Lifecycle, Housing Consumption, and Spatial Distribution of Households across Metropolitan Regions: Evidence from Five U.S. Metropolitan Statistical Areas

Abstract

Explaining spatial redistribution patterns of households across metropolitan areas is a key area of research for demographers from both sociological and economic perspectives. Building on residential mobility and satisfaction rationale, we develop a theory for spatial distribution of households that improves conceptualization of the current patterns in metropolitan areas. Our theory connects intra-metropolitan residential mobility of households to the distribution of the bundle of housing services across metropolitan areas. We hypothesize a lifecycle-based redistribution pattern for households across metropolitan areas based on the degree of suburbanization. Using Census 2010 data, we provide evidence from five U.S. metropolitan regions to further verify the validity of our conceptual model.

Keywords: Metropolitan Redistribution Patterns, Residential Mobility, Suburbanization, Lifecycle Stages