Residential location choice: an investigation of transportation, public facilities, and social factors

Abstract

Residential location choice is a crucial topic in transportation planning research since land use as well as residential land use can significantly affect a city's attractiveness for development and residence. Understanding the factors that influence households in their residential location choice is essential for policymakers to evaluate the effect of their decisions. In this study, the impact of transportation factors on the attractiveness of residential areas was investigated in Qazvin city, Iran, using the stated preference (SP) method and structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicated that the type of housing and private house preference were significant factors influencing the residential location choice. Additionally, proximity to health centers, low pollution levels, and access to public transportation and taxi stations were the top priorities for residents when choosing a place to live. Notably, households with children in education had a greater emphasis on air pollution and the proximity to taxi stations, as these factors could affect their children's health and education. Overall, the findings suggested that transportation factors played a critical role in the residential location choice and that policymakers should prioritize public transportation and taxi services, as well as reduce pollution levels, to make residential areas more attractive and livable for Qazvin residents.