Gardens residents satisfied with their city, survey finds

Upscale feel, proximity to work and family are cited as top reasons why.

PALM BEACH GARDENS — Survey results are in, and Palm Beach Gardens residents report they’re pretty content.

About 94 percent of residents would recommend living in the city, said Joseph St. Germain, president of the Tallahassee firm that conducted the poll.

Their satisfaction with the quality of city services has increased slightly, according to the survey. Eighty-five percent were “extremely satisfied,” St. Germain said.

“Overall, your residents are satisfied with the job the city is doing,” St. Germain said.

The results are based on phone interviews conducted with 400 randomly selected people from June 19 through July 5. Those surveyed had listed or unlisted numbers and were reached on land lines or cellphones.

Residents cited closeness to family, the upscale community and proximity to work as their top reasons for living in Palm Beach Gardens.

Ninety-one percent of residents said parks and recreation services provided by the city are vital to the community. About 9 in 10 rated their satisfaction with the department as a 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale.

Traffic is always one of the top concerns, regardless of the size of the city, St. Germain said. Traffic, growth and development and crime are the biggest concerns the survey identified. Eighteen percent of people had no concerns.

Residents’ concerns about traffic increased from 2015, but their concerns about growth and development have decreased, according to the survey. People prefer growth and development in the way of science and technology, more green space and a wider range of housing to accommodate the workforce.

Those who said they wouldn’t recommend Palm Beach Gardens cited the cost of living and overcrowding.

Almost 3 in 4 residents said they’re very satisfied with growth in restaurants and entertainment.

“People like more restaurants and more shopping in their cities,” St. Germain said.

The survey results are weighted based on last year’s census to represent the age and gender of residents.

The typical Palm Beach Gardens resident is a 54-yearold homeowner and full-time resident who has lived in the city for 16 years, according to the survey. The standard household income was $95,300 in 2016.

The poll by Downs & St. Germain Research is nearly identical to one conducted two years ago by Kerr & Downs.

Residents’ concerns about traffic increased from 2015, but their concerns about growth and development have decreased, according to the survey.