Fewer than one in 10 metro Detroiters believe the region is a good place for young professionals, according to a new survey that underscores the challenges of retaining recent college graduates.


Many of the 1,000 metro Detroiters interviewed by the Gallup polling organization as part of the final year of a three-year quality of life survey gave the six-county region negative marks for a variety of issues that drive resident attachment to a place, which is considered a key indicator of economic growth.


The study, which surveyed residents in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair, Livingston and Lapeer counties, cited three factors that emotionally attach residents to the area: openness [[how welcoming the community is), social offerings [[fun places to gather) and aesthetics [[physical beauty, including parks, playgrounds and green space).


While the findings aren't surprising, they are vexing for city officials, nonprofits and foundations that are pouring tens of millions of dollars into the region a year, specifically in Detroit, to attract young professionals.


Nearly 70% of those interviewed have a negative view of the region's nightlife offerings, despite new restaurants, bars and entertainment venues over the past three years, particularly in downtown and around Wayne State University in midtown.


Another challenge of attracting young professionals is the perceptions of public schools. Fewer than one in every five residents have a positive image of K-12 education.



Continued at: http://www.freep.com/article/2010111...r-many-reasons