Why do you want to move? The influence of the neighbourhood on moving intentions of residents in the Netherlands

Abstract

Little attention has been paid to the role of neighbourhood characteristics as conditions for changing the place of residence. We addressed the influence of both the individual and neighbourhood characteristics on the residential intentions in the Netherlands. Using a cost/benefit approach, we formulated hypotheses on why people intend to move. We also took into account that neighbourhood characteristics will differ in their impact on moving intentions depending on the individual's characteristics. Using the Housing Research Netherlands Survey (n=61,946 and 3839 neighbourhoods) enriched with neighbourhood characteristics provided by Statistics Netherlands we estimated logistic multilevel models of moving intentions. We found that neighbourhood characteristics matter, but are mediated by individual ones. Residential satisfaction seems to be the strongest predictor of moving intentions; however other factors still play a role. The cost/benefit approach is generally supported. Disorder in the neighbourhood influences the intention to move as an individual's perception, while the average level of disorder seems not to matter.