City Services Satisfaction Survey 2013 City Services Satisfaction Survey | Page 20

Neighborhoods
About three-quarters of Arlington residents rate their neighborhoods moderately high in
terms of quality of life, and ratings appear to be similar to the last year’s level (73%
“excellent” or “good” vs. 68% in 2011).
However, residents’ perceptions of major neighborhood problems generally appear to
be consistent with last year’s. Speeding in neighborhoods and residential and car
burglaries continue to be among the top concerns for residents, with 30% or more
reporting each to be at least somewhat of a problem. Although it’s perceived to be the
least problematic, graffiti has declined significantly as a neighborhood problem from
10% in 2011 to 6% in 2012.
Compared to last year, overall sense of safety in neighborhoods and in business areas
remains at similar levels. Neighborhoods and business areas in Arlington continue to
be rated very safe for walking alone during the day (92% “very/somewhat safe” for both
neighborhoods and business areas). As would be expected based on historical data,
safety ratings at night are much lower for both neighborhoods and business areas in
Arlington (for neighborhoods 65% “very/somewhat safe”; for business areas 53%).
However, it is notable that sense of safety in business areas (both during the day and
night) has significantly improved, compared to last year.
The vast majority of residents (86%) report that neither they, nor anyone in their
household, were the victim of any crime in the past 12 months, and the incidence rate
appears to be similar to last year. Participation in any neighborhood associations
appears to have rebounded from 18% in 2011 to 24%, the same level as in 2010.
Decision Analyst, Inc.
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