The influence of number and ages of children on residential mobility

Abstract

Married couples without children are more geographically mobile than those with children, at least through age 45. Among husband-wife couples with children, ages of children exercises a consistent mobility differential; when age of family head is controlled for, families with children under 6 years old only are the most mobile both within and between counties, followed by those with children under 6 and 6–17 years old, and followed in turn by families with children 6–17 years old only. The relationship between number of children and the probability of moving within counties has a reverse J-shape for family heads at each age under 45; after age 45 the relationship assumes a more normal J shape. Number of children is inversely related to the probability of migrating (moving between counties) for husband-wife families in which the husband is under 35; after age 35 the relationship is erratic. The effect of ages of children generally holds for each size of family. Female family heads with children are generally more geographically mobile than male family heads (wife present) at the same age and with the same number and ages of children present.

Geographical distances between adult children and their parents in the Netherlands

“…Having children leads to stronger ties to the place of residence and to a smaller likelihood of moving (Long 1972, Mincer 1978, and many later studies). Having children might also lead to an increased desire to live close to the parents (or to parentsin-law), or a growing desire among the parents to live close by.…”

Family Migration Decisions

“…1TSee Long (1972Long ( , 1973 and the references therein. Thus Long (1972) finds that school-age children reduce migratiOn not merely because their parents are older than the parents of pre-schcol children:…”

Does migrating with children influence migrants' occupation choice and income?

“…In earlier studies, Mincer's 1978 discussion of the obstacles to migration from marriage and the impact of family member interaction on labor market performance analyzed the mutual influence between spouses, and did not consider children and their educational opportunities. Long (1972Long ( , 1975 pointed out how the number and age of children in a household will affect family migration decisions, which themselves may influence the academic performance of school-age children in return. But early research lacks relevant economic theories and strict quantitative measurement.…”