In this week’s issue of The Times, we hear from a handful of realtors and business owners who discuss the question of what, exactly, is affordable housing?

Fountain Hills may be a victim of its own success in this regard. What is affordable to one is not affordable to another, and Fountain Hills is home to many folks who have lived or are living very successful careers. This is, of course, a good thing, but it might skew the conversation when trying to pinpoint what an average couple or young professional is able to afford fresh out of college, especially if there’s a youngster or two in the mix.

If the perception, for instance, is that Fountain Hills has plenty of affordable housing for folks just starting out in life, then another cause must be pinpointed for why the average age of Fountain Hills residents continues to rise while fewer and fewer young families are living in the area. That’s the dilemma that spurred on The Times’ series in the first place. Whether it’s affordable housing, community events, education options, amenities, etc., the discussion needs to be had if the course is to be corrected.

While a lack of younger families is likely a concoction of all of those elements stated above, affordable housing is potentially the biggest piece of the puzzle. None of the other factors matter as much if Mr. and Mrs. Smith and their 2.5 kids can’t afford to live in the area. It is of course important that Fountain Hills excels in all of those areas in order to draw more folks to our town but, until they can find an apartment, condo or home in their price range, they won’t be swapping the “visitor” label for “resident” anytime soon.

For that reason, we feel the development of the downtown area and the potential development of the State Trust Land are of the utmost importance. Let the free enterprise system do its job and we may be able to attract more young professionals and families to Fountain Hills.

Other communities are dealing with finding solutions to providing affordable housing for their young families and seniors. They could be smaller, yet unique designs that are energy efficient and attractive. Some enterprising building contractor could use their imagination to provide a workable answer. And the State Land is level enough and offers scenic desert views to build a desirable product.

We think it’s worth exploring.