Why This Matters
Across Essex County, the cost of housing has outpaced local wages, making it increasingly difficult for middle-income workers like teachers, nurses, first responders, and skilled tradespeople to find homes they can afford. While some efforts have focused on subsidized housing, a major gap remains for the workforce that earns too much to qualify for assistance, but not enough to compete in a market driven by second-home buyers, short-term rentals, and retirees.
What We’re Doing
The Essex County Market-Rate Housing Study is a county-wide initiative designed to tackle this challenge head-on. Conducted in partnership with national housing market experts Zimmerman/Volk Associates, the study will:
-
- Quantify the unmet demand for middle-income housing across the region
- Determine the total market demand for all types of market-rate housing, including second homes and short-term rentals
- Identify what housing types, sizes, and price points are most needed
- Highlight where new development opportunities exist, including adaptive reuse sites
- Analyze the buyer and renter profiles most likely to move to or within the region
Turning Insight Into Action
This study goes beyond data collection, it is designed to lead directly to new housing development:
-
- ROOST will create investment prospectuses for priority development sites that align with market demand
- We will connect with developers and builders, using our regional network to drive investment where it’s needed most
- Findings will be shared with local governments and planning boards to help guide zoning and policy decisions
- ROOST will promote new housing opportunities through its proven destination marketing platforms, reaching target audiences ready to relocate
Our Unique Role
As the region’s destination marketing and management organization, ROOST bridges the gap between what communities need and what developers can deliver. We’re uniquely positioned to:
- Help developers understand where and what to build
- Help working residents and newcomers find the homes they need
Timeline
The study is underway and will be completed in Fall 2025