Transitioning Lives: How Transit-Oriented Housing is Reshaping Cities

Thu Nov 13 2025 09:05:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Cities across the U.S. are coupling housing developments with access to public transit, offering hopes of stability for many like Quantavia Smith, who has rebuilt her life.

Quantavia Smith is one of the many individuals benefiting from transit-oriented housing initiatives in major U.S. cities like Los Angeles and Boston. These programs aim to create affordable housing near public transport systems, facilitating easier access for residents and promoting community revitalization. As more states reform zoning laws to prioritize such developments, the focus shifts to addressing housing shortages and environmental impacts. The push for transit-oriented housing is seen as a sustainable approach to enhance urban living and reduce reliance on cars.

BOSTON (AP) — In the heart of urban initiatives, individuals like Quantavia Smith are finding new homes and new beginnings. After years spent on the streets, Smith moved into a studio apartment in East Hollywood that maximizes its connection to public transit.

At 38, she describes her new apartment as a sanctuary that offers her independence and a chance to rebuild her life. Having your own space, you feel like you can do anything, Smith stated, reflecting on the stability her affordable housing provides.

Transit-oriented development (TOD) is being heralded in cities from Los Angeles to Boston as a scalable solution to housing shortages by integrating new housing projects near public transportation hubs. This model not only fuels local economies but also promotes environmental sustainability by diminishing car dependency.

City officials endorse these projects, asserting they uplift neglected neighborhoods while simultaneously ensuring a consistent user flow for transit systems. Appropriately, Smith's apartment complex lies directly above a metro station, establishing a perfect blend of accessibility and affordability.

Under the umbrella of successful TOD initiatives, Los Angeles County has pledged to develop 10,000 new housing units adjacent to transit sites by 2031, catering to diverse living needs while offering land incentives to developers.

In Washington, D.C., similar strategies have yielded impressive outcomes, with multiple collaborations between the transit authority and major corporations like Amazon resulting in significant new housing developments tailored to be commuter-friendly.

Boston's efforts exemplify this trend too, with projects like the Pok Oi Residents strategically located near public transport options, promoting a lifestyle that encourages walking and minimizes reliance on cars.

However, the challenge remains that restrictive zoning laws continue to hinder progress. Many states are now taking steps to reform these outdated regulations that have previously impeded the development of essential multi-family housing.

California's new laws permitting higher density near transit lines and Massachusetts’ mandates for zoning districts allowing multifamily housing are progressive steps in the right direction.

Despite resistance from some local communities, there's a collective realization that integrating housing with transit infrastructure is critical for sustainability and urban revitalization.

With neighborhoods becoming more vibrant and walking-friendly, many, like Smith, are finding that their new homes are more than just places to live, they are gateways to new opportunities.

“I’m very very fortunate to be somewhere where the transit takes me where I want to go,” reflects Smith on her newfound independence. “Where I want to go is not that far.”