TY  - JOUR
AU  - Defrancq, Siel
TI  - From west to east within the EU: the patterns of Dutch lifestyle migration to Hungary
JF  - REGIONAL STATISTICS
J2  - REG STAT
VL  - 15
PY  - 2025
IS  - 4
SP  - 702
EP  - 742
PG  - 41
SN  - 2063-9538
DO  - 10.15196/RS150405
UR  - https://m2.mtmt.hu/api/publication/36264775
ID  - 36264775
AB  - 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.
LA  - English
DB  - MTMT
ER  -