For the fifth consecutive year, we’re proud to present the 25 Most Neighborly Cities in America—communities that excel at fostering connections, promoting civic engagement, and cultivating a true sense of belonging. (See 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023).
For 2024, we’ve expanded our analysis to recognize standout cities across large, medium, and small metro categories. This approach showcases how different urban landscapes uniquely foster community spirit.
Neighborliness isn’t just a warm fuzzy feeling—it’s the bedrock of thriving communities. Our ranking considers:
- Charitable donations
- Volunteerism
- Crime rates
- Voter turnout
- Population growth
These factors help us identify cities that truly embody what it means to be a good neighbor.
As we approach National Neighbor Day on September 28th, let’s explore what makes this year’s top cities shine and why Americans are increasingly seeking connections close to home.
Without further ado, let’s unveil The 25 Most Neighborly Cities in America in 2024:
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Madison, WI
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Des Moines, IA
- Provo, UT
- Ogden, UT
- Rochester, NY
- Seattle, WA
- Richmond, VA
- Minneapolis, MN
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Boise, ID
- Phoenix, AZ
- Raleigh, NC
- Harrisburg, PA
- Tampa, FL
- Winston-Salem, NC
- El Paso, TX
- Spokane, WA
- Portland, OR
- Augusta, GA
- Omaha, NE
- Allentown, PA
- Tulsa, OK
- Honolulu, HI
For a detailed look at our methodology and survey results, check out the section at the end of this article.
New for 2024: Top Neighborly Cities by Size
This year, we’re excited to introduce rankings by city size. These subcategories showcase how community spirit thrives across various urban landscapes:
Top 5 Most Neighborly Large Cities:
- Seattle, WA
- Phoenix, AZ
- Tampa, FL
- El Paso, TX
- Portland, OR
Top 5 Most Neighborly Medium Cities:
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Madison, WI
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Des Moines, IA
- Richmond, VA
Top 5 Most Neighborly Small Cities:
- Provo, UT
- Ogden, UT
- Rochester, NY
- Harrisburg, PA
- Augusta, GA
“Our 2024 ‘Most Neighborly Cities’ list celebrates the heart of America: our local communities,” says Joseph Woodbury, Founder and CEO of Neighbor. “From bustling metros to close-knit towns, we’re seeing people come together in remarkable ways. These cities prove that even in our fast-paced world, genuine human connection can thrive. At Neighbor, we believe the antidote to many societal challenges lies in the simple act of being there for one another. As we highlight these exemplary communities, we invite everyone to join in building stronger neighborhoods, one friendly gesture at a time.”
#1: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs claims the top spot as America’s Most Neighborly City in 2024! Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, this city stands out for its exceptional volunteerism and high voter turnout. Colorado Springs embodies community spirit through strong participation in local charities, recreational activities, and neighborhood events. With its rugged outdoor charm and welcoming environment, it sets a new standard for urban communities nationwide.
#2: Madison, Wisconsin
Madison holds strong at second place in 2024’s Most Neighborly Cities. Known for its thriving farmers’ markets, outdoor recreation, and vibrant arts scene, this midwestern gem fosters a strong sense of community. With an impressive 60% voter turnout in local elections, Madison showcases high civic engagement. Its friendly, community-oriented atmosphere continues to attract recent graduates and young professionals.
#3: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach makes its top-three debut, shining as a model of southern hospitality. This coastal city boasts high voter turnout and volunteering rates, complemented by its beautiful beaches and strong sense of community. Virginia Beach’s focus on family-friendly initiatives, charity events, and civic participation cements its place among America’s most neighborly cities.
#4: Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines climbs to #4 in 2024, impressing with its welcoming atmosphere and community engagement. Known for its heartland charm, the city boasts a robust network of volunteer programs and charitable initiatives. Des Moines’ focus on building close-knit communities through local events like farmers’ markets and sports games continues to earn it national recognition.
#5: Provo, Utah
Provo secures a top-five spot for the second consecutive year, standing out as 2024’s most neighborly small metro. This Utah city ranks high for volunteerism and population growth, while also gaining recognition for its entrepreneurial spirit. Provo’s vibrant job market and welcoming community make it a standout for both families and young professionals.
#6: Ogden, Utah
Ogden ranks sixth among America’s Most Neighborly Cities in 2024, marking Utah’s second entry in the top 10. Rich in history and natural beauty, this city is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and community-oriented locals. With 50% of residents reporting volunteer activity, Ogden’s strong community involvement propels it up the rankings.
