Affordable Housing

The City of Oceanside administers local, state and federal programs that increase the supply of quality affordable rental and for-sale units in the city.

What is Affordable Housing?

Affordable Housing provides safe, sustainable and attractive homes to low and moderate-income families and seniors who might otherwise be unable to continue living in their hometown and near their families and jobs.

Is Affordable Housing Important?

Many Oceanside workers couldn’t afford to live in our city without the communities provided by affordable housing. Affordable housing also is important to the economic vitality of our community. Affordable homes can attract and retain employees to your community – a selling point and a competitive advantage for area employers. Affordable homes also support the local workforce so they can live close to their jobs. Shorter commutes allow workers to spend more time with their families while the community benefits from reductions in traffic congestion, air pollution and expenditures on roads.

Why Does Oceanside Need Affordable Housing?

Affordable housing encourages upward mobility by enabling residents to save for higher education and homeownership. In addition, affordable housing is required by law, as all cities in California must provide sufficient housing opportunities for the State’s growing population. Because of this law, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) develops a Regional Housing Allocation Plan every two years to determine the number of affordable housing units that Oceanside must have in place.

Who is Eligible to Live in Affordable Housing?

People earning a low- to moderate- income – up to 120% of the area’s median income – can qualify to live in affordable housing communities. Anyone who has a qualified income, meets minimum credit qualifications, passes the background check and meets other eligibility criteria can qualify to live in affordable housing.