The problem is that in aggregate terms, the more cheap housing you have in an area, the more crime, violence, graffiti and litter you're going to have. Not bec

The problem is that in aggregate terms, the more cheap housing you have in an area, the more crime, violence, graffiti and litter you're going to have. Not because all persons who live in such places are always and inherently bad, but because a much larger percentage of the people who can only afford such places do have certain cultural, behavioral and educational qualities that cause them to breed such things. You enable the Ramen-eating college student to live there, but also the basket case. The struggling artist but also the drug-dealer or gang member. The single guy living alone for the first time with an apartment full of books, but also the extended family of 10 immigrants with 5 kids and varying degree of legality, all of whom who will be consuming government services and imposing government costs and externalities out of proportion to their taxable income contributions back. Having a town where the prices are so high only doctors and lawyers can afford to live might mean there's less diversity, but also the streets and lawns will be nice and safe and quiet, speaking in general. Given a choice only between these two imperfect extremes I know I'd take the second one.