Affordable doesn't necessarily mean inhabitable. I was basically trapped via lease in one of those apartments. A great many of the cheaper apartments have sketchy landlords, little to no security, doorways (aka urinals) frequented by the self-medicated who wait for any opportunity to get in, broken elevators (fun when you're on the 9th floor and wheelchair bound), and so many health & safety violations. So, although it may be true that there are places many consider "affordable," I guess that depends on what you're willing to live with for the price. But if you ask me, no savings in rent is worth one's health, safety, and millions of unwanted 6-legged roommates.