Convincing college grads to move close to work. Give Input!

[sjmurphy]

Hey everyone, in a class I am taking, everyone needs to write a research paper and then present on it. I have decided to write mine on the many advantages to living close to work. I want it to be very convincing so if people have some killer statistics (they need to be from reliable sources of course), please post them!

I am focusing on the financial, health/safety, time, and environmental advantages. So any statistics relating to those would make my argument more compelling.

[nereo]

I'm guessing you've already read this post: http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2011/10/06/the-true-cost-of-commuting/?

Also, somewhere in one of MMM's posts was a link to a killer info-graphic detailing the cost of commuting and equating it to how much more in housing you could afford.  I can't find it now - can anyone else post it?

Also - for a research project I'd spend some time delving into the DOD's mileage-reimbursement numbers.  The US government gives official mileage reimbursements for every market in the country.  Most people's initial reaction is "those are so obscenely high!" (generally they are around 50¢/mile).  But they're actually carefully compiled average real costs of getting from point A to B in that region. 

hope you can convince others about how insane it is to commute 40 miles a day for your entire career just to have a "cheap house."

[sjmurphy]

Yes I've read that post. Do you have any idea which post that link was in? If not I'll search all the related posts. And great idea I'll check out those numbers.

[TN_Steve]

a 2004 study by Alois Stutzer and Bruno Frey of the University of Zurich found that people with longer commutes reported lower overall life satisfaction, all other things being equal. They calculated that you would need a 40% raise to offset the added misery of a one-hour commute.

http://on.wsj.com/1tv8DgS

[nereo]

Yes I've read that post. Do you have any idea which post that link was in? If not I'll search all the related posts. And great idea I'll check out those numbers.

here 'tis
http://lifehacker.com/5855550/the-true-cost-of-commuting-you-could-buy-a-house-priced-15900-more-for-each-mile-you-move-closer-to-work

[sjmurphy]

Thanks this stuff is very helpful!