According to a 2025 Pew Research Center survey, only 26 percent of adults in the United States say they know all or most of their neighbors, a decline from 31 percent in 2018. The finding highlights a growing disconnect in American communities, even as overall trust in neighbors remains high: 90 percent of adults say they trust some, most, or all of the people in their neighborhood.
Who Knows Their Neighbors?
The survey reveals that those most likely to know and trust their neighbors are typically older, higher-income white Americans living in rural or suburban areas who attend religious services regularly. This leaves a significant portion of the population without strong local ties. Experts interviewed by Vox emphasize that knowing neighbors is critical for mental and physical health, and can be lifesaving during extreme weather events or ICE raids that make individuals vulnerable at home.
Benefits of Strong Community Bonds
Having a strong local community can improve overall well-being. These low-stakes, casual connections are easy to form and can make living in close proximity feel like a classic sitcom. However, neighbor relationships can also become fraught when conflicts arise, given their connection to privacy, security, and identity. Technology, such as doorbell cameras and social platforms, makes it easier to see and contact neighbors, which can both help and hinder relationships.
Navigating Neighbor Relations
Learning to handle conflicts with grace and empathy is essential. This week, Even Better explores various aspects of neighbor relations, including the impact of doorbell camera surveillance, the art of the neighbor note, and ways to turn neighbors into friends. The goal is to inspire readers to wave, introduce themselves, or ask to borrow a cup of sugar, fostering a more connected community.
