City-wide survey: 91% of residents happy to live here
More than 91% of Centerville residents are satisfied or very satisfied to live here, according to a recent city-wide survey. Most cited high-quality schools and safety as their reasons for choosing to live there.
The survey incorporated components of the AARP Age-Friendly Community Network, which Centerville recently joined. The designation reflects the City’s commitment to making Centerville more livable and enjoyable for people of all ages. The survey was funded through a grant from the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) through The Dayton Foundation Del Mar Heathcare Fund.
The city sent a letter with a QR code and survey link to every household in Centerville inviting each member over 18 to weigh in with their thoughts. A total of 962 valid surveys were completed.
More than one-third of respondents (38%) said they chose to move to Centerville because of the exceptional school district. Another 21% said they wanted to join family already living in Centerville.
“OnPoint Insights, the company that analyzed the survey results, said they have rarely seen such positive results from a community. It is a reminder of why, every day, we work to protect and enhance the services that make Centerville special. The survey also provides an opportunity to find ways to make the city even better,” City Manager Wayne Davis said.
More than one-third of residents (36%), for example, said they would like to see an expansion of bike lanes and paths throughout the city.
Other notable takeaways include:
■ 42% of residents said they would be most excited to show a visitor the excellent parks throughout the community.
■ The top response (23%), when asked where residents want Centerville to be in 10 years, was “a wonderful community with strong neighborhoods”.
■ More than three-quarters of residents (76%) said that in five years, they still plan to live in Centerville.
■ 95% of respondents feel that neighborhood streets throughout the community are in excellent, good or fair condition.
■ Nearly all respondents (97%) said they rely on driving their own vehicle for transportation.
■ 61% of residents say they visit Stubbs Park or Cornerstone Park at least once a year.
■ Almost all residents (98%) feel the neighborhood they live in is safe, and 96% of residents say police and fire/EMS services respond “quickly” to calls.
The Age-Friendly Focus Group, comprised of representatives from City Council, staff, healthcare, retirement communities, business owners and residents in Centerville, will use the information gained from the survey to create an Age-Friendly Action Plan. This plan will focus on communication and information, workforce and housing. The plan will be widely shared with the community this spring.