8: Counterurban migration and commuting strategies

Overview & Synopsis

This chapter explores commuting strategies linked to counterurban migration and its intersection with labour mobility. Using survey data from Swedish families who moved from metropolitan to non-metropolitan areas between 2017 and 2019, the study investigates commuting outcomes. A desire to reduce commuting time may drive individuals to leave metropolitan areas for a more balanced daily life, while others are willing to accept longer commutes in exchange for a desirable living environment. Furthermore, remote working arrangements can enable rural living. The findings suggest that reduced commuting time is the most common outcome, with geographical variations depending on the destination. The chapter discusses how counterurban migrants might provide a valuable inflow of competence into smaller local labour markets but also how extended commuting or remote working strategies still require access to urban labour markets. These findings highlight counterurban migration as both a lifestyle and labour-mobility strategy, with significant implications for regional development and local labour markets.