News Releases
AHC Residents Are Happy with Living Environment and Quality of Life
Arlington, VA (May 10, 2011) Nearly ninety percent of AHC residents are happy with the condition of their homes, and 62% say they feel connected to their neighbors and community, according to respondents of a recent survey. The survey, designed to evaluate residents’ living environments and quality of life, was conducted among residents living in four large affordable apartment communities owned and operated by AHC Inc., a nonprofit affordable housing developer based in Arlington, VA, since 1975.
“Our goal is to make sure our residents are happy with their apartments, the community, and our management staff and services,” said Walter D. Webdale, AHC President and CEO. “Giving individuals an opportunity to tell us what they think and how we can improve helps us make sure we are providing the best services and living environment possible.”
The survey covered a variety of property features, from the electrical service to the plumbing. Residents were also asked to evaluate the responsiveness of property management staff. Seventy-three percent of residents agreed that requests for routine maintenance were handled promptly and thoroughly. Similarly, 72% said that property management responded to emergency requests promptly.
The majority of residents are also pleased with the sense of community at the AHC properties. Nearly 70% agreed they “live in a good place” and 68% believe it’s a good place to raise a family. More than half (52%) have participated in a program at the onsite community center. Tenant stability may be one factor contributing to the strong sense of community. Nearly 57% of those surveyed have lived in their apartment for more than three years.
AHC’s communities can be very multicultural. Nearly four in ten (37%) of the families surveyed said they speak Spanish at home and 21% speak other languages, including Portuguese, Arabic, Amharic, Tigrigna, Panjabi, Hindi, Mongolian, Russian, Urdu, French, Indonesian, Tagalog, Somali, Danish, Nepali, and more. Even so, English is a common thread, with 79% of families speaking that at home – often along with their native language.
Affordability is the top draw for residents with 41% renting because the monthly housing cost is affordable. Convenience to work is another consideration, particularly at Woodbury Park where 45% of those surveyed said they chose to live there because of the proximity to their work.
The survey, conducted anonymously among residents at Gates of Ballston, The Shelton, Woodbury Park and Harvey Hall, was completed by 335 households.
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AHC Inc, based in Arlington, VA, has been developing and preserving affordable housing in the mid-Atlantic region since 1975 and has developed 37 properties with more than 4,400 affordable apartments. In addition, AHC provides homeownership services and offers onsite educational services to improve the quality of residents’ lives.