The Town of Oro Valley did three types of surveys as part of the Path Forward general planning process. One was a statistically valid "Big Community Survey." It was released in May. We have reported on this. The others were phone and online surveys. These were not statistically valid, but do provide directional information on how people feel about the town.
One of our readers provided us with an averaging, so to speak, of the results of three types of surveys. The reader then compared that average result to the 2013 survey result. The reader's analysis offers a view of how residents' opinions and priorities have changed since that survey. While many core values remain consistent, reflecting the town's lasting appeal, the surveys also reveals significant shifts in concerns and priorities, underscoring the challenges Oro Valley must address as it continues to grow.
Consistent Values: Safety, Natural Beauty, and Community
One of the most striking consistencies between the 2024 and 2013 surveys is the high value residents place on community safety. In both surveys, Oro Valley’s reputation as a low-crime, secure environment is a top priority. In the latest survey, 85% of respondents continue to emphasize safety as a defining feature of their town, underscoring the community's ongoing commitment to maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.
The town's natural beauty, including its desert and mountain views, has also remained a central attribute for residents. In both 2013 and 2024, around 84% of respondents highlighted these scenic vistas as a key reason for living in Oro Valley. This consistency reflects a deep-rooted appreciation for the town’s environment, which continues to be a cornerstone of its identity.
Additionally, the quality of schools in Oro Valley has been a stable draw for residents. Both surveys indicate strong support for maintaining high educational standards, with 79% of respondents in the 2024 survey recognizing the importance of quality schools. The town’s family-friendly atmosphere, another consistent finding, remains a vital aspect of community life, with over 79% of residents describing Oro Valley as an excellent place to raise a family.
Evolving Concerns: Traffic and Growth
Despite these enduring values, the "Big Community Survey" reveals significant shifts in residents’ concerns, particularly around traffic and growth. Traffic congestion has emerged as a major issue in 2024, with 24% of respondents expressing frustration with increased congestion and poorly timed traffic lights. This is a significant increase from the 2013 survey, where traffic was not as prominent a concern.
Growth-related worries have also intensified. In 2024, 12% of residents expressed concerns about the pace and impact of new developments, a sharp rise from the 2013 survey. Managing town growth has now become the most pressing challenge, with 68% of respondents identifying it as a critical issue. This shift indicates growing apprehension about how rapid development might alter the character of Oro Valley.
New Priorities: Sustainability and Infrastructure
As Oro Valley continues to develop, residents’ priorities have also expanded to include sustainability and infrastructure improvements. Water availability and environmental protection have become top concerns, with 65% and 54% of respondents, respectively, emphasizing these issues. These concerns were less prominent in the 2013 survey, reflecting a growing awareness of the need for responsible growth and conservation.
Traffic and mobility have also seen a shift in focus. The 2024 survey highlights a heightened demand for safer pedestrian and bicycle routes, as well as the maintenance of existing roadways. This reflects residents' desire for a more connected and accessible community, adapting to the town’s evolving infrastructure needs.
Looking Ahead: The "Path Forward" for Oro Valley
The insights from the "Big Community Survey" will play a crucial role as Oro Valley continues to develop its 2026 General Plan, aptly named "Oro Valley's Path Forward." The results underscore the importance of balancing growth with the preservation of the town’s core values—safety, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community. At the same time, they highlight the need to address emerging concerns such as traffic congestion, growth management, and environmental sustainability.
As the town charts its course for the future, it’s essential for residents to stay engaged and informed. The feedback provided in this survey will guide the town’s leaders in making decisions that reflect the community’s evolving needs and values, ensuring that Oro Valley remains a great place to live, both now and in the years to come.
Consistent Values: Safety, Natural Beauty, and Community
One of the most striking consistencies between the 2024 and 2013 surveys is the high value residents place on community safety. In both surveys, Oro Valley’s reputation as a low-crime, secure environment is a top priority. In the latest survey, 85% of respondents continue to emphasize safety as a defining feature of their town, underscoring the community's ongoing commitment to maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.
The town's natural beauty, including its desert and mountain views, has also remained a central attribute for residents. In both 2013 and 2024, around 84% of respondents highlighted these scenic vistas as a key reason for living in Oro Valley. This consistency reflects a deep-rooted appreciation for the town’s environment, which continues to be a cornerstone of its identity.
Additionally, the quality of schools in Oro Valley has been a stable draw for residents. Both surveys indicate strong support for maintaining high educational standards, with 79% of respondents in the 2024 survey recognizing the importance of quality schools. The town’s family-friendly atmosphere, another consistent finding, remains a vital aspect of community life, with over 79% of residents describing Oro Valley as an excellent place to raise a family.
Evolving Concerns: Traffic and Growth
Despite these enduring values, the "Big Community Survey" reveals significant shifts in residents’ concerns, particularly around traffic and growth. Traffic congestion has emerged as a major issue in 2024, with 24% of respondents expressing frustration with increased congestion and poorly timed traffic lights. This is a significant increase from the 2013 survey, where traffic was not as prominent a concern.
Growth-related worries have also intensified. In 2024, 12% of residents expressed concerns about the pace and impact of new developments, a sharp rise from the 2013 survey. Managing town growth has now become the most pressing challenge, with 68% of respondents identifying it as a critical issue. This shift indicates growing apprehension about how rapid development might alter the character of Oro Valley.
New Priorities: Sustainability and Infrastructure
As Oro Valley continues to develop, residents’ priorities have also expanded to include sustainability and infrastructure improvements. Water availability and environmental protection have become top concerns, with 65% and 54% of respondents, respectively, emphasizing these issues. These concerns were less prominent in the 2013 survey, reflecting a growing awareness of the need for responsible growth and conservation.
Traffic and mobility have also seen a shift in focus. The 2024 survey highlights a heightened demand for safer pedestrian and bicycle routes, as well as the maintenance of existing roadways. This reflects residents' desire for a more connected and accessible community, adapting to the town’s evolving infrastructure needs.
Looking Ahead: The "Path Forward" for Oro Valley
The insights from the "Big Community Survey" will play a crucial role as Oro Valley continues to develop its 2026 General Plan, aptly named "Oro Valley's Path Forward." The results underscore the importance of balancing growth with the preservation of the town’s core values—safety, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community. At the same time, they highlight the need to address emerging concerns such as traffic congestion, growth management, and environmental sustainability.
As the town charts its course for the future, it’s essential for residents to stay engaged and informed. The feedback provided in this survey will guide the town’s leaders in making decisions that reflect the community’s evolving needs and values, ensuring that Oro Valley remains a great place to live, both now and in the years to come.
