Finding a place to call home should not feel impossible. If you live in or near Kaufman County, Texas, you have more options than you might think. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about affordable housing in this growing area east of Dallas.
Whether you are a young family, a senior, or just someone trying to stretch your paycheck a little further, there is a path to homeownership or affordable rent waiting for you.
What Does Affordable Housing Really Mean?
Let's start with the basics. Affordable housing means a home that does not eat up all your money. Most experts say you should spend no more than 30% of your income on housing costs. That includes rent or mortgage payments, utilities, and basic maintenance.
When housing costs more than that, it gets hard to pay for other important things. Things like food, healthcare, transportation, and saving for the future.
Affordable housing programs help bridge the gap. They make it possible for families to live in safe, decent homes without breaking the bank.
Why Kaufman County Is a Smart Choice
Kaufman County sits just east of the Dallas metro area. It includes cities like Terrell, Forney, Kaufman, and several smaller towns. Over the past few years, this area has grown fast. And there is a good reason for that.
Compared to Dallas proper, Kaufman County offers lower home prices and a slower pace of life. You still get easy access to big city jobs and amenities. But you also get more space, friendly neighbors, and a real sense of community.
For people looking for affordable housing, Kaufman County hits the sweet spot. You can find options here that just do not exist closer to downtown Dallas.
Affordable Housing Options in Kaufman County
You have several paths to explore when searching for affordable housing in the area. Here are the main ones.
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
The Section 8 program is one of the biggest affordable housing resources available. It is a federal program that helps low income families pay for rental housing in the private market.
Here is how it works. If you qualify, you get a voucher. That voucher covers part of your rent. You pay the rest based on your income. Most participants pay around 30% of their gross income toward rent.
There are three types of vouchers:
- Tenant-Based Vouchers let you pick any home that qualifies. You can even move and keep your voucher.
- Project-Based Vouchers are tied to specific apartment buildings or developments.
- Homeownership Vouchers can help first time buyers with mortgage payments in some cases.
To qualify, your household income must be below 50% of the area median income. Priority goes to families earning less than 30% of the median.
Housing Authorities That Serve the Area
Several housing authorities manage programs in Kaufman County:
- Terrell Housing Authority manages 458 Section 8 vouchers. They often have a waitlist, so apply early. You can reach them at 972-563-2651.
- Dallas Housing Authority serves about 16,000 households. They use a lottery system that opens from time to time.
- Kaufman County Housing Authority oversees public housing and vouchers across the county.
It is a good idea to contact each one directly. Ask about their current application status and what documents you will need.
Public Housing
Public housing is another option. These are rental units owned and managed by local housing authorities. Rent is based on your income, usually around 30% of what you earn.
Kaufman County Housing Authority manages 58 units in one facility. Availability changes, so check in regularly if you are interested.
Manufactured Homes
Here is an option many people overlook. Manufactured homes offer one of the best paths to affordable homeownership in Kaufman County.
Modern manufactured homes are not what you might picture. They are built in climate controlled factories using strict federal standards. Many look just like traditional site built homes. They come with open floor plans, modern kitchens, and energy efficient features.
The big difference? They cost a lot less. You can often buy a brand new manufactured home for a fraction of what a traditional home costs.
As housing expert and author Jonathan Ochshorn once said, "Manufactured housing represents one of the most underutilized solutions to America's affordable housing crisis."
Living in a manufactured home community like Post Oak adds even more benefits. You get a sense of neighborhood. You have neighbors who look out for each other. And you avoid many of the headaches that come with traditional homeownership.
How to Qualify for Affordable Housing Programs
Most affordable housing programs look at a few key things:
- Income: Your household income needs to fall below a certain limit. This varies by program and family size.
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status.
- Background Check: Some programs run criminal background checks.
- Family Composition: Some programs prioritize families with children, seniors, or people with disabilities.
Gather your documents before you apply. You will usually need:
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters)
- Photo ID for all adult household members
- Social Security cards for everyone in the household
- Birth certificates for children
Having everything ready speeds up the process.
Steps to Find Affordable Housing in Kaufman County
Ready to get started? Follow these steps.
Step 1: Figure Out Your Budget
Look at your monthly income. Calculate 30% of that number. That is a good target for your housing costs.
Step 2: Research Your Options
Explore the programs listed above. Visit the websites for local housing authorities. Learn about manufactured home communities in the area.
Step 3: Get on Waitlists Early
Many programs have waitlists. The sooner you apply, the sooner you will get help. Do not wait until you are desperate.
Step 4: Visit Communities in Person
If you are considering a manufactured home community, schedule a tour. See the homes for yourself. Meet the staff. Get a feel for the neighborhood.
Step 5: Ask Questions
Do not be shy. Ask about lot rent, utilities, pet policies, and what is included. The more you know, the better decision you will make.
Why Manufactured Homes Make Sense
For many families in Kaufman County, manufactured homes offer the fastest path to owning a home. Here is why:
- Lower Purchase Price: You get more home for less money.
- Faster Move-In: Homes are built quickly in factories, so you can move in sooner.
- Modern Features: Today's manufactured homes come with granite counters, stainless appliances, and stylish finishes.
- Energy Efficiency: New homes are built to meet strict energy codes, which saves you money on utilities.
Living in a community like Post Oak means you also get a built in support system. You are not just buying a house. You are joining a neighborhood.
Learn more about the advantages of manufactured housing on our blog.
Know Your Rights
Here is something important. Under Texas law, homeowners associations cannot stop property owners from renting to people with Section 8 vouchers or other government assistance. That is covered under Section 202.006 of the Texas Property Code.
If you run into issues, know that the law is on your side.
Take the Next Step
Affordable housing in Kaufman County is within reach. Whether you qualify for a voucher program, public housing, or decide that a manufactured home is right for you, there are real options waiting.
The key is to start now. Research your choices. Get on waitlists. Visit communities. Ask questions.
If you want to explore manufactured home living near Terrell, Post Oak Manufactured Home Community is here to help. We would love to show you around and answer any questions you have about making Kaufman County your home.