City Services Satisfaction Survey 2012 City Services Satisfaction Survey | Page 5

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Overall Rating And Perceptions Of Arlington
The perception of ―quality of life‖ within Arlington continues to be high among
residents, and they generally perceive the City of Arlington positively in various
aspects.
About three-quarters of Arlington residents (74%) rate the city moderately high as a
place to live. Compared to last year, overall rating of Arlington offering a “good” or
“excellent” quality of life has declined significantly from 82%* (likely a function of
methodology change, as noted in the Caution On Year-To-Year Comparisons).
Most-cited reasons for living in Arlington are Arlington’s location (53%), convenience
(42%), and affordable housing and property taxes (36%).
The city is perceived very highly for its cultural diversity and various housing options
(for each, 83% “strongly” or “somewhat agree”).
However, the city is rated relatively low as a place to retire (43%) and a place to
operate a business (46%).
Consistently, most Arlington residents feel the city is generally headed in the
right direction, and most would recommend Arlington to others.
About three-quarters of Arlington residents agree the city is headed in the right
direction (73%), and say they would recommend Arlington to others (76%). Despite
all being rated moderately high, these ratings have declined significantly, compared
to last year* (likely a function of methodology change, as noted in the Caution On
Year-To-Year Comparisons).
Neighborhoods
Residents continue to rate their neighborhoods moderately high in terms of
quality of life, and residents’ perceptions of neighborhood problems generally
appear to be consistent with last year’s, with only a few being perceived major.
About seven out of ten Arlington residents rate their neighborhoods moderately high
in terms of quality of life. Compared to last year, overall rating of neighborhoods as
a place to live has declined significantly (68% “excellent” or “good” vs. 79% in 2010)*
(likely a function of methodology change, as noted in the Caution On Year-To-Year
Comparisons).
Decision Analyst, Inc.
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