Only 34% of New York City residents say the quality of life is “good” or “excellent,” according to a new poll by the Citizens Budget Commission — a steep drop from 51% in 2017.
The survey, titled Straight from New Yorkers 2025, gathered responses from over 1,700 people in all five boroughs. While ratings have inched up since 2023, when just 30% gave a positive assessment, they remain well below pre-pandemic levels.
“New Yorkers remain much more dissatisfied with the quality of life, City services, and public safety than they were before the pandemic,” the report states.
Safety continues to weigh heavily. Just 42% of residents describe their neighborhood as safe — a slight rise from 37% in 2023, but still below the 50% mark seen eight years ago. The numbers come despite Mayor Eric Adams highlighting record-low rates of murders and shootings in early 2025.
Subway safety ratings are worse: only half of respondents feel safe riding during the day, and just 22% at night. In 2017, those numbers stood at 63% and 46%, respectively.
Trash collection and general cleanliness remain sore points. Only 36% of New Yorkers say their neighborhoods are clean — an improvement over last year’s 34%, but still well below the 2017 figure of 47%.
Public services also draw low marks. Just 27% rated them as good or excellent, up slightly from 23% in 2023, but far below the 44% recorded before the pandemic. Only 11% of respondents believe their tax dollars are being used effectively.
While dissatisfaction cuts across demographics, the CBC notes it is especially high among Black and Hispanic New Yorkers, and among residents of the Bronx.
Interestingly, approval ratings have also slipped in wealthier neighborhoods compared to two years ago. In Manhattan — where libraries, EMS and fire services are generally rated higher — overall quality-of-life scores have fallen.
Despite the frustration, 55% of residents say they plan to stay in the city over the next five years. That’s up from 50% in 2023, but down from 58% in 2017. The most common reasons for considering a move: affordability (76%), safety (73%), and limited living space (60%).
There are a few signs of recovery. Ratings for neighborhood parks and intra-city travel have returned to 2017 levels. Local services such as fire protection, libraries and EMS still receive relatively strong scores, particularly in Staten Island.
Still, the CBC warns that the city’s image remains fragile.
“If New York City is to remain competitive and continue attracting residents and businesses, people have to feel much more positively about many of the aspects of their life in the city.”
