Harris Interactive conducted research in 2008 to identify the opinions and attitudes of Greater Phoenix area residents on area quality of life, growth, environmental challenges and solutions, what makes an ideal community, and the potential for Superstition Vistas development.
Residents Value Quality of Life
Overall, residents of the Greater Phoenix Area enjoy a good quality of life. They attribute this to living in safe and secure communities, surrounded by friends and family and having access to nature and the outdoors. Area residents are more positive about their quality of life than the rest of the country and far more optimistic about their future. Three core values shape feelings and choices about life in the Greater Phoenix area: safety and security, friendly and family-oriented neighborhoods, and opportunities for healthy lifestyles.
Economic Growth was listed most frequently as the most important factor relating to quality of life. However, economic growth and development ranked lower among Greater Phoenix residents compared to national averages. Protecting the environment ranked higher in the Greater Phoenix area than the country as a whole. Residents believe that the type and size of home and type of construction have an impact on the environment. The majority would need to see real financial benefit before they would buy a “green home,” while one-third of the respondents would pay a 6-10% premium for an environmentally-sensitive home.
Regional Leaders See Superstition Vista’s Potential
Regional leaders view Superstition Vistas as having the potential to become a new paradigm for sustainable development. They believe a successful plan for Superstition Vistas should focus on:
- New and better ways of planning and funding infrastructure
- Governance and leadership aligned to support a long-term vision or plan
- State Land Trust reform
- Empowering the State Land Trust in new ways – from infrastructure planning to preserving open space and arranging financing
Leaders recognize the need for a regional approach to development based on regional interest rather than local priorities.
Survey methods
- Sixty-three in-depth values interviews conducted online Feb. 22-29, 2008
- Advanced Strategy Lab session with 35 regional leaders conducted on March 7, 2008 in Apache Junction, AZ
- Online representative survey of 1,068 year-round residents of Maricopa or Pinal counties
- Online survey of 211 key citizens active in business, non-profits, and government