ARTIST HOUSING AND WORKSPACE ISSUES :: AFFORDABLE PLACES TO LIVE

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Subsidized Housing

While many artists may be low-income, few are aware of the housing assistance resources that are available to them as low-income people. Most government-supported housing is targeted to persons earning less than 80 percent of the area median income ($38,100 for a one-person household in Seattle). Many housing programs are targeted to any individual who earns less than 50 percent of the area median income ($27,250 for one person). The income limit goes up if there are more people in the household.

For more information about affordable rental housing in Seattle:

Seattle Housing Authority lists a variety of affordable rental properties.

The Housing Development Consortium lists many Seattle organizations that operate low-income housing, with application information.

If you live in another city, check with your local housing authority or office of housing.

Many cities in the United States have programs that promote home ownership for lower-income people. The City of Seattle supports affordable home ownership programs. As with the rental programs, these are typically restricted to persons earning at or below 80 percent of median income. In addition, the City of Seattle has some programs that provide advantageous loan conditions for qualified applicants, such as the Hometown Home Loan, which has no income restrictions. The City of Seattle Office of Housing offers a free guide to potential homeowners: Home Buyer Guide.

However, zoning restrictions may apply on the use of homes as offices or studios. For artists interested in living and working in the same place, it is recommended that you investigate your city's live/work ordinance to see where this activity is allowed.

In Seattle, information concerning zoning restrictions on home-based businesses in residential zones is available through the Department of Construction and Land Use Client Assistance Memo #236     (Adobe PDF File).

Information on developing an artist/studio dwelling in an existing building is available through the Department of Construction and Land Use Client Assistance Memo #114     (Adobe PDF File).