Residential-location preferences according to demographic characteristics in Istanbul

Istanbul is a rapidly growing city whose urban structure and socio-economic characteristics are constantly evolving. Residential preferences of the population are continually adapting to its changing conditions. According to many studies, the life cycle is the main explanatory factor in intra-urban migration. This study investigates residential-location preferences with respect to different age groups, household sizes and income groups. The results, which show a strong desire for mobility in middle and older age groups, are in contrast with the findings of Western studies. At the same time, while young people’s preferences are concentrated in the periphery, a large percentage of middle and older age groups prefer to move to the intermediate area between the core and the periphery, now the most easily accessible zone in the city.