Intra-urban mobility of the population in cities at the beginning of XXI century. Sudy based on Toruń as an example

The subject of this study is the intercity migration of people which took place in Toruń in 2003‒2005. The most important conclusions from the research can be presented synthetically as follows: 1. Studies show high intra-urban mobility of the population of Toruń, the order of 30%. This fact proves the one hand the relatively good economic condition of households in Toruń, on the other hand, a well-functioning housing market. 2. Intra-urban migrations of Toruń citizens are of a selective character. From the demographical point of view, their effects are diversity in sex and age distribution, but in the social field it is reflected in the structure of the education of migrants. The living place is first of all changed by citizens who are from 25 to 29 years old, and well-educated people. Women are dominating in the structure of sex. High mobility of young people is reflected in high number of migrating children. The lack of data concidering the migration of whole families makes it impossible to draw straightforward conclusions. Making careful conclusions it may be defined that above two groups are young, growing families. Applying this way of reasoning confirms the existence of the influence of the life cycle on taking decisions considering living place changes. 3. Empirical profiles of the age of people who changed their living place in the researched period refer to the model distribution of migration presented by A. Rogers (1980). Similarity exists in the configuration of three following “rises”. However, it should be underlined that the latest increase in migrations takes place before a retirement age and it is lower that in the model distribution. This situation should be explained as the financial stabilization of people who are from 45 to 59 and from 50 to 54 years old. The improvement of the career and economical situation makes it possible to realize plans considering living in the proper place. 4. The character and size of the intra-urban migration balance change along with the increase in the distance from the city centre. Migrational decrease is characteristic for central regions of Toruń which cover the oldest medieval architecture and for the biggest number of blocks of flats (WZM). In the further part of the city, there is a registered increase in people migrations. It should be mentioned that the most essential intensity of the phenomenon was registered in units situated along the administrational borders of Toruń with single-family houses together with new groups of blocks of flats.Praca powstała przy współfinansowaniu MNiSW w ramach grantu promotorskiego nr NN 306 340237