Abstract
This dissertation examines how housing affordability, employment geography, and commuting costs interact to shape residential location decisions and long-distance commuting in Southern California. Using worker-level travel data, ZIP-level housing and employment measures, regional accessibility analysis, and a joint residence-and-work location choice model, the research identifies spatial and demographic differences in commuting burdens and estimates how workers trade off commute time, housing costs, employment opportunities, and occupational matching. Policy simulations evaluate housing affordability and supply interventions near employment centers. Findings highlight the importance of coordinating housing, land-use, and transportation strategies to improve workforce accessibility and reduce regional commuting burdens.