#7: Rochester, New York
Rochester maintains its neighborly reputation, placing 7th overall and 3rd among small metros in 2024. Known for high rates of charitable giving and volunteerism, this former top-ranked city continues its tradition of kindness and civic engagement. Rochesterians take pride in fostering a welcoming community, proving that small cities can have a big impact.
#8: Seattle, Washington
Seattle claims the title of the top large metro, ranking 8th overall in neighborliness. Beyond its iconic landmarks, the Emerald City shines in charitable giving and volunteer efforts. Despite urban challenges, Seattle’s commitment to building inclusive communities and focus on sustainable living sets it apart as a leader in fostering connection.
#9: Richmond, Virginia
Richmond debuts in the top 10, celebrated for its energetic arts scene and strong community spirit. With over 30,000 new residents in recent years, the city’s growth has fueled increased civic engagement and voter participation. Richmond’s blend of southern charm and hospitality proves that rapid growth can strengthen neighborly bonds.
#10: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis rounds out the top 10, known for its abundant parks, lakes, and civic engagement. This large metro maintains a close-knit feel through high rates of volunteering and charitable giving. The Twin Cities’ neighborly spirit is woven into daily life, making Minneapolis a great place to live and thrive.
#11: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh rises to 11th place in 2024’s Most Neighborly Cities rankings. While famous for its industrial roots, the “Steel City” now shines for its growing sense of community. High rates of charitable giving and volunteerism demonstrate that neighborliness here is about action, not just location. As young professionals and families flock to Pittsburgh, its reputation for friendly, helpful neighbors continues to flourish.
#12: Boise, Idaho
Boise ranks 12th on the 2024 Most Neighborly Cities list, with its robust community engagement and outdoor lifestyle driving its position. Known as an adventure lover’s paradise, Boise combines a small-town feel with big-city amenities. The city is highly regarded for its charitable initiatives, population growth, and volunteerism. As Boise’s population continues to rise, so too does its sense of togetherness, making it a model for communities that value neighborly connections.
#13: Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix comes in at 13th most neighborly city in 2024. The Arizona capital impresses with its high civic engagement, boasting a 77% voter turnout in the last election. Known for its sunny weather and strong economy, Phoenix attracts those seeking community in the desert. Its vibrant, diverse neighborhoods and family-friendly atmosphere make it ideal for building lasting relationships.
#14: Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh returns to the top 15, ranking 14th overall in 2024. Known for its strong economy and southern hospitality, this city fosters close-knit communities that value neighborliness. With 180 miles of greenway trails, Raleigh offers ample opportunities for outdoor connections. As its population grows, the city remains committed to welcoming newcomers and maintaining strong community bonds.
#15: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s capital, Harrisburg, secures 15th place on the 2024 Most Neighborly Cities list. Renowned for its scenic riverfront and rich history, the city ranks high in charitable giving and volunteering. Harrisburg’s excellent quality of life, access to parks, and close-knit communities make it ideal for families and newcomers, embodying the spirit of community-driven support.
#16: Tampa, Florida
El Paso ranks 18th on the 2024 Most Neighborly Cities list, celebrated for its cultural diversity and strong community bonds. This border city boasts high charitable giving rates and deep connections to its roots. El Paso’s welcoming atmosphere and commitment to community service make it a standout in the Southwest, where residents take pride in maintaining a tight-knit, inclusive community.
#17: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Winston-Salem claims 17th place in 2024, rising as a neighborly southern city. Once known for tobacco and donuts, it now prides itself on strong community ties and high volunteerism. With its rich history, burgeoning arts scene, and southern charm, Winston-Salem demonstrates how a small city can have a big heart.
#18: El Paso, Texas
El Paso ranks 18th on the 2024 Most Neighborly Cities list, celebrated for its cultural diversity and strong community bonds. This border city boasts high charitable giving rates and deep connections to its roots. El Paso’s welcoming atmosphere and commitment to community service make it a standout in the Southwest, where residents take pride in maintaining a tight-knit, inclusive community.
#19: Spokane, Washington
Spokane maintains its neighborly tradition, ranking 19th overall in 2024. Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, the city is renowned for its beautiful parks and strong community connections. Spokane ranks highly for volunteer efforts and charitable initiatives, reflecting residents’ dedication to improving their city. Its vibrant arts scene and commitment to environmental sustainability further strengthen the community spirit.
#20: Portland, Oregon
Portland rounds out the top 20, continuing its streak as a Most Neighborly City in 2024. Known for its unique counter-culture and emphasis on sustainability, Portland excels in charitable giving and volunteerism. Despite its focus on individuality, Portlanders maintain a strong sense of community, fostering welcoming neighborhoods for all residents.
