Smaller apartments cost less, Mr. Binder said, and there are more renters seeking small apartments than big ones.

Single-family housing has sprouted throughout Mercer County in recent years, but many elderly residents seeking affordable apartments have been overlooked.

Among those factors, Mr. Michonski said, are suburban buyers, single people seeking starter apartments and the steady flow of immigrants.

Families seeking apartments in projects run by the city can turn down only two apartments.

Because of fears about crime and daily commuting by subway, newcomers often seek apartments that are close to their jobs.

On Long Island, average rent for a two-bedroom apartment exceeds the monthly income of many seeking apartments.

With fewer tenants seeking such apartments, landlords are less likely to be forgiving when an elderly tenant wants to break a lease.

But MetLife refused to consider the applications of three black veterans who sought apartments.

Middle- and working-class families seeking apartments they could afford slowly pushed development northward.

The Housing Authority, which receives Federal funds, has a huge waiting list of families seeking apartments.