86% of Riga residents consider Riga good place to live and work - survey

RIGA - In general, 86 percent of Riga residents consider Riga a good place to live and work, according to a survey conducted by Latvijas Fakti pollster, the Riga City Council informed LETA.

Compared to 2022, when the previous survey was carried out, significant progress has been observed in most of the positions and the results have improved in two thirds of the indicators. However, LETA found out that in some areas there is a drop in the positive assessment.

For example, personal and home security in Riga is viewed positively by 84 percent of respondents, compared to 85 percent in 2022

75 percent of respondents believe that the air quality in the city is good. In 2022, 77 percent thought so.

The number of respondents who have a positive view of noise levels in their neighborhood has decreased from 75 percent to 74 percent.

However, the biggest drop in positive ratings is related to the cleanliness of the area in the neighborhood. While 78 percent of respondents were satisfied with the cleanliness of the area in 2022, this figure drops to 73 percent in 2024.

Improvements in traffic infrastructure and street repairs rank highest among the good works observed by residents in the last year. 54 percent of respondents noted this.

Another significant number of respondents highlighted the positive changes in the improvement of the environment and the beautification of the city, as well as in the cultural sector.

The accessibility of public transport services and cycling have improved significantly in the city. Public transport is the main mode of transport for a third of respondents on a weekday and for every second respondent at least once a week.

83 percent of respondents are satisfied with the availability of public transport services, up seven percentage points from 2022, while the quality of services is satisfactory for 76 percent of respondents, up three percentage points from 2022.

The survey data show that almost one in three people in Riga commute by bicycle at least once a week. 62 percent of respondents are satisfied with the possibilities to cycle in Riga, which is an increase of 11 percentage points compared to 2022.

67 percent of the survey participants are involved in their neighborhood's social life, e.g. as a member of a neighborhood group, in an NGO, in a clean-up event. 41 percent of the respondents attend cultural and entertainment events in their neighborhood.

Overall, 80 percent of respondents are satisfied with cultural events in Riga, which is an increase of ten percentage points compared to 2022.

Satisfaction with sports and active recreation opportunities in the neighborhoods and with opportunities for children to join clubs and groups has increased significantly.

Residents also have a higher appreciation of the accessibility of the municipality's general and pre-school education services, and satisfaction with the supply and quality of housing has increased.

When indicating the areas that the municipality should further improve in their neighborhoods, 69 percent of respondents indicated that improving traffic infrastructure remains a priority, 43 percent prioritized the improvement of the city - landscaping courtyards, playgrounds, renovation and insulation of buildings, while 29 percent pointed to environmental issues.

Another 10 percent of respondents indicate that public order and safety are a problem in their neighborhood, while 9 percent indicate that social issues are a problem.

The survey of Riga residents was carried out by Latvijas Fakti between June and August 2024, interviewing 2,405 Riga residents from all 58 neighborhoods. The survey was organized by the Riga City Council city development department.