Despite Growing Pains, Central Valley Residents Upbeat About Future

Residents of California's Central Valley rate their community as a good place to live, even as air pollution, traffic congestion, and affordable housing rank among their top concerns, according to a recent study by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC).

Nearly 75 percent of residents are upbeat about the quality of life in the Central Valley region, and 28 percent believe conditions have improved over the past five years.Despite their optimism, Central Valley inhabitants cite poor air quality as a top concern facing the region.

The proportion of residents who feel air pollution is a big problem in the Central Valley has jumped from 28 percent to 45 percent since 1999, according to the report.

Additionally, the percentage of residents citing asthma and other respiratory problems as a health issue affecting their families has grown from 37 percent to 49 percent over the past three years.

Residents of South San Joaquin are more likely than those living in the North Valley, Sacramento, and North San Joaquin to view air pollution as a serious health threat.

**Taken from the California Association of Realtors Bulletin, dated July 6, 2006.