Nashville's local news and NPR station

Housing

What we’re doing: WPLN News has reported on the rising cost of housing for many years, but we’re committing to increasing our coverage throughout 2022, as single family home prices have gone up by 25% over the past year and rents have gone up by 20% over the past two years. These stories are informed by conversations with the community and rich in data and resources. Our goal: to create a visceral snapshot of the housing crisis in 2022, spur leaders into action, and empower residents to make smart decisions.

Join the conversation! We’ve dedicated several episodes of This Is Nashville to the rising cost of housing. Listen on any podcasting app, or on our website:

WPLN News Investigates: How did an affordable apartment complex in a prime location deteriorate in plain sight? WPLN’s Ambriehl Crutchfield reviewed more than 1,600 inspections to understand how the apartments continued to decline despite government inspections, what low-wage residents are doing to find new homes in the city’s hot housing market, and why organizers are at odds about the way forward.

Read our special series Displaced.

A Nashville woman’s story shows the challenge of moving from homelessness to a permanent home

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After a year, Tammy still lives in a “transitional” motel room in South Nashville. “I’m lost,” she says, “and I don’t know where to look.”

From homelessness to permanent housing

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In this episode, we check in with Tammy, an unhoused woman who was applying for housing assistance when we first met her in March. We’ll also explore what resources are available to Nashvillians in need for permanent housing and hear from one guest about how homelessness is solvable. 

Nashville’s renewed attention on encampments could bring change to Brookmeade Park

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For years, there’s been an encampment at Brookmeade Park. Now the unsanctioned campsite could become one of the first places targeted in a new housing initiative.

For pregnant or parenting students, local colleges have few resources. A new Nashville organization aims to help fill the gap.

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23-year-old India McKenzie proudly holds up her sonogram — the accordion of black and white images unfolding in her hands. She is starting to get excited about this baby, who she plans to name Polly after her grandmother.

What housing is ‘affordable’ for you?

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Housing is affordable — meaning you are not cost burdened — if it takes up 30% or less of your gross income, according to national housing guidelines. But we want to know what YOU would consider affordable in Nashville.

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