#21: Augusta, Georgia
Augusta debuts at 21st on the 2024 Most Neighborly Cities list, proving its community spirit extends far beyond the famous golf greens. Rich in history and culture, Augusta’s residents are celebrated for their friendliness and southern hospitality. The city’s high rankings in charitable donations and volunteer participation exemplify its commitment to neighborly values.
#22: Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha secures the 22nd spot on the 2024 Most Neighborly Cities list. Known for its strong economy and midwestern values, this city excels in community engagement and charitable giving. Despite being home to Fortune 500 companies and experiencing rapid growth, Omaha maintains its close-knit community feel. Residents here embody midwestern hospitality, fostering a welcoming environment where neighbors truly help neighbors.
#23: Allentown, Pennsylvania
Allentown returns to the rankings at 23rd place in 2024. This city, known for its blue-collar roots and revitalized downtown, stands out for its volunteer efforts and charitable contributions. Despite ongoing economic growth, Allentown remains focused on building strong, supportive communities. Residents take pride in cultivating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels they belong.
#24: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa claims the 24th spot in 2024’s Most Neighborly Cities list. Renowned for its oil history and vibrant arts scene, Tulsa also shines in voter participation and volunteerism. This southern city fosters unity and support within its neighborhoods, making it ideal for families and newcomers. Tulsa’s friendly residents exemplify how neighborly values thrive in the heartland.
#25: Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu rounds out the 2024 Most Neighborly Cities list at #25. While famous for its tropical beauty, Honolulu’s sense of community rivals its tourism appeal. The city excels in charitable giving and volunteer efforts, with residents deeply invested in their community’s well-being. Honolulu’s unique blend of cultures creates tight-knit, welcoming neighborhoods, showcasing neighborly values in a large, diverse city.
Methodology
We wanted to find out which cities truly embody the spirit of neighborliness. To do this, we looked at the 100 largest metro areas in the USA, using a mix of survey data, government statistics, and consumer information.
First, we asked 1,000 Americans what they think makes a community neighborly. This wasn’t just a casual poll – it was a scientific survey with a 3.1% margin of error and 95% confidence level. Based on what people told us, we decided which factors were most important.
Here’s what we found matters most to Americans, in order of importance:
- Safety (we looked at crime rates)
- Civic duty (measured by how many people vote)
- Charitable giving and volunteering
- Population growth
We then gave each of these factors a “weight” in our calculations:
- Voter Turnout and Charitable Giving: 2X
- Volunteering: 1.5X
- Violent Crime: -2X (negative because less crime is better)
- Property Crime: -1X (also negative)
- Population Change: 0.5X
To get the final scores, we averaged all these weighted factors for each city. In some cases, we didn’t have all the information, so we just used what we had and adjusted our math accordingly.
To make sure our results were fair, we used a statistical technique called “normalization.” This ensures that one factor doesn’t overshadow the others just because its numbers are bigger.
The result? A comprehensive, balanced look at which cities in America truly deserve the title of “Most Neighborly.” We hope this list inspires you to appreciate your own community and perhaps find ways to make it even more neighborly!
Violent Crime and Property Crime
We used the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program to get data on violent and property crimes. Most of our crime stats come from the 2019 report (the most recent available). For cities without 2019 data, we used the most recent year available. Cities with less crime per person ranked higher on our list.
Volunteering
We turned to Americorps for data on volunteering rates in U.S. cities. Their comprehensive research helped us identify which cities have the most active volunteers.
Voter Turnout
We looked at how many people voted in contested mayoral races. Why mayoral races? They give us a better picture of local civic engagement than national elections do. We gathered this info from various sources, mainly official local government websites like Boston.gov. We calculated turnout by dividing the total votes by the number of registered voters. For a few cities without recent data, we used their last available mayoral race.
Charitable Giving
To measure charitable giving, we used data from Meta (formerly Facebook). They provide insights on user interest in charities and causes. For each metro area, we calculated the percentage of adult users interested in “charity and causes.” We then ranked cities from highest to lowest based on this percentage.
Population Change
We used the U.S. Census Bureau data to see how city populations changed. We compared the two most recent years (2023 and 2022) and calculated the percentage change for each metro area.
Survey Questions and Responses
How long have you lived in your current primary residence?
