Originally published as an OpEd in Newsday.
What makes 43,000 people from across the United States love where they live?
It’s not what you think.
A good job? A bustling local economy? Access to good health care?
Important, but not vital, a new Gallup survey funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has found.
As it turns out, people’s loyalty and passion for their community is overwhelmingly driven by just three things: a community’s social offerings (or fun things to do) how welcoming it is to all kinds of people, and its beauty.
These top factors were consistent in 26 diverse cities survey – from Miami to Macon, Ga., San Jose to State College, Pa. Not even the worst recession in years changed people’s minds.
But why is knowing this so important to all communities – including Long Island and Greater New York?
How much we love where we live may also affect our town’s livelihood.
The Soul of the Community survey found a significant connection between residents' love for their community and the area’s local economic growth.
In other words, communities with the highest percentage of people with a strong emotional connection to their town had the highest local GDP growth rates over time.
Love and money may go together after all – at least when it comes to community vitality.
For now, the Soul of the Community research has not determined whether community attachment causes a higher growth rate - or vice versa. But previous Gallup research did find that companies with a higher number of people passionate about their job were more productive.
Local leaders can take the Soul of the Community research to heart. In today’s world - where communities are often transient or virtual - a sense of place still has deep meaning. READ MORE >>
