Will County's Housing Puzzle: Who Gets Left Behind?

Will County, known for its many single-family homes, has a problem. Not everyone can find a place that fits their needs or budget. Young adults, like recent college grad Dominic Pelayo, are stuck living with their parents. Why? Because one-bedroom apartments cost between $1, 500 and $1, 800 a month. That's too much for many young people just starting their careers. Pelayo did some research. He found that young couples need to earn about $100, 000 a year to afford a $500, 000 house. But most couples earn much less. This makes it hard for them to buy a home. On the other hand, seniors who want to downsize can't sell their homes because no one can afford to buy them. This creates a housing shortage. Seniors like Jan Stack face their own challenges. She wanted to downsize after retiring. But apartments and retirement homes cost too much. Subsidized housing had long waitlists. She finally found a place at Joshua Arms, a low-income senior housing facility. She loves it there, but it took a lot of effort to find. The issue is bigger than just young adults and seniors. Divorced parents and young adults delaying marriage also need different types of housing. Will County needs more affordable senior housing, rental units, and starter homes. This would help people at different stages of life. Business leaders say more housing options would boost the local economy. More residents mean more restaurants, shops, and other amenities. But for now, many people in Will County are struggling to find a place to call home.