but are useful
 Car access not as
important as in other
areas due to effective,
useful transit

11. © Google 2010
© Google 2010 © Google 2010
Nicollet Towers, Minneapolis

12. Who Benefits the Most from Housing
Near Transit?
Minimal Benefit Full Benefit
High Amount of Limitations Low Amount of Limitations
Individual: Individual:
Significant physical limitations that prevent Open to the idea of transit, without
boarding or waiting for transit. unaddressed cognitive or physical impairments,
and able to read and understand signage.
Those who do not understand the transit system.
Community (External): Community (External):
Living in poorly planned or economically struggling Living in well-planned, safe, healthy communities and
communities with little shopping or services nearby. in walkable neighborhoods with resources nearby.
Poor transit service, including bus drivers who won’t Frequent, accessible, reliable transit service that
stop, poor route planning, unreliable service, connects to most other places that one would want to
inaccessible stops/stations, high crime levels. travel to.

13. Policy Implications
• The preservation of existing (and
Housing creation of new) affordable housing,
particularly in advantageous locations
• Greater integration of transportation
Integration and land use in policy, planning and
implementation efforts
• Improvements and greater investment
Transportation in transit

14. HousingPolicy.org
Toolkit for Older Adults
www.housingpolicy.org

15. AARP Public Policy Institute
 Informs and stimulates public debate
on the issues we face as we age.
 Provides objective research and
analysis
 Promotes the development of sound,
creative policies to address our www.aarp.org/ppi/liv-com
common need for economic security,
health care, and quality of life.
For publications, send requests to: ppi@aarp.org