This is because the co-op market has been especially shaky.

His problems grew worse as the entire co-op market sank in the last two years.

With one young son and another child on the way, the Boyces were forced back into the co-op market last year.

Then the co-op market softened, values began falling and sales became harder to make.

He's opening a co-op market in the south side.

"In the 1990's, when the economy changed and real estate went down, the co-op market was hit hard," he said.

"They have to limit themselves to the co-op market, which is not a suitable lifestyle for a lot of them," he said.

But he added that the city's co-op market was suddenly more negotiable.

The town has several outlets for natural foods, including a year-round co-op market.

As with the co-op market, it is difficult to ascertain average rents in the city.