Quality of Life Assessment Completed

The City of Olathe has indicated that quality of life for residents is one of the most important considerations in future planning, as well as one of the community’s greatest existing assets. In addition to the traditional factors that draw people to communities, such as jobs and housing, community leaders now recognize quality of life as increasingly important. This is evident in local community planning efforts across the country, as well as in national surveys like Money Magazine’s Best Places to Live annual rankings and the Best Places Almanac (Money Magazine 2008 and Savageau 2000). The concept is that people relocate and settle in places that are appealing on various levels, providing a balance of economic stability, recreation opportunities, healthy surroundings, cultural experiences, and educational foundation. Communities that offer such amenities are thought to have greater cohesion and permanence.

The project team evaluated Olathe’s quality of life through two means – the first compared Olathe to several cities of comparable size or character, the second reviewed a recent satisfaction survey, the 2007 Direction Finder Survey. When the Direction Finder Survey was initially conducted in 2000, Olathe rated at or below average in nearly every category when compared to the overall metropolitan area. The 2007 survey shows Olathe at or near the top in nearly every major category covering city services. In addition, Olathe's satisfaction ratings significantly exceeded national averages in all but one category.

To read the initial findings, download the documents at right.