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Contribution to Book
Maximum Score Estimates of the Determinants of Residential Mobility: Implications for the Value of Residential Attachment and Neighborhood Amenities
Upjohn Institute Working Papers
  • Timothy J. Bartik, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research
  • J. S. Butler, Vanderbilt University
  • Jin-Tan Liu, Academia Sinica
Upjohn Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6238-8181

Publication Date
8-1-1990
Series
Upjohn Institute Working Paper No. 90-01
**Published Version**
In Journal of Urban Economics 32(2): 233-256
DOI
10.17848/wp90-01
Abstract

This paper examines the determinants of the decision of low-income renters to move out of their current dwelling. Maximum score estimation is shown to be superior to ordinary discrete choice estimation techniques (probit, logit) for this problem, and for similar discrete choices that require revering a previously optimal decision. The estimation reveals psychological costs from moving for typical low income renters of at least 8% of their income ; these costs are even higher for older, longer tenure, or minority households. Policies that displace low income renters will have large social costs. In addition, the estimation results are used to calculate implicit household willingness to pay (WTP) for neighborhood amenities. This WTP based on mobility behavior is much greater than WTP estimates derived using hedonic methods, and is argued to be more accurate.

Issue Date
August 1, 1990
Citation Information
Bartik, Timothy J., J.S. Butler, and Jin-Tan Liu. 1990. "Maximum Score Estimates of the Determinants of Residential Mobility: Implications for the Value of Residential Attachment and Neighborhood Amenities." Upjohn Institute Working Paper No. 90-01. Kalamazoo, MI: W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.