Post-Soviet Suburbanization as Part of Broader Metropolitan Change: A Comparative Analysis of Saint Petersburg and Riga

Post-Soviet suburbanization emerges as a significant and multifaceted phenomenon with profound socio-spatial implications, particularly in the context of broader metropolitan change. A comparative analysis of Saint Petersburg and Riga reveals that suburban expansion is both an economically attractive option for residents and a profitable venture for developers. This study highlights how migration dynamics and the short- to medium-term effects of the 2008 financial crisis have shaped real estate markets, influencing urban development in distinct ways. By integrating demand-side and supply-side perspectives with broader metropolitan dynamics—such as gentrification, neighborhood degradation, and regeneration—the research provides a nuanced understanding of suburbanization's role in post-socialist cities. The findings underscore the need for holistic approaches to studying urban change, addressing gaps in existing literature that often overlook comparative or multi-dimensional analyses.

Sechi, G., Zhitin, D., Krisjane, Z., & Berzins, M. (2022). Post-Soviet Suburbanization as Part of Broader Metropolitan Change: A Comparative Analysis of Saint Petersburg and Riga. Sustainability, 14(13), 8201. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14138201