Are young adults’ choices temporary or permanent? Navigating economic recession with residential location and household expenditure

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study started from changes in young adults’ choices of residential location and travel behavior since the 2010s, which differ from the prior generations. This study aimed to determine whether the observed choices represent permanent shifts in preference changes or temporary responses to specific circumstances. Using longitudinal data and statistical models, this study analyzed the impact of the economic recession on the residential choices of young adults and their household expenditure. The analysis results indicate that young adults’ choices are likely temporary responses to economic hardship. Young adults showed different choices in relocation and household expenditure during the recession, compared to before and after the recession, and reduced their housing and transportation expenditures during the recession, whereas the older age group did not. The young adult model indicated that increasing the location distance from cities increased their housing and transportation expenditure, which differed from the older adult model. Lastly, lower-income young adults chose to relocate, and the lowest-income group moved to areas closer to city centers. These findings have implications for urban development and smart growth policies, namely, providing various housing options in cities, including more affordable housing, and improving public transit systems for more young adults to use.