The housing market around Harvard University is among the most expensive in the nation, which creates difficulties for HUCTW members when searching for appropriate and affordable housing. Because of this vast regional challenge, several nearby cities and towns operate middle-income rental and home-buying programs for which many HUCTW members qualify.
Most home affordability programs use income guidelines based on Area Median Income (AMI) to determine eligibility. To find your AMI level and search for affordable housing options, follow these simple steps:
- Find your combined household income and percentage of AMI on this chart of local AMI levels.
- While this chart was compiled by Cambridge, MA, the income levels are relevant for numerous housing programs in the area.
- Based on your household AMI percentage, find the program(s) in the chart below for which you may be eligible.
- Familiarize yourself with the unique requirements and processes of each program and contact the sponsoring entities to apply.
Prospective renters and buyers should be aware that waitlists and lotteries for these programs are common, so availability is never guaranteed even for qualified households.
Rental Programs
Area Median Income (AMI) Percentage | |||
Up to 50 | 51 to 80 | 81 to 120 | |
Statewide | Housing Navigator | ||
Statewide low-income rental waiting list | |||
Boston | Metrolist (includes neighboring communities) | ||
Cambridge | Rental Applicant Pool | Middle-Income Rental Program | |
Somerville | Inclusionary Housing Program (up to 110 percent) |
Home-Buying Programs
Area Median Income (AMI) Percentage | ||||
Up to 50 | 51 to 80 | 81 to 100 | Greater than 101 | |
Statewide | Down payment assistance for first-time buyers | |||
MassHousing Mortgages Up to 135% AMI | ||||
Boston | Metrolist (includes neighboring communities) | |||
Cambridge | Downpayment assistance | |||
Homeownership resale pool | ||||
HomeBridge first-time-buyers assistance | ||||
Somerville | Closing cost and down payment assistance programs |