Gender in The Generationed City: Current and Future Residential Location Preferences Among Young Adults

Abstract

This thesis contributes to a better understanding of how housing demand varies among young adults. Specifically, it explores gender differences in North American metropolitans and urban versus suburban residential locations for young adults. Since values change over time, respondents were assessed on both their present and future residential location preferences - where they currently live and where they want to live in the future. The values they expressed varied by gender; using a descriptive statistical analysis method the results showed that female respondents have a higher propensity to prefer design characteristics that are more affordable and popular in suburban settings when raising children. Two main preferences were dominant: car access and private yard access. The thesis also contests the many studies that say young adults want to be in urban areas, as the respondents in this survey show a preference for suburban qualities (especially car access and private yard access). This may be because car access and private yard access is more abundant and affordable in the suburbs. To create denser living areas that encompass young adult preferences, policy should ensure neighbourhoods are built with access to safe green space, better transit, and car-share programs that cater to city life.