Yikes. Didn't know that. Never had to use it, I just know some apartment complex have reduced ratees for section 8 tenants.

Under $1000 in Worcester will get you a 100-300sqft studio with no washer/dryer hookups. I see a couple in the $800-$900/mo range. Basically a small hotel room looking place.

If bedrooms are a must, then it simply doesn't exist without applying to section 8 or other welfare program. Craigslist/facebook marketplace might have some people that are willing to negotiate rent prices down to what you need.

Alternatively, you could consider renting just a bedroom. it's basically a "roommate" situation but may satisfy your needs.

EDIT: Did some more digging. Eastview apartments have 1b1b 500sqft units for right at $1000/mo

Define "Affordable".

Without knowing what state you're in it's impossible to say. Affordable in south-west GA is $550/mo for a 2b1b, affordable for the same in MA could be three times that.

Do you have to move to MA in general, or a specific location?

I think the problem is you accidentally hooked up your water filter to your municipalities strawberry&banana smoothie line.

Happens all the time.

Go move to one of those other states. If you want to live in a safer cleaner environment, then deal with it.

Lived in GA/FL for a spell where there's zero inspections required for anything and you end up with barely held together shitboxes spewing black smoke.

High rates of uninsured motorists and no front-plate requirements mean hit-and-run drivers can usually get off with no repercussion.