While scholarly attention to international human mobility often centres on labour
or economic migration from the global south to the global north or from Eastern to
Western Europe, there is a growing recognition of lifestyle migration as an important
phenomenon. Research on lifestyle migration has traditionally focused on privileged
and affluent individuals, particularly those relocating to sunny destinations, such
as the Mediterranean regions of Southern Europe. However, emerging evidence suggests
that individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds are increasingly participating
in lifestyle migration and that new destinations are becoming relevant. This study
addresses this research gap by examining an unconventional form of European lifestyle
migration: the movement of Dutch citizens to Hungary. Through an analysis of demographic,
social, and geographical characteristics, this study explores the distinct features
and evolving patterns of Dutch migration to Hungary over the past 2 decades, comparing
these migrants to other immigrant groups and the native Hungarian population. The
findings reveal that Dutch lifestyle migration to Hungary has increased, with migrants
tending to be older, more reliant on public benefits, and experiencing higher unemployment
rates than both the native population and other foreign groups in Hungary. Furthermore,
the Dutch population in Hungary has lower level of education than other foreign groups.
Socially and demographically, Dutch citizens in Hungary share similarities with other
Western European migrants, such as Belgians, Germans, and Austrians. However, their
geographical distributions differ: while Austrians cluster near their borders and
Germans and Belgians settle in tourist towns around Lake Balaton, Dutch migrants are
concentrated in disadvantaged rural villages in Southern Transdanubia, particularly
in Baranya County, where property prices and living costs are significantly lower.
These findings demonstrate the changing dynamics of lifestyle migration, with less
affluent groups increasingly participating and selecting destinations beyond traditionally
favoured, more expensive regions. This study advocates for a broader understanding
of lifestyle migration, challenging the conventional assumption that economic considerations
are insignificant. Moreover, the observation that lifestyle migrants are not always
as affluent as commonly presumed and are increasingly settling in small villages within
disadvantaged regions raises important questions for policymakers in Hungary and other
countries.
