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ffordable housing is a pressing issue in the US, particularly in swing states like Arizona and Pennsylvania. These two states showcase the complexities of the nation's housing landscape, highlighting why building enough homes remains a challenge.

    Arizona is one of the fastest-growing states, with hundreds of thousands of new residents since the pandemic began. However, this surge in demand has led to skyrocketing costs: home prices have risen 55% since January 2020, outpacing the national average by 10%. Rent has also jumped 27%, and the state's suburbs are facing limits due to scarce land and water resources.

    Zoning rules exacerbate the issue, as many Arizona communities restrict land use to large-lot, single-family homes. This not only takes up space but also drives prices higher. With available land dwindling close to job centers and water issues mounting, state officials warn that Arizona may not have enough groundwater to support future development around Phoenix.

    In contrast, Pennsylvania's population has been shrinking, yet home prices have risen 39% since 2020. The state ranks near the bottom nationwide for home-building permits, and a shortage of construction workers worsens the issue. After the pandemic, construction jobs in Pennsylvania barely recovered, while nationwide construction boomed.

    Both states struggle with restrictive zoning policies that prevent denser, more affordable housing options. In Pennsylvania, an aging construction workforce and federal immigration policy limiting new workers further complicate the issue. As voters head to the polls, the housing crisis weighs heavily on their minds, with presidential candidates offering vastly different solutions.