Understanding the role of neighbourhood characteristics and distance to workplace in the residential location patterns of knowledge workers in large cities

Who were the losers and winners during the Covid-19 pandemic? The rise of remote working in suburban areas

“…Besides, exploring the attraction and retention of 'knowledge workers' is essential for the future of our cities and suburbs since several studies have confirmed the positive influence of knowledge workers on regional growth (e.g., productivity gains, the improvement of quality of life or local institutions) (Florida, 2003;Scott, 2006;Sánchez-Moral et al, 2022). As Tomaney and Bradley (2007) underline, cities that do not meet the residential requirements of this type of worker may face migration to other cities, affecting their global competitiveness.…”

“…According to previous studies, remote workers tend to be knowledge workers and are more willing to operate in knowledge-and ICT-intensive business services (OECD, 2021;Sostero et al, 2020). Knowledge workers tend to live in large cities, exploiting the positive externalities of the several proximity forms (Glaeser, 2012;Moretti, 2012;Sánchez-Moral et al, 2022). The city is the best place in which to live and work for knowledge workers and creative people because it hosts areas with high amenity environments (Van Oort et al, 2003): from productive amenities (e.g., good access to clients, specialized labour, specialized firms, universities, transportation nodes and networks) to non-productive amenities (e.g., good access to urban amenities, such as restaurants, cafes, shops, cultural and entertainment services, good environmental quality).…”