2021 Survey Says Residents Want Neighborhoods That Feel Safe, Look Nice, and Have Friendly People

In 2021, a survey conducted by United Way asked people in Allen County, Indiana (Fort Wayne) about their neighborhoods—what they liked, what they needed, and how connected they felt. Most people (84%) said they lived in a neighborhood. Of those, about two-thirds said they felt connected to their neighborhood either “some” or “a lot.” This shows that many people care about where they live and the people around them.

One of the biggest concerns people had was safety. Nearly everyone (96%) said it was “very” or “somewhat” important that their neighborhood have little or no crime. This tells us that feeling safe is a top priority for most people.

People also shared how long they’ve lived in their neighborhoods. More than half had lived in their neighborhood for 10 years or less. This shows that people are moving more often or choosing new places to live within the county.

When asked what makes an ideal neighborhood, the most popular answers were well-kept houses and yards (71%) and having sidewalks or walkable areas (66%). Many also said they wanted to live near parks, playgrounds, and shopping areas. Half of the people said being close to good schools was also important.

Another key finding was how people want to interact with their neighbors. Most people (71%) said they want friendly neighbors who know their names and say hello. Fewer people said they wanted to be close friends with their neighbors or have an active neighborhood association with social events. In fact, only 24% picked that as a priority.

One surprising detail was that even though many people value friendly neighbors, not everyone wants to be deeply involved in neighborhood activities. Most prefer casual connections over regular events or meetings.

The survey also asked about neighborhood features like walkability and homeownership. Many preferred neighborhoods with owner-occupied homes instead of lots of rental housing. Sidewalks and well-maintained properties also ranked high. This shows that people value places that are attractive, safe, and good for walking.

In short, Allen County residents want neighborhoods that feel safe, look nice, and have friendly people. They care more about everyday connections—like saying hello—than big events or formal associations. These findings can help local leaders, city planners, and community organizations make neighborhoods stronger by focusing on what matters most to residents.

Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or visit his website at http://engagedneighbor.com.