Characteristics of Missing Middle Housing

What is Missing Middle Housing?

The defining aspect of Missing Middle Housing is its efficient scale. Missing Middle Housing types fall between the single-detached homes—which are the most expensive housing option and occupy most of Arlington’s residential land—and mid-rise apartment complexes.

Additionally, Missing Middle Housing types are characterized by their ability to blend into existing residential areas and strengthen residents’ ties to their neighbors and their community.

Other characteristics of many Missing Middle types include:

  • Neighborhood scale

  • Efficient size and design

  • Low perceived density

  • Walkability

  • Sense of community

 
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Most Missing Middle types fall between single-family homes and mid-rise multifamily housing, making them compatible in height, bulk, and style with predominately single-detached homes. Larger Missing Middle types, like live-work or small multiplexes,

Most Missing Middle types fall between single-family homes and mid-rise multifamily housing, making them compatible in height, bulk, and style with predominately single-detached homes. Larger Missing Middle types, like live-work or small multiplexes, fit well at the edge of commercial areas and provide an important transition between residential and business districts.

Unlike government-subsidized Affordable housing, the cost of Missing Middle Housing responds to market demands. However, the modest scale of Missing Middle Housing will likely make this type a less-costly alternative to the large single-detached home

Unlike government-subsidized Affordable housing, the cost of Missing Middle Housing responds to market demands. However, the modest scale of Missing Middle Housing will likely make this type a less-costly alternative to the large single-detached homes that dominate many neighborhoods. While Missing Middle Housing types in Arlington will likely still be out of reach for many low-income Arlingtonians, they provide an opportunity for the many middle-income residents who are struggling to find attainable options today.

Missing Middle Housing types are intentionally smaller per unit than typical single-detached homes. This modest scale is appealing to a variety of buyers and renters, including downsizing seniors, single-individual households, and people seeking a gr

Missing Middle Housing types are intentionally smaller per unit than typical single-detached homes. This modest scale is appealing to a variety of buyers and renters, including downsizing seniors, single-individual households, and people seeking a greener lifestyle. Since many Missing Middle Housing types have more than one dwelling on a lot, the cost of land per unit is likely to decline even if lot prices increase.

Missing Middle Housing fosters tight-knit communities by promoting socio-economic inclusion, allowing people to live closer to neighborhood amenities, and creating a sense of "front-porch culture" through the integration of shared outdoor spaces. A s

Missing Middle Housing fosters tight-knit communities by promoting socio-economic inclusion, allowing people to live closer to neighborhood amenities, and creating a sense of "front-porch culture" through the integration of shared outdoor spaces. A strong sense of community is important to many homebuyers, particularly the growing market of single-individual households.

From its small footprint, neighborhood scale, and easy integration into existing residential areas, Missing Middle Housing types can successfully increase the number of households living in an area without creating a sense of crowding. This lower per

From its small footprint, neighborhood scale, and easy integration into existing residential areas, Missing Middle Housing types can successfully increase the number of households living in an area without creating a sense of crowding. This lower perceived density is key to maintaining the look and feel of a neighborhood while supporting Arlington's population growth.

Missing Middle Housing types are frequently located in walkable areas where residents are frequently willing to trade space for proximity to shops, jobs, and public transportation. Walkability reduces reliance on cars for mobility cuts emissions and

Missing Middle Housing types are frequently located in walkable areas where residents are frequently willing to trade space for proximity to shops, jobs, and public transportation. Walkability reduces reliance on cars for mobility cuts emissions and promotes a healthy lifestyle. Walkability also benefits businesses as it makes it easier for Arlingtonians to patronize local shops and restaurants.