The 25 Most Neighborly Cities in America

Is neighborly love a thing of the past?

Not in these 25 cities. According to Neighbor.com, the following cities stand out for charitable donations, volunteer work, low crime rates, population change, and voter turnouts. 

In these challenging times when Americans report increasing loneliness and division, recognizing America’s ‘Most Neighborly Cities’ is not just a celebratory act, but a call for unity and hope. Good neighbors heal our society’s biggest wounds, starting with the smallest friendly gesture. The real magic of community is the ability to uplift and magnify our impact.

Joseph Woodbury

Founder and CEO

Keep reading to find out if your local market made the list.

The Epitome of Neighborliness

Madison, Wisconsin, takes the top crown as the “Most Neighborly City in America” for 2023. Its strong sense of community shines through consistently high rankings in volunteerism, charity, and remarkably low crime rates. 

Here’s the complete list of the top 25 most neighborly cities in America:

1. Madison, Wisconsin
2. Minneapolis, Minnesota
3. Colorado Springs, Colorado 
4. Sarasota, Florida
5. Rochester, New York 
6. Provo, Utah
7. Salt Lake City, Utah
8. Ogden, Utah
9. Raleigh, North Carolina 
10. Richmond, Virginia
11. Virginia Beach, Virginia
12. Seattle, Washington
13. Toledo, Ohio
14. Portland, Oregon
15. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
16. Winston-Salem, North Carolina
17. Buffalo, New York
18. Des Moines, Iowa
19. Boise, Idaho
20. Phoenix, Arizona
21. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
22. Washington, D.C. 
23. New Haven, Connecticut 
24. Knoxville, Tennessee
25. Cincinnati, Ohio

Neighborly Habits in America

In addition to identifying the top 25 Neighborly Cities, Neighbor also uncovered some neighborly habits in a survey of 1,000 Americans. 

To start, it found that 85% of Americans surveyed are planning to stay in their current residences for the long term, with 45% considering it a permanent commitment. Those who are willing to stay in a community long-term are often more likely to be involved in it. 

Additionally, 90% of residents plan to participate in neighborhood events in the coming year, from block parties to live music performances and farmer’s markets. But those surveyed aren’t just there for the good times—94% of residents are willing to help their neighbors in the event of a natural disaster. 

Good Neighbors, Strong Communities

One of the most remarkable aspects of the top neighborly cities is the strong sense of connection among residents. As a real estate professional, you can use this information to help your clients envision the kind of community they’ll be joining.

Residents in these cities don’t just keep to themselves; they actively engage in helping one another. Whether it’s assisting with volunteer work or lending a hand during difficult times like illness or natural disasters, these communities thrive on mutual support.

The sense of unity goes beyond individual households. Neighborhood events play a pivotal role in strengthening local ties. From park gatherings with live music, games, or movies to neighborhood block parties, residents actively participate, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

Even in today’s polarized world, these communities manage to maintain a sense of political unity. While 40% have seen political divides impact their neighbors, the majority focus on maintaining respectful relationships despite differing viewpoints. 

In these top neighborly cities, being a good neighbor isn’t just a catchphrase; it’s a way of life that strengthens the bonds of the community.