Industry location patterns in metropolitan area office markets - Central Business Districts versus suburbs

Abstract

This paper is an initial study of the location patterns among Information, Finance Insurance & Real Estate companies locating in Central Business Districts (CBD) versus suburbs, using SIC/NAICS codes at the zip code level. These patterns are initially studied through statistical analysis and then their effect on the probability of a company locating at a CBD versus the suburbs is determined through econometric modeling of real estate office market and economic parameters. In addition, the effect of all these factors on both areas’ vacancy rate is also studied. The studied cities include Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Washington and Los Angeles with the study period being from 1998 through 2001, with quarterly data.