Living near work: More affordable than you think? Part of a presentation at The Mobility Lab (Rosslyn) Thursday, September 19, 2013 Eric Timar Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development Arlington, Virginia

An example of an actual household that moved close-in and almost certainly has lower transportation costs

Household A Current commute: 4.5 miles

Household A Previous commute: 16 miles

Cost differences

AAA, 2013: 60.8 cents/mile – “Sedan average” IRS, 2012: 56.5 cents/mile “for business miles driven” General Services Administration, 2013, “privately-owned automobile”: 56.5 cents/mile

Cost Difference: Household A Previous commute: 16 mi. one way = 32 mi. round trip 240 work days/year x 32 miles per day = 7,680 miles 7,680 miles x $0.565 per mile = $4, New commute: 4.5 miles one way = 9 miles round trip 240 work days/year x 9 miles per day = 2,160 miles 2,160 miles x $0.565 per mile = $1,220 Difference: $4,339 - $1,220 = $3,119/year $1400/mo rent in Arlington might = $1660/mo in the “cheaper” area

Shorter commutes may: $$$ Save families time and/or money Get vehicles off of area roads – thereby relieving congestion Limit air pollution Help business hire and retain employees (Your idea here)

One more example Previous residence: Groveton; Alexandria outside Beltway Current residence: Virginia Square area Employment: Clarendon New commute: 0.8 mile; 16-minute walk

Is this just anecdotal; -Or can we say that tenants of Arlington’s CAFs are more likely to improve their commutes, vs. worsen their commutes, when they move in?

Of a sample of 173 tenants in “committed affordable” rentals (“CAFs”), who moved in prior to June 2013: - 41% moved closer to their jobs (by at least 1/4 mile) when they moved in - 28% moved farther away (by at least 1/4 mile) - 31% did not change their distance from place of employment more than 1/4 mile

70% AMI single (Median for 1: $75,000) (Median for 1: $75,000) $52,000/year $52,000/year 30% income: $1300/mo 30% income: $1300/mo With dog With dog He might think it’s rational to focus on area with the most opportunities He might think it’s rational to focus on area with the most opportunities

But one point today is: Beware of the added transportation costs

Yes, there is evidence that young adults are staying close in already

Article states young adults are “spurning homeownership in the suburbs” in part because they are “burdened with college debt or toiling in temporary, lower-wage positions” Article states young adults are “spurning homeownership in the suburbs” in part because they are “burdened with college debt or toiling in temporary, lower-wage positions” However, another motivator is the “increased attractiveness of cities;" However, another motivator is the “increased attractiveness of cities;" “Cities that market themselves well to young people and that offer job growth, cultural amenities and access to rapid transit are likely to see continued growth."

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notes 2013 AAA mileage: IRS: Business,-Medical-and-Movinghttp:// Business,-Medical-and-Moving