Americans Don’t Just Want Nice Homes… They Want Nice Neighbors
For many, a nice, cozy neighborhood is often felt rather than quantified. Neighbors Bank sought to understand what truly contributes to a desirable living environment, aiming to determine if these desirable qualities are exclusive to the most expensive zip codes or if they are attainable for first-time and average homebuyers. Experts conducted a survey with over 1,000 US adults regarding their preferences for neighbors and neighborhoods, subsequently ranking the 100 largest U.S. metro areas based on the identified qualities.
The characteristics that individuals prioritize—such as a safe street, a well-maintained block, and amicable neighbors who respect personal space—frequently appear in affordable mid-sized metropolitan areas, rather than being limited to the most expensive locations.
Are You a Good Neighbor?
When Americans envision an ideal neighbor, they think of someone who is friendly enough to greet them and respectful enough to maintain personal space. Most individuals desire a warm yet relaxed relationship with their neighbors. Approximately 64% of Americans expressed a preference for a friendly but defined relationship with their neighbors, rather than seeking a close friendship, indicating that the preferred neighbor is approachable without being intrusive.
There remains significant potential to strengthen these connections. Over 34% of Americans reported that they could not identify a neighbor they would contact in an emergency, and 13% could not name a single neighbor. This gap presents an opportunity, as establishing a few local connections is one of the most effective ways to create a sense of home.
Younger Americans have the greatest potential for developing these relationships. More than 43% of Gen Z individuals stated they could not name an emergency contact among their neighbors, in contrast to only 20% of baby boomers. Homeowners tend to have a higher level of trust in their neighbors (38% compared to 25% of renters), while renters are more likely to lack an identified “emergency neighbor” (44% versus 24%). It appears that neighborly relationships strengthen as individuals establish roots and become more settled in their communities.
Top five metros with the best upkeep:
- Madison, WI
- Minneapolis
- Boise, ID
- Provo, UT
- Austin, Texas
Further, certain metro areas excel in fostering good neighborly qualities, with several mid-sized cities at the forefront. Madison, WI, has been identified as the leading metro in the U.S. for good neighborliness, excelling in cleanliness and maintenance, while also achieving high marks in safety and accessibility to essential amenities. The top five is completed by Allentown, PA, Harrisburg, PA, Minneapolis, and Boston, all of which performed admirably in the attributes that individuals prioritize most.
The rankings are predominantly occupied by affordable mid-sized metros rather than expensive coastal cities. Cities such as Harrisburg, Des Moines, IA, Omaha, NE, and Rochester, NY, demonstrate that a vibrant neighborhood can be found without the hefty price tag typically associated with larger urban areas, providing encouraging news for first-time and budget-conscious homebuyers considering where to establish their homes.
Top five safest metros:
- Cape Coral, FL
- Palm Bay, FL
- Boise, ID
- Provo, UT
- Allentown, PA
In terms of safety, cities in the Sun Belt and Mountain West regions were particularly notable. Cape Coral and Palm Bay, Florida, along with Boise, Idaho, recorded the lowest crime rates among the major cities in the ranking.
Other cities excelled in various aspects that enhance daily living. Madison was recognized for its cleanliness and maintenance, Boston for its access to healthcare, Oxnard, CA, for its walkability, and Washington, D.C., for its parks and green spaces. Pittsburgh emerged as the most valuable metro area in the rankings, combining a strong sense of community with an average home value of approximately $231,000. This demonstrates that a well-rounded neighborhood can remain affordable.
Price, Parks & Access Matters
More than half of Americans (56%) indicated a willingness to pay a premium for residing in a neighborhood that is more connected and socially healthy. For many individuals, this willingness translates into a specific monetary value. Over 1 in 5 Americans (23%) would be prepared to pay a premium of 5% to 10% for a home situated among excellent neighbors.
Younger homebuyers exhibit the greatest readiness to invest in connection. More than 2 in 3 Gen Z individuals (68%) expressed their willingness to pay a premium, in contrast to fewer than half of baby boomers (44%). When asked about the most significant factors contributing to long-term happiness in a home, over 1 in 3 Americans (36%) identified the neighborhood and neighbors as paramount, significantly ahead of the 13% who emphasized the purchase price.
The sense of community can even surpass the importance of the house itself. Nearly 1 in 5 Americans (19%) stated they would leave a beloved home for a stronger sense of community, a sentiment that increased to approximately 1 in 4 millennials (24%).
Top five metros with the best value:
- Pittsburgh
- Rochester, NY
- Des Moines, IA
- Omaha, NE
- Harrisburg, PA
Americans express a willingness to invest in good neighbors, and market trends indicate that such qualities possess genuine value; walkability, amenities, and maintenance correlate with higher home values. The most notable finding is related to safety: the safest metro areas have average home values around $366,000, which is nearly equivalent to the $377,000 average in the least safe areas, indicating that the quality most desired by Americans does not incur a price premium. Furthermore, as the index favors affordability, the top-ranked metropolitan areas remain accessible; Madison ($453K), Allentown ($364K), and Harrisburg ($312K) all provide good-neighbor qualities at prices significantly lower than the nation’s most expensive markets.
Beyond the people next door, Americans largely agree on the fundamentals a good neighborhood needs. When asked to identify the essential quality that a neighborhood must possess, nearly half of Americans (46%) indicated safety, surpassing all other factors. Affordability followed, but at a considerable margin, selected by fewer than 1 in 10 individuals (8%).
In instances where individuals listed all the qualities they appreciate, rather than just a single essential one, a well-maintained neighborhood emerged as a top priority. Cleanliness and maintenance ranked as the second most valued quality overall (52%), outpacing all other neighbor-related attributes. Friendly neighbors were also recognized as fundamental, with more than 1 in 3 Americans (37%) mentioning them, alongside the 1 in 4 (25%) who appreciated individuals who look out for one another.
Interestingly, some features that might seem communal were deemed less significant than anticipated. Small businesses (6%), local events (5%), and community pride (5%) all ranked near the bottom of the must-have list, highlighting that for the majority, a good neighborhood fundamentally begins with safety and pride in a well-maintained street.
In conclusion, data presents an encouraging perspective for those concerned that an excellent neighborhood is unattainable. The attributes that Americans prioritize, such as a secure street, a tidy block, and amicable neighbors who respect personal space, can be found in affordable mid-sized metropolitan areas.
When contemplating a purchase, it is essential to look beyond the mere price and consider the overall living experience of a location, as the selected neighborhood may significantly influence long-term satisfaction more than the home itself. Additionally, fostering a few friendly connections, which many individuals express a desire for, incurs no expense whatsoever.
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