Abstract
Exurbia is growing in population and land use mainly due to internal migration from urban and suburban areas . Existing literature has identified urban decay, housing affordability, and natural amenities as key reasons why Americans move to exurbia . The literature, however, largely overlooks the potential influence of family and social networks . Drawing from previous studies in non-exurban contexts, this paper asks: are family and social networks attracting migrants to exurbia? The authors conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 34 exurbanites in northern Indiana and northwest Illinois, allowing residents to describe their migration decisions without forcing participant responses into predefined survey categories . Twenty-five of the thirty-four interviewees cited family and social network influences . Networks guided moves not only to particular exurban areas, but also to specific exurban properties . We submit these findings in an attempt to further theorize exurban migration and deepen understanding of these moves
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Brian Edward and Schultz, Benjamin
(2011)
"Family and Social Networks Considered in an Examination of Exurban Migration Motivations,"
The Geographical Bulletin: Vol. 52:
Iss.
1, Article 3.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/thegeographicalbulletin/vol52/iss1/3