Missouri’s Most Neighborly Neighborhoods Announced for 2026

Three Missouri neighborhoods where residents have turned everyday kindness, connection and cooperation into a way of life have been selected as the Missouri’s Most Neighborly Neighborhoods as part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week 2026.

The Villas at Wicklow in Nixa (Christian County) earned the top recognition, followed by Castlereagh Estates in Florissant (St. Louis County) and Woodland Heights in Springfield (Greene County). There were a total of 12 nominations this year.

Each of the three winning neighborhoods will receive a certificate of recognition and a prize check to support future neighborhood activities, helping residents continue the connections and traditions that earned them statewide recognition.

The Most Neighborly Neighborhood award was created to recognize communities where residents actively care for one another, include others and work together to improve the place they call home. 

“The best neighborhoods are not necessarily the ones with the biggest events, the nicest amenities or the most organized associations. They are places where people know each other, notice when someone needs help and are willing to act,” said David Burton, community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension and founder of Missouri Good Neighbor Week. “These winning neighborhoods demonstrate that neighboring is not an event. It is a culture built through hundreds of small interactions throughout the year.”

Villas at Wicklow earns top recognition

At the Villas at Wicklow, neighboring is woven into daily community life. Residents gather for weekly coffee, celebrations, games and other activities, but their connections extend well beyond scheduled events. Neighbors volunteer for maintenance and landscaping, check on one another, share food and resources, and intentionally welcome new residents.

The neighborhood's monthly Villas Voice newsletter provides additional evidence of its strong volunteer culture. Residents contribute to everything from social events and routine maintenance to neighborhood watch. 

Castlereagh Estates demonstrates a culture of care

Castlereagh Estates stood out for the many ways residents care for one another in both ordinary and difficult circumstances.

Neighbors have cared for pets and lawns when residents were hospitalized, cleared driveways after major snowfalls, removed storm-damaged trees, delivered meals and helped with household projects. New residents receive a personal welcome, while neighbors who may be isolated are intentionally invited to gatherings or visited at home.

The neighborhood also demonstrated shared leadership, with residents taking responsibility for activities and responding collectively when needs arise.

Everyday trust shines in Woodland Heights

In the Woodland Heights Neighborhood Association, judges found strong evidence that neighboring happens naturally and consistently. The neighborhood also has a very active neighborhood association and involved board members.

Residents help one another with snow removal, groceries, childcare, food, home watching and emergencies. After a major storm, neighbors worked together to clear debris. When one resident was hospitalized and was not expected to return home, neighbors cleared a fence row so they could better watch over the vacant property.

“Those kinds of stories are exactly what this award was created to uncover,” Burton said. “Neighboring becomes powerful when people know that somebody nearby sees them, knows them and will show up when needed.”

Neighborhood Honored in 2026

The contest evaluated neighborhoods on everyday mutual care, belonging and relationships, broad participation and shared leadership, collaborative problem-solving, inclusion of newcomers and vulnerable residents, consistency of neighboring throughout the year, demonstrated impact and supporting evidence. 

The application specifically asked nominees to describe participation, shared leadership, projects residents solved together and how newcomers and vulnerable residents are included. 

The award is part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week, Sept. 28–Oct. 4, an annual statewide celebration encouraging Missourians to strengthen relationships with the people who live closest to them.

“These neighborhoods remind us that strong communities don't begin at city hall or in a meeting room. They begin when someone walks across the street, learns a name, notices a need and chooses to help,” Burton said. “That is what being an engaged neighbor looks like, and it is worth celebrating.”

Learn more online at http://missourigoodneighborweek.org.

WRITTEN BY

David L. Burton

For more information, visit the Engaged Neighbor website. Take our pledge and become part of a movement! Or subscribe to our newsletter. Access some of the research documents written by David Burton, the author of this blog. Or better yet, purchase one of his books off Amazon. Contact David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.