For Many, the Personal Cost of Moving Outweighs Potential Economic Benefit

Another explanation for the declining mobility of Americans is revealed by a new study from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

1 minute read

June 4, 2019, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Moving

fabiodevilla / Shutterstock

Richard Florida picks up the news of a new study [pdf] from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York that suggests emotional and psychological factors might be responsible for the declining rate of mobility among the American population.

In this case, Florida is talking about mobility in terms of the number of Americans who change their location of residence. "Mobility in the United States has fallen to record lows," explains Florida for context. "In 1985, nearly 20 percent of Americans had changed their residence within the preceding 12 months, but by 2018, fewer than ten percent had."

While past studies have credited the economic crisis, expensive housing prices in desirable locations, and similarities between job markets as factors in declining mobility.

Enter the Federal Reserve bank of New York, which "uses data from the bank’s Survey of Consumer Expectations to examine the degree to which people’s attachment to their communities affects their willingness and ability to move," according to Florida's explanation.

"A significant reason for the decline in mobility is that many of us are highly attached to our towns," explains Florida of the study's findings. While 47 percent of respondents identify as rooted, only 15 percent identify as stuck. Another big take way from the study is insight into how the costs of moving, especially personal costs, can outweigh the potential economic benefits of moving.

Thursday, May 30, 2019 in CityLab

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today