What is a key characteristic of mixed-income housing developments?

Mixed-income housing developments are designed to incorporate a diverse range of housing prices and income levels within the same community. This approach aims to foster social and economic diversity, allowing individuals and families from various backgrounds to live in proximity. The integration of different income levels promotes a sense of community and helps to reduce economic segregation, making it more inclusive.

This type of development is significant because it provides affordable housing options alongside market-rate housing, offering better housing opportunities for lower-income residents while still attracting market-rate residents. It can also lead to improved social outcomes, such as reduced crime rates and enhanced community engagement, since residents of varying means interact and share their neighborhoods.

The other options do not accurately reflect the essence of mixed-income developments. Exclusively reserving all units for low-income residents would not create the diversity that defines mixed-income housing. Likewise, focusing purely on market-rate housing ignores the need for affordable options. Lastly, limiting the units to single-family homes would not fulfill the principles of mixed-income development, which often includes various housing types like apartments and townhouses to accommodate different family sizes and needs.