<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2NQrDj_0vkjIrV800" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2NQrDj_0vkjIrV800" width="1320" height="743" ><p>COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The lack of affordable housing continues to persist in central Ohio, with rising popularity among residents and industry driving up prices. Today, we hear firsthand from Central Ohioans about their challenges and hopes for homeownership.</p><p>"I feel like our age group has always been this kind of experimental age, where we're dealing with a lot of new things, and that just might be another new thing that we're dealing with," said Akil, a 24-year-old student sharing a South Side rental with two roommates. Each pays $500 a month, and while they manage their expectations about owning a home, Akil acknowledges the changing pace of life and technology. "We're living longer, so maybe the pace for when we're supposed to be ready to have a house is different."</p><p>In 2022, Columbus leaders unveiled a strategy to build more affordable housing, but demand still far outpaces supply. Akil's roommate, Tyler, believes the key to affordability for renters is compromise.</p><p>"You don't have to get the most expensive with all the amenities, and it looks awesome and it costs you $2,000. You can get fewer amenities in a nicer area, maybe for $1,200," Tyler said.</p><div style="position:relative;width:100%; height:0; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FzsYRs51S3g?enablejsapi=1&version=3&playerapiid=ytplayer" frameborder="0" style="width:100%; height:100%;top:0; left:0; position:absolute"></iframe></div><p>Marysville, among many central Ohio communities, is experiencing explosive growth.</p><p>"They build more and more and more, and more people are coming in. I mean, I don't know how they afford to buy around here, really," said Larry, a resident whose home value is skyrocketing. Despite the rising costs, Larry and his wife are considering supporting a proposed school levy in Union County. "We've got five grandkids out here, too," he added.</p><p>Ginny Gates, another Marysville resident, is also feeling the pinch.</p><p>"The cost of housing has risen to the point where our kids coming out of college and who have been out of college trying to find appropriate, affordable housing is very difficult," Gates said.</p><p>Gates is committed to supporting her family, including her grandson Rory, as they navigate the housing market. "When it's time for Rory and the other grandkids to buy a home, I have no idea, but G.G. will be here 110% to support whatever they need," she said.</p><p>Akil will soon be moving back in with his mom while he continues his schooling. Despite this step back, he remains hopeful. "I'd like to believe that if you play the game long enough, you go to work and you do your thing long enough, that you'll have enough money to get the house at some point," he said.</p><p>Vice President Kamala Harris's official site lists several promises to ease the housing crisis, including $25,000 to first-time homebuyers for their down payment and building 3 million more affordable homes and rental units in her first term. She pledges to cut red tape to speed up the process. As of today, former President Donald Trump's official site lists no housing initiatives.</p></div></body>

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Affordable housing remains elusive for many in central Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The lack of affordable housing continues to persist in central Ohio, with rising popularity among residents and industry driving up prices. Today, we hear firsthand from Central Ohioans about their challenges and hopes for homeownership. \"I feel like our age group has always been this...

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The lack of affordable housing continues to persist in central Ohio, with rising popularity among residents and industry driving up prices. Today, we hear firsthand from Central Ohioans about their challenges and hopes for homeownership. "I feel like our age group has always been this...