2005
Abstract:
Simple introspection as well as accumulating evidence from academic research
suggests that a core idea of urban economists, that journeys-to-work dominate
households’ choice of residential location, is suspect (Giuliano and Small, 1993). Indeed,
our own recent research identifies neighborhood characteristics (attractions) that help to
explain longer commutes; we found very few neighborhood types that would help to
explain a shorter journey to work (Gordon et al., 2005). Also, findings that reveal the
relative importance of non-work activities and trips, some of which may be amenable to
more flexible scheduling and/or are less essential, also inform the long-running
discussion about the potential power of peak-load road pricing to reduce highway
congestion.
