The New White Flight: How Exurban Moves Consolidate Class and Race Privilege

Given the myriad ways residential places can determine life chances, understanding the reasons for and effects of exurban migration is important for understanding and mitigating the processes that may contribute to place-based racial and socioeconomic inequality. Residential migration from suburbs to exurbs has been led by more affluent residents contributing to a kind of rural gentrification with consequences for both the sending and receiving communities. Sociologist Emily Walton will examine the demographic patterns, motivations, and experiences of residents in four exurbs (small towns located in New Hampshire) and two suburbs of Boston, MA. She will use surveys, interviews, and fieldwork to investigate three main research questions: 1) What are the demographics, motivations for moving, and place-based experiences of newcomers to the exurbs? 2) What are the demographics and place-based experiences of suburban residents? Are they left behind or making unconstrained choices to remain in place? 3) What are the demographics and place-based experiences of longtime residents of exurban places? Are they experiencing rural gentrification and what does that mean in their daily lives and ability to stay in place?