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

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.
FULL STORY: Why Some Americans Won’t Move, Even for a Higher Salary

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.

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

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?

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.

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.

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.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie