Why People Move to the 'Sun-belt': A Case Study of Long-distance Migration to the Gold Coast, Australia

Abstract

This paper reports a study investigating long-distance migration to the Gold Coast in Australia's 'sun-belt'. A survey of in-migrant households, derived through a random digit dialling sample and telephone interviewing, collected data on aspects of the migration decision process. The data show non-economic, mainly lifestyle factors to be predominant in migration decisions. The relationships amongst employment status, housing tenure and household/family structure were investigated and changes as a result of migration were identified. While the majority of migrants are satisfied with their relocation to the 'sun-belt', 30 per cent of migrants were contemplating further long-distance migration, including return migration. The study also confirms the need for migration studies to look beyond the traditional form of push-pull factors as a theoretical framework.