Rural America Transformed by Affordable Housing Crisis

The affordable housing shortage is driving a housing boom in rural areas like Celina, Texas, transforming them into rapidly growing suburban communities. As home prices in urban centers rise, people are moving to rural areas where land is cheaper, leading to significant population growth and development. This shift is altering the traditional rural lifestyle, with farmland being replaced by housing developments and local businesses by big box retailers. While newcomers find affordable living, longtime residents face challenges such as loss of community, increased costs, and threats to agricultural livelihoods.