Workplace Location, Residential Location, and Urban Commuting

Abstract

Analysis of urban structure normally involves models of residential location in which workplace location is predetermined, despite the disappointing explanatory power of these models. This paper re-examines a model in which workplace location, based on economic principles of spatial job search, and residential location are simultaneously determined. Empirical results for Toronto support the model and closely resemble earlier results for Greater London. New tests of the model for household heads and homeowners also confirm predictions. The model is then extended to explain urban commuting distances. It is found that the model of workplace and residential location explains urban commuting distances better than models of residential or workplace location alone.