LEXINGTON, Mass. — Massachusetts is one of the most expensive states in the country, and it’s easy to find people frustrated with high home prices.
“It’s really hard to find housing, it’s extremely expensive, and I can’t afford to live alone,” said renter Jamie Sharken, 34, as she walks her dog in Lexington, north of Boston and near where she shares a home with three others. “There’s four of us in two bathrooms, definitely a run-down old house.”
A massive housing shortage has pushed up prices. Sharken grew up in the state and would love to buy a home, but finds it hard to see how she could afford it. She’s not alone.”Most of my friends have so much debt from education,” she said. “Just being able to save money to put a down payment on a house feels impossible these days.”…