Place utility, attribute tradeoff, and choice behavior in an intra-urban migration context

Abstract

This study develops a unique methodology for analyzing intraurban migration with emphasis on housing and neighborhood attributes and preferences. When applied to a typical midwestern metropolitan area, the methodology reveals that safety and security from crime and quality of construction are the most important attributes to the home buyer. Property tax rates and nearness to work were much less important. Analysis of the intra-urban migration process through attribute satisfaction ratings for different homes revealed that the greatest increases in satisfaction were expected for those variables previously considered most important in an abstract sense.