A rank-based model of residential location preferences before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Residential location decisions have widespread implications for individual-level life satisfaction and broader aggregate urban form trends. In this context, the current study examines the importance of a multitude of factors affecting residential location choices. Using data from the 2021 Puget Sound Regional Travel Survey and employing a rank-based modeling approach to capture the multifaceted nature of residential location choices, the study highlights the significant heterogeneity across households in residential location preferences as well as the changes in these preferences between those moving before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results indicate higher priority being placed on “living near friends and family” during the pandemic, particularly for retired adults, high income groups, and Hispanic individuals. Having space and separation from others is simultaneously important for retired adults. Walkable environments appear to be particularly important in the during-COVID residential location choices of families with children, Access to highways has become more important for almost all population subgroups and quality of schools has come down in the priority list of factors sought in residential locations even for households with children. These evolving preferences for residential location factors have important implications for urban planners, real estate developers, and transportation policymakers.