The crisis of affordable housing is not just about cost — it’s about equity, longevity, and dignity. Miami, one of the least affordable housing markets in the United States, offers a clear lens into a national problem: Traditional affordability metrics and policies fall short in meeting the needs of diverse urban populations. Existing frameworks, such as the 30% income-to-housing-cost standard, ignore the lived reality of many communities where transportation, childcare, healthcare, and food expenses are incredibly expensive. Although the Florida Live Local Act was intended to spur the construction of affordable housing, the law has led developers to create homes for middle-class workers, often displacing lower-income communities. This research aims to shift the paradigm from affordable housing to affordable living — an approach that integrates community voices, environmental health, and access to opportunity. Anchored in Miami Gardens, where a new Metro Line is planned, we explore how transit-oriented development (TOD), adaptable housing typologies, and a newly developed Community Livability Index can foster long-term, inclusive stability. By redefining affordability through both spatial and economic accessibility, this research presents actionable insights for designers, policymakers, and developers seeking to create truly inclusive communities that support human diversity across life’s stages.