10.09.2013
How do Ukrainians see their cities? tour of Western Ukraine
- According to a study conducted by the Rating Group in Lviv, Ternopil, Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk and Khmelnytskyi, an absolute majority of residents like living in their cities. The highest share of residents satisfied with living in their city is recorded in Ternopil (91%), while the lowest is in Khmelnytskyi and Ivano-Frankivsk (80%). Residents of these two cities also demonstrated the highest share of dissatisfaction, although such respondents account for only about 2%.
- Lviv, according to most of its residents, is an attractive tourist city (61%) with rich history and beautiful architecture, many monuments, as well as numerous cafes and coffee shops. Lviv residents are also more likely than others to believe that their city plays an important role in the country’s development (21%) and is a politically active center (19%). At the same time, Lviv is least often perceived by its residents as a quiet and cozy city (13%), a clean and well-maintained city (9%), and as having convenient transport infrastructure.
- For Ternopil residents, their city is primarily quiet, cozy and green (59%), with a large youth population. A significant share of respondents (42%) highlight the city’s spirituality and religiosity. About one-third of residents consider the city clean, well-maintained and environmentally friendly, which distinguishes it from other cities. The least frequently mentioned characteristics of Ternopil are quality of healthcare and education (3%), availability of large opportunities (3%), and opportunities to work and earn income (7%). Among all cities studied, Ternopil is least often perceived as playing an important role in the country’s development.
- For residents of Chernivtsi, the most important characteristics of their city are beautiful architecture (63%) and the presence of parks and green areas (56%), combined with rich historical heritage. Chernivtsi is also perceived as a spiritual and religious city (49%), with friendly and pleasant residents (46%). More than in other cities, residents highlight employment and income opportunities (20%), opportunities for child development (19%), as well as education quality (15%) and healthcare quality (13%). At the same time, residents least often mention low cost of living.
- For Ivano-Frankivsk residents, their city is primarily quiet and cozy (39%), with a religious character, a large youth population, and friendly residents. Around one quarter consider the city safe and traditional. Ivano-Frankivsk, like Lviv, is also perceived as a politically active city (17%). The least mentioned characteristics are vibrant cultural and sports life, availability of major opportunities (5%), and quality of education and healthcare.
- For residents of Khmelnytskyi, the city is perceived as quiet and cozy (around 40%), with many parks, cafes and coffee shops, and a large youth population. Around 15% note relatively low cost of living, which is the highest among all cities studied. At the same time, residents least often mention religiosity and preservation of traditions. Khmelnytskyi is also least often perceived as a tourist destination (7%), reflected in low indicators of architectural beauty, monuments and historical heritage.
- Among youth, their hometown is primarily associated with leisure opportunities, cafes and coffee shops, youth population, attractive people, and cultural and sports life. Middle-aged residents emphasize monuments, parks and green areas, environmental quality, cleanliness, as well as opportunities for work, recreation and child development. Older generations emphasize spirituality and religiosity, historical heritage and safety.
- If respondents were forced to move abroad permanently, most residents of Ternopil, Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk would choose the United States, Canada and Germany as the most attractive destinations. For residents of Chernivtsi and Khmelnytskyi, Germany would be the top destination, followed by the United States. Residents of these two cities also show the highest share of potential migration to Russia. Interestingly, migration to Italy and the United Kingdom is more common than to neighboring Poland, although Poland remains one of the most attractive destinations for residents of Khmelnytskyi and Lviv.
- If respondents were forced to move to another location within Ukraine, residents of Ternopil, Ivano-Frankivsk and Khmelnytskyi would primarily choose Western Ukraine and the Kyiv region. Residents of Chernivtsi are most attracted to the capital region, followed by Western and Southern Ukraine. Lviv residents are equally likely to consider moving either to Kyiv or to Western Ukraine. At the same time, among those who have decided on a potential relocation destination, most would prefer to move abroad rather than within Ukraine.
Methodology
- Survey population: population of Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Khmelnytskyi and Chernivtsi aged 18 and over
- Sample size: 800 respondents in each city
- Method: face-to-face interviews
- Margin of error (95% confidence): ≤ 3.5%
- Fieldwork period: 2012–2013
Contact form
Have questions?
Please, fill in the form below and we will reach out to you soon.
