The Vast Majority of Americans Like Their Neighbors, Says Survey

Nearly nine out of ten Americans (86 percent) like their neighbors, a sentiment that remains high across all major demographics, according to results from a national Xcelerant omnibus survey conducted on behalf of Fathom Realty, a national, cloud-based, real estate brokerage.

Of those Americans that do not like their neighbors, being too noisy (50 percent) is the reason that troubles them the most about their adjacent counterparts, followed by not respecting boundaries (38 percent) and being nosy (37 percent). Gen Z has the highest concentration of individuals who do not like their neighbors (20 percent), which is twice that of their older Baby Boomer counterparts (10 percent).

Eighty-six percent of survey respondents say they are friendly with their neighbors, although women are less friendly with their neighbors than men, 17 percent vs. 11 percent, respectively.

I do think it is important to note a flaw in this study. Other research studies over the past decade have shown that 20 percent or less of American’s know the names of all eight neighbors. So people may have answered this survey based only on the neighbors they “know” and that could be a minority of people living near them!

Or it could be that individuals answered the question based on the current American narrative about neighbors which is we like neighbors to be quiet and leave us alone.

Other findings include:

•             42 percent of men are "very friendly" with the neighbors, compared to 32 percent of women.

•             41 percent of homeowners are "very friendly" with the neighbors, compared to 29 percent of those who rent.

•             71 percent of married people say friendliness is what they like best about their neighbors, compared to 59 percent of unmarried adults.

Overall, 89 percent of Americans like something about their neighbors.

Below are how survey respondents ranked what they like most about their neighbors:

1.  1.       They are friendly             
2.      They are respectful
3.      They watch out for us  
4.      I can ask them for favors            
5.      I can borrow from them
6.      Our kids can play together         
7.      Our pets can play together        

Even though the vast majority of Americans like the people that live nearby, 44 percent of survey respondents are bothered by at least something about their neighbors. Younger people seem to be troubled the most, with 62 percent of Gen Z who say they are bothered by at least something about their neighbors, compared to only 33 percent of Baby Boomers.

Below are how respondents ranked what they dislike most about their neighbors:

1.  1.      They are noisy/loud
2.      They have unruly pets
3.      They are nosy and don't mind their business
4.      They don't respect boundaries
5.      Their house is unattractive/sloppy
6.      They abuse parking and park in spaces not theirs
7.      They leave their children unsupervised
8.      They are suspected of criminal behavior

When neighbors become excessive, just 10 percent of Americans say they actually moved, while 24 percent considered moving. The survey also found that younger Americans have slightly less patience and tolerance in these matters, with 35 percent of Gen Z reporting they have considered moving because of their neighbors, compared to 75 percent of Baby Boomers who didn't even give it a thought.