City of La Vista receives positive ratings from residents on National Community Survey

In spring 2023, the City of La Vista invited residents to participate in the National Community Survey (NCS). This survey measures a City’s livability based on key areas including safety, the economy, community design, parks and recreation, the natural environment and more.

The sentiment of La Vista’s survey responses and the City’s overall results are overwhelmingly positive.

A random sample of La Vista residents were selected to participate in the survey and 2,677 households received mailed surveys. Of those invited to participate, 376 households completed the survey. Another 17 La Vista residents completed the online open participation survey.

The City was able to compare its 2023 results with its past results, as well as see comparisons with 600 other communities across the U.S.

Survey findings revealed a high level of satisfaction with

La Vista as a place to live. More than 9 in 10 residents stated that they would recommend living in La Vista to others.

City of La Vista receives positive ratings from residents on National Community Survey %

Additionally, 91 percent of survey respondents rated La Vista’s quality of life as good or excellent. One contributing factor is safety—residents rate La Vista as a safe place.

Nearly all residents reported feeling safe in their neighborhood (97%) and in

La Vista’s downtown and commercial areas during the day (93%).

More than 8 in 10 residents favorably evaluated La Vista’s public safety services including police, crime prevention, fire and EMS.

As in the past, the City scored above national benchmarks in many survey categories. In fact, La Vista met or exceeded national benchmarks in 130 of the 139 areas. This is encouraging given the challenges—such as the pandemic—that have taken place in recent years.

The “overall direction the City is taking” is one of many measures where La Vista

ranked higher than the national benchmark. The City ranked in the 90th percentile nationally in this category.

Residents also rated the City higher than national benchmarks for acting in the best interest of the community, being honest, open and transparent, informing residents about issues facing the community and treating all residents fairly and with respect.

Along with the positive feedback, residents’ responses helped identify some potential areas of improvement. For example, just 56% of survey respondents reported feeling a positive sense of connection and engagement with their community. Further analysis revealed that those who have lived in La Vista longest feel more attached to their community. There was a 19% difference between residents who have lived in La Vista for 11 years or more vs. those who have lived here five years or less. This suggests that residents who moved to La Vista during the pandemic have potentially experienced the community in a much different way.

Residents’ community connection also varies by age. Sense of community was rated positively by 79% of residents 55 and older vs. 37% of residents ages 18-34.

The City’s has previously conducted surveys in 2008, 2013, 2016 and 2019 (PDF)