was conducted using U.S. Census block groups. The geographic units in both studies are
referred to as Neighborhood Statistical Areas (NSAs).
•
Revised Statistical Approach
: While the 2006 NQL Study used a statistical factor
analysis to group NSAs into three categories (developing, sustaining and revitalizing),
the 2014 NQL Study used a standardized index to identify high priority NSAs for each
variable and dimension.
In addition, following a public meeting that engaged Civic League leaders, City staff and elected
officials, the Quality of Life Cabinet approved adding two new variables to the analysis:
•
Affordable Housing Access for Families Seeking Housing Assistance
: For families
seeking assistance with housing, the ratio of 1/3 of an average family’s income to the
average rental cost by NSA.
•
Percent of Persons Using a Means Other than an Automobile to Get to Work
: The
percentage of daily commuters who walk, use public transit or bike to work.
Information about these recommendations is documented in the section of the report titled
Defining Quality of Life: From 2006 to 2014. More detailed descriptions of the new
methodology can be found in the Geographic Units and Methods sections of the report.
Dimensional Quality of Life Results
The 2014 NQL Study presents analysis of 26 quality of life variables that are grouped into four
dimensions: social, crime, physical, and economic. Statistical analysis was used to identify High
Priority NSAs for each dimension. NSAs that meet the high priority criteria may benefit from
investments to improve quality of life as it relates to the variables in that dimension. The results
of this classification are provided in Figures 6, 8, 10 and 12 with maps illustrating High Priority
NSAs for each dimension. A summary of the quality of life patterns seen in 2006 and 2014 is
provided in the table below.
Dimension 2006 Quality of Life Patterns
2014 Quality of Life Patterns
Social
Revitalizing neighborhoods were
identified north of S. Military
Highway.
High Priority NSAs are clustered in two
areas, north of S. Military Highway and
just east of the Dismal Swamp.
Crime
Most revitalizing neighborhoods were
identified north of S. Military
Highway. Two revitalizing
neighborhoods existed outside of this
cluster – one to the southeast of S.
Military Highway and one in the very
northern tip of the city.
The primary clusters of High Priority
NSAs are located north of S. Military
Highway and south of S. Military
Highway along I-64.
November 2014
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