Spatial trajectories in early life: Moving on or returning home?

Abstract

This paper investigates the residential mobility patterns of young adults upon leaving home, with an emphasis on the role of life course events in determining return migration to the home region. Using longitudinal register data for the Netherlands, the analysis shows that parental ties serve as an anchor attracting returnees: young adults appear to return to their home region when their parents still live in the region. This is more pronounced for women. It seems that women are more likely to return to provide assistance to parents, and men's return is more motivated by receiving assistance. The return inclination of men is, for instance, primarily induced by family life events, such as having children and becoming a lone father. The propensity for return is lower for graduates, young adults with a higher income, and individuals originating from less urbanised areas.