The appeal of cities may not wane due to the COVID-19 pandemic and remote working

Abstract

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, speculations on the decline of major cities have surged, with studies noting temporary population decreases across various cities worldwide. However, research scarcely addresses the pandemic’s enduring influence on perceptions of city living. Rather than exploring mid- to long-term impacts, current literature focuses mainly on comparing changes in residential preferences during and before the pandemic. To fill this gap, we conducted a randomized conjoint experiment to scrutinize altered residential preferences and attitudes toward residing in the Tokyo Metropolis due to the pandemic. Scenarios encompassed reminders of potential pandemic re-occurrence and teleworking options. Despite variations depending on the scenarios and socio-demographic characteristics of the survey participants, overall, results show that the COVID-19 pandemic and the surge in remote working did not diminish the allure of Tokyo, implying a low probability of an urban decline. These outcomes advocate for compact urban development to bolster resilience against forthcoming stressors like climate change.