Respondents were asked an open-ended question: “What don’t you like about living or working in Jasper?

The most common concern was the lack of things to do, especially in the evenings for young adults and teens. This was followed by the lack of restaurants and shopping variety that includes a desire for more local, upscale, diverse and non-chain dining and retail options. Also high on the list were traffic and congestion, especially along US 231 during peak hours. Respondent frequently mentioned high housing costs, lack of affordable or starter housing, rising property taxes and limited senior housing. There is a concern that wages have not kept up with the cost of living and that Jasper lacks higher-paying or professional jobs. A reoccurring social concern is that people who don’t grow up in Jasper often feel like outsiders, citing cliques and lack of inclusivity. While many appreciate the Downtown, others criticize lack of parking and functionality, including lack of public transportation around town and limited sidewalk connection. Some respondents also describe Jasper as slow to adapt and resistant to new ideas, cultures and growth patterns.