From porch lights glowing in Utah to park benches welcoming residents in North Carolina, the spirit of neighbourliness remains vibrant and widespread across the United States. A comprehensive new report from real estate brokerage Redfin has systematically ranked the most neighbourly American cities, evaluating key factors including volunteer participation, direct assistance between neighbours, and active community engagement.
Salt Lake City Crowned Most Neighbourly Metropolis
Salt Lake City, Utah, has been crowned the nation's most neighbourly city, with residents demonstrating a commitment that extends far beyond a simple wave hello. The Utah capital secured the top position due to exceptional rates of volunteerism, a strong culture of lending a helping hand, and a profound sense of community that manifests in activities ranging from organised neighbourhood clean-ups to the tradition of leaving 'Harvest Bags' of groceries on porches during Halloween.
'Neighbourliness looks different depending on the community, but the common thread is people showing up for one another,' Redfin chief economist Daryl Fairweather explained to the Daily Mail. 'In some cities, that means high volunteerism or strong charitable giving. In others, it’s neighbours checking in regularly, organising block parties, sharing tools, or helping with childcare.'
The Top Ten Cities for Community Spirit
The Redfin analysis reveals a diverse geographical spread, proving that a strong neighbourly ethos can thrive in every corner of the country, irrespective of local politics or culture. Notably, the highest-ranking cities are not concentrated in the Northeast, though this absence does not indicate a lack of community. In many Northeastern areas, social bonds often form through longstanding friendships, family networks, and informal local institutions like corner shops and pubs—elements that may not always be captured in formal survey data.
Here is the definitive list of where to find a cup of sugar—or an abundance of goodwill:
- Salt Lake City, Utah: With a median home price of $544,000, Salt Lake City leads due to sky-high volunteer rates and residents who genuinely know each other. Community spirit is integral to daily life, from mural projects in Sugar House to block parties in The Avenues. Local Redfin agent Daniel Lopez noted, 'We take out each other's trash bins, we meet on the trails and the slopes... We find fulfilment in giving back.'
- Portland, Oregon: Portland's friendliness is evident in both charity and public life. Nearly 60% of residents donated to charity last year, and walkable neighbourhoods like Hawthorne foster connection through events like massive clothing swaps. Agent Meme Loggins observed buyers teaming up with friends and family to afford homes and live communally.
- Kansas City, Missouri: Characterised by low fences and high friendships, over half of Kansas City residents assist a neighbour monthly. Community festivals, farmers' markets, and art fairs keep social ties strong. Agent Jo Chavez described the symbolic lack of tall fences as a testament to the close-knit community.
- Denver, Colorado: Beyond mountain vistas, Denver ranks first for charitable giving and excels in neighbourly assistance, with volunteers shovelling snow and running errands for seniors. Agent Tamara Mattox-Kabat emphasised the city's compelling sense of community for residents.
- Nashville, Tennessee: Music City's social energy extends off-stage, with nearly 30% of residents regularly discussing civic issues with neighbours. Volunteerism flourishes in walkable areas like Eastwood and Sylvan Park.
- Atlanta, Georgia: A robust network of civic groups and local clubs, visible at events like Candler Park festivals, connects neighbours across Atlanta's diverse neighbourhoods.
- San Diego, California: The sunny disposition here goes beyond the beach. In districts like University Heights, neighbours bond at parades, street fairs, and community concerts under blue skies.
- Austin, Texas: Creativity drives connection in Austin. Volunteer projects, farmers' markets, and music festivals in areas like Mueller provide ample mingling opportunities.
- Raleigh, North Carolina: Southern hospitality meets abundant green space; a remarkable 93% of residents live within half a mile of a park, facilitating spontaneous friendships in locales like Five Points.
- Tampa, Florida: From Hyde Park's markets to Seminole Heights' gatherings, Tampa residents actively support one another, particularly during community service initiatives and times of need.
Common Traits of Neighbourly Communities
Redfin's rankings assessed volunteerism, charitable giving, community dialogue, and the frequency of neighbourly assistance across major metropolitan areas. The findings illustrate that, whether nestled in mountains, the Midwest, or along the coast, America retains significant neighbourly magic.
Fairweather identified consistent traits among the top cities: 'high rates of volunteering and charitable giving, neighbours helping neighbours frequently, active social networks and civic organisations; access to parks or community spaces, and a level of affordability that allows people to stay put and build ties.'
She highlighted a crucial link between cost of living and community spirit. 'Affordability and neighbourliness often show up together. When people can afford to stay in their communities, they’re more likely to invest time in local organisations, get to know their neighbours and participate in civic life.'
Fairweather concluded with a policy insight: 'Policymakers can foster neighbourly cities by supporting dense, affordable housing that is built near community amenities like parks, playgrounds and libraries where local residents can get to know each other.'
