For older renters, Western WA's housing boom can sow insecurity

Sandra Mears and Maryann Griffin loved their little cottage in West Seattle’s Delridge neighborhood. They had a beautiful garden, good neighbors and felt a sense of community. It was exactly the sort of place they’d sought after decades of living in apartments around the city; the sort of place they could imagine living in forever.

But after about five years in their dream home, they learned the owners were selling and they had to move out. As renters they had no say in the matter. And as a couple with modest means and little savings, they were unable to purchase the home.

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After hearing their cottage was being sold, they went through the expensive and laborious task of finding a new rental home and moved to a new place in West Seattle. The couple was able to stay for about six years in that home before once again learning the owners were planning to sell. The new owner asked them to stay, but they planned to eventually redevelop the property, making it a temporary reprieve.

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They are not alone

Data analysis by AARP shows 6,889 adults 55 and older are expected to experience homelessness this year in Washington state. The homeless population is getting older nationally and locally. The median home sale price in King County has topped $1 million. Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the Seattle metro area is nearly $1,900/month.

https://crosscut.com/news/2024/06/older-renters-western-was-housing-boom-can-sow-insecurity