Whether you live in a big city and they’re just on the other side of a wall, or you live in a rural area with acres separating you, we all have neighbors. No matter how much distance is between you, neighbors can have a major impact on your quality of life and your neighborhood.
To find out how Americans feel about those living around them, Anytime Estimate surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults, including 60% who own their home, 32% who rent and another 8% in an “alternate living situation.”
- Having good neighbors is as important as price or location when buying a home for 82%.
- Nearly one in five (19%) would be willing to pay $10-thousand or more above the price of a comparable home just to avoid bad neighbors. Another 12% would pay $20-thousand extra.
- If it guaranteed they’d never have to interact with their neighbors, 19% would spend at least $10-thousand more and 13% would pay at least $20-thousand.
- More than half (56%) of those polled have complaints about their neighbors and 49% of homeowners have had to spend money on neighbor issues, like landscaping, fences, repairing damage and even legal fees.
- About half (49%) say a neighbor has wronged them in the past, 29% have felt judged by a neighbor and 22% have had a neighbor make them feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
- The most common complaints are neighbors hosting loud parties regularly (27%) and letting their dog go to the bathroom in their yard without cleaning it up (26%).
- Neighbors who yell or fight often are a dealbreaker for 88% of Americans, while 84% feel the same about those who let their dog bark excessively.
- So, what makes a good neighbor? Someone who’s trustworthy (65%), quiet (51%), maintains their home and yard (47%), will help when asked - like bringing in packages or watering plants (42%), and keeps to themself (42%).
- As for who Americans would want as neighbors, an older couple tops the list (59%), followed by a police officer (52%), a single adult (47%), a dog owner (45%) or a family with young kids (42%).
- Overall, 86% think it’s important to get along with their neighbors and 90% consider themselves to be a good neighbor.
Source: Anytime Estimate⠀
Scott's Thoughts:
- Sure, we all think we’re good neighbors, but what would your neighbor say?
- These days, many people don't even know their neighbors after living there for years!
- I stay a good neighbor mostly by minding my own business.