Changes in residential satisfaction after relocation: The effects of commuting. A case study of luxembourg cross-border workers

Abstract

This article aims to unravel the determinants of changes in residential satisfaction after a relocation, and in particular the role of commuting conditions in such changes, for cross-border employees working in Luxembourg, a population characterised by a large proportion of long commutes and high car use. Based on a mobility survey (n = 1,960) which provides information on socio-demographic status, travel behaviours, changes of residence, and perceived residential satisfaction, a multiple linear regression model of changes in residential satisfaction following a residential move is developed. The main results highlight that the worsening commuting conditions experienced by most respondents do not seem to reduce residential satisfaction. Indeed, even as commuting conditions deteriorate in the average case, residential satisfaction rises, especially for households that have moved from a flat to a house and from an urban to a rural area. In the context of the cross-border metropolitan area of Luxembourg, the difficulties in (long) commuting to work do not seem to be a limitation to this suburban model.