Rochester Hills, Michigan – The results are in! In a statistically significant survey conducted by Oakland University, Rochester Hills has received an overwhelmingly positive report that 96% of residents are satisfied with their decision to live in the City of Rochester Hills, the highest rating in recorded history for our community.
Every two years, the Oakland University Public Affairs Research Laboratory (PARL) initiates the survey, to get a snapshot of our resident’s feelings on a variety of topics to gauge trends and perceptions.
“This survey provides an opportunity for our residents to provide feedback on how we are doing and on what we can improve on,” states Mayor Bryan K. Barnett. 
So why are so many people happy with their decision to live in Rochester Hills? Results of the survey show that the city’s environmental characteristics, such as the parks, trails and the successful recycling program are significant factors. In fact, statistics show that only 4% of the residents are unsatisfied with the new recycling program, further proving the programs continued success.
Residents aren’t just choosing to live in Rochester Hills, but are also choosing to work here.
“In 1997, only 19% of our residents worked in the city. Today, that number has more than doubled to 48%. Meaning that nearly half of our residents live and work here,” states Ed Anzek, Economic Planning and Development Director.
Residents also had high praise for city staff, as 9 out of 10 reported having a positive experience when working with the city. Further results show that resident’s impressions of both routine road maintenance and snow and ice removal has tremendously improved.
The survey did indicate some frustration relative to the city’s traffic congestion, due in large part to the current status of the two bridges at Livernois and Avon, as well as several spring/summer construction projects happening within the city. Yet a majority of drivers (55%) say that their delay is 10 minutes or less on a normal day.
The city’s safety rating for Police, Fire and EMS continues to be positive. In fact, 79% are very satisfied with the work of the Oakland County Sherriff’s Department. The Rochester Hills Fire Department received a 100% satisfaction rating.
“This is our report card. We 1uly 20Hills will use the results to determine budget priorities and identify goals and opportunities that will allow us to focus on what’s important to our residents,” states Mayor Barnett.
To obtain a copy or to view the results, the full survey can be viewed online at www.rochesterhills.org. The city would like to thank the residents who participated and Oakland University and the Public Affairs Research Laboratory (PARL) for their assistance and support in conducting this bi-annual survey.
Established in 1984, the City of Rochester Hills is a prosperous community offering residents and businesses superior services. Voted one of the top places to live by several sources including CNN Money magazine and RelocateAmerica.com, Rochester Hills is committed to sustaining its position among the nation’s preeminent places to live, work and raise a family
Through the city’s focus on health, education and technology, the community continues to attract forward-thinking leaders and businesses.
About Tom and Ann Gendich
This is not an accurate representation of how the residents feel. Not all residents were given a survey. The property values are less than what they used to be about 20 years ago. Look at Scot Beaton’s graphs and the information. Also, hundreds of people at a time have appeared to protest the current Mayor and his slate. Vote for either Paul Miller or Eric Ambrozaitis for mayor. Everyone saw the current mayor squirm in his seat during the debates. The businesses who used to have his signs have refused to post them in their yards. People realize that the current mayor is history, and that anyone associated with him are not favored.
We just moved from Rochester to the hills, and we are excited about the future here… We love the recyclebank program, since we are big recyclers and it encourages everyone to be! I think the city seems to be heading in a great direction!
The survey shares the many flaws that all polling has. From the margin of error which is glossed over, to the wording and sequence of questions to the sample size of some sub-questions to asking millage questions without finding if the respondent is a likely voter. Example: the last road millage ballot question was defeated with a 64% no vote, yet this survey now says, in spite of a poor economy and declining home values, that 88% are now in favor of paying more property taxes to fund road improvement.