Large Russian Cities and Their Suburbs as Centers of Attraction for Internal Migrants

Large cities and their suburbs are the main centers of attraction for internal Russian migrants, pulling population from peripheral territories. Based on detailed data on internal Russian migration for 2011–2020, the scale of net migration is estimated in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and five groups of cities with populations of 100 000 inhabitants or more, and their suburbs. The size of the suburbs depends on the populations of the cities: the larger the population, the father the distance the cities extend their influence and, accordingly, the larger the radius of allocation of suburbs. The number of inhabitants of cities and their suburbs is determined from 2010 census data, and based on the distance from the city center, near, middle, and far suburbs are distinguished. It is estimated that 89.6 mln people lived in major cities and their suburbs (2010). The population concentration process has continued. The migration growth of large cities and their suburbs is comparable in size, but suburban growth is significantly larger in intensity. The suburbs of regional capitals and largest cities have the most intensive migration growth. The nearest suburbs of cities grow the most intensively owing to migration. Every year, large cities lose 40 000–50 000 people in migration with their suburbs. We are disinclined to consider this evidence of suburbanization; the main role is played by city sprawl and the attractiveness of living in the zone of maximum transport accessibility to city centers. Migration in the suburbs of Moscow and St. Petersburg deserves further study.