We have a similar issue near DC.
The "not in my back yard" syndrome keeps affordable housing out of the area. Even a 1 bedroom apartment is in the $2000 per month and that coupled with a modest car payment, insurance, food and clothes you need to make in the neighborhood of $50k just to get started. So if you are doing "entry level/ hourly work, it is tough to make it. I have worked with folks commuting from Harrisburg PA and Luray VA to DC for work so they can afford a place to live.
Not sure what the answer will be but what we are doing now is not working.