The Year of COVID: A Migration Reversal?

Abstract

This article is devoted to the study of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the processes of sub- and de-urbanization in Russia and the specifics of the return and seasonal dacha mobility of urban population. The features of the mass departure of citizens, especially Muscovites and city dwellers of Moscow oblast, to dachas in 2020 are considered. The introduction of the restrictions and the possibilities of distant work and education contributed to the departure from large cities. Financial and socio-organizational opportunities for the transition from the summer seasonal mobility to real sub- and de-urbanization in selected areas are analyzed. Regions of varying degrees of remoteness from Moscow and major centers are considered in the near and far municipalities of Moscow oblast, in the south and north of Yaroslavl oblast and in a remote area of Kostroma oblast. It is shown that the real readiness for sub- and de-urbanization, even in a crisis period, depends on the distance from city and development of the infrastructure. Moscow oblast is characterized by longer residence in dachas in 2020, including the cold season. This indicates the psychological readiness of the Muscovites to move outside the city. Here stressful suburbanization partly develops into the permanent type. At medium-distant and very distant dachas, there are not enough conditions for the de-urbanization of citizens (except for individual enthusiasts). The poor quality of roads, the lack of gas and water supply in the heartland, and disinterest of local authorities in new residents from cities make the flow of Muscovites and other city residents to the countryside pulsating and unreliable.