In Republic, Missouri, the Neighboring Survey Says

 

The current cultural narrative in America is that good neighbors are quiet and leave us alone. It has not always been that way, but researchers have noticed a change over the past forty years.

A scientific study now supports this observation.

The Greene County MU Extension Council authorized monies in 2022 to conduct southwest Missouri's first "State of Neighboring" survey. The plan is to repeat this study every year or two to chart progress (or regression).

I am convinced the most significant part of our problem is that most Americans already think they are good neighbors because they smile and wave at people around them.

One thing that jumps off the page of our "State of Neighboring" survey for Southwest Missouri is that a majority say a good neighbor is quiet and leaves them alone.

When asked to pick traits of a good neighbor, 70% of respondents said "respects my privacy," and 55% said: "is quiet – does not make excessive noise."

MU Extension is conducting further analysis of our study in preparation for a guide sheet.

In future years, when this study is repeated, I will be able to offer a case study on responses from residents of Springfield. But this year, the best community comparison is with Republic, where I surveyed a few of these same questions among residents in 2019.

Comparing the 77 responses from 2019 to the 82 responses received this year shows some improvement in Republic in crucial measurement areas.

Question: I know the names of the neighbors in _____ of the homes adjacent to my property or apartment. In 2019, 15% said they knew a few, and 41% said one or none. In 2023, the majority answer was "a few," with 25.03% and 27.46% saying one or none.

Question: How important is it for neighbors to get together and socialize? In 2023, "Somewhat important" was marked by 41%, while 33% said it was of little or no importance. In 2019, 66% said it was of little or no importance, and only 22% said it was somewhat important.

Question: I would like to interact with my neighbors beyond a friendly wave hello. Among Republic residents, 62% answered yes in 2023. In 2019, 22% answered yes to that question.

Question: "If my neighborhood had a block party, I would definitely attend." In 2023, 64% of Republic respondents said yes, and 23% were unsure. When asked in 2019, only 38% of Republic residents said they would definitely attend.

Knowing your neighbors helps create a safe, friendly, and clean neighborhood. That protects your single largest investment (your home). But also, neighbors are your first responders. They can help with small needs, and a neighbor might become a friend or provide that social interaction that fends off loneliness.

This year more than others, we need to be reminded that engaged neighbors help to create good neighborhoods and vibrant communities that are safe, clean, and friendly.

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David Burton is a published author (with books on neighboring coming soon). Learn more at https://www.amazon.com/author/davidlburton