Impressions vary widely and there are stark differences among different groups, however including women, Black and Latinx poll participants, and low-income respondents, who are less satisfied with the quality of life in the region. Sentiment amongst other groups show, however, that men, white residents, and high-income respondents are more satisfied with the quality of life in the region. Compared to a poll from 2013 that RPA/GSG conducted for the Fourth Regional Plan, more people are likely to want to move out of their community, and responses are more consistent between New York City and areas outside NYC.

The poll, conducted Global Strategy Group, consisted of an online survey of 804 adults in the New York metropolitan area from March 9 - March 14, 2021. The New York metropolitan area includes New York City, Long Island, the Mid and Lower Hudson Valley, northern New Jersey, and Southern Connecticut. The margin of error at the 95% confidence level is +/-3.5%. This is the first survey in a series conducted by Global Strategy Group and Regional Plan Association.

Nearly three of four residents are concerned about the impact of climate change on their communities. A majority of residents — 54% — support local governments buying out homeowners living in high-risk flood zones and one in two residents — 46% — supports the government prohibiting building in high-risk flood zones. A plurality of residents — 46% — said that protecting the environment from the effects of climate change is the most compelling reason to invest in clean energy.

More than eight of 10 residents support investing more in public transportation and expanding sustainable infrastructure. The vast majority of residents — 85% — support building more housing and investing in jobs near public transportation. 83% support both expanding protected bike lanes, and expanding electric vehicle use and charging infrastructure. Residents, however, are using transit far less frequently during the pandemic and health concerns are the most common reason why.

Amid the ongoing housing crisis, 78% of New York City residents support policies to create more affordable housing and and 79% want city and state leaders to expand and improve public housing. Support for affordable housing is only slightly lower in the suburbs, with 74% of respondents in the New York region as a whole voicing support. Opinions vary on how to make housing more affordable; a plurality of residents say that limiting rent increases is the best way to increase affordability.