- 15.1% have been there under 2 years
- 30.6% have been there 2-5 years
- 21.7% have been there 6-10 years
- 32.6% have been there over 10 years
Do you consider the neighborhood you currently live in to be:
- 45.2% consider their neighborhood to be permanent
- 39.5% consider it a long-term neighborhood
- 15.3% consider it a temporary neighborhood
Please select the statement that best describes the community you live in:
- 26% say generally similar types of people, and nothing unusual
- 16.1% say similar types of people, but definitely not “cookie-cutter”
- 48.9% say diverse and different types of people, but otherwise pretty “normal”
- 9% say different unique
How do you rate the importance of living in a neighborly community?
- 22.4% say very high
- 36.8% say high
- 35.8% say moderate
- 3.1% say low
- 1.9% say very low
Select ALL of the following that describe your current neighbors:
- 46% say caring
- 75.7% say friendly
- 38.2% say interesting
- 53.2% say trustworthy
- 70.2% say respectful
- 9.7% say disrespectful
- 14.1% say annoying
- 11% say judgmental
- 10.2% say rude
- 2% say none of the above
Please select the statement that best describes your overall relationship with neighbors:
- 18.7% say they talk all the time with their neighbors, many of whom are great friends, and like most or all of them
- 47.1% say they are friendly with their neighbors whenever they interact, but it depends on when and who
- 19.7% say they are only friendly when needed, and usually don’t seek out their neighbors
- 7% say they avoid some of their neighbors
- 7.5% say they avoid most most or all of their neighbors
How many of your neighbors do you know on a first-name basis?
- 8.4% say none
- 44.8% say a few
- 16.8% say about half
- 22.8% say most of them
- 7.2% say all of them
How likely are you to ask your neighbors for help if/when needed?
- 17.9% say very likely
- 45.4% say somewhat likely
- 22.5% say somewhat unlikely
- 14.2$ say very unlikely
Do you find your neighbors to be helpful when needed?
- 32.7% say always
- 40.9% say sometimes
- 8% say rarely
- 3.6% say never
- 14.8% say they would never ask for anything
Do you find your neighbors to be friendly?
- 48.5% say always
- 383% say sometimes
- 5.1% say rarely
- 2.3% say never
- 5.8% say they never ask for anything
Select ALL of the types of neighborhood events your consider important for having a strong community:
- 29.1% say block parties
- 10.6% say an HOA
- 46.2% say events in nearby/local parks, like games, live music, or movie nights
- 15.9% say neighborhood workouts, yoga, or fitness
- 19.6% say charity or cause fundraisers
- 23.1% say local school sports
- 22.8% say local church event
- 28.7% say volunteer /service projects (ex: park cleaning)
- 2% say other
- 27.9% say none of the above
Select ALL of the following you’ve done with neighbors in recent memory:
- 30.2% said they’ve attended an outdoor party or event
- 20.2% said they’ve attended an indoor party or event
- 7.1% said they’ve traveled together
- 29.4% said they’ve shared a meal together
- 19.8% said they’ve watched a game together
- 13.2% said they’ve had a game night (ex: poker night, bowling, etc.)
- 11.7% said they’ve attended kids’s sports game together
- 14.9% said they’ve shopped at local farmers markets together
- 8.9% said they’ve worked out together
- 16.2% said they’ve listened to live music together
- 18.1% said they’ve swam/ had pool time together
- 13.5% said they’ve attended a local church event
- 12.3% said they’ve volunteered/ participate in service projects together (ex: park cleaning)
- 35.9% said none of the above
Over the past year, how often have you attended neighborhood or community events (farmers markets, local festivals, garage sales, lemonade stands etc.)?
- 6.1% said weekly
- 18.2% said monthly
- 27.6% said a few times a year
- 17% said once or twice
- 9.3% said never
- 21.8% said their neighborhood does not host organized events
In the next year, do you want to participate in your community:
- 10.8% said much more
- 25.9% said somewhat more
- 53.6% said about the same
- 4% said somewhat less
- 5.7% said much less
Select ALL of the ways you currently volunteer or would consider volunteering in your neighborhood:
- 42.6% said neighborhood watch
- 33% said park or beach clean up
- 6.5% said volunteer firefighter
- 29.6% said helping with school events
- 26.5% said helping with church functions
- 17.6% said sports: playing, coaching, refereeing, etc.
- 28.9% said none of the above
Select ALL circumstances in which you would lend space in your home, garage, driveway, or lawn to a neighbor:
- 62.9% said during a natural disaster (blizzard, tornado, flood, hurricane, earthquake, etc.)
- 29% said for military deployment storage
- 26% said if their neighbor needed to borrow space for a major new purchase (car, boat, RV, etc.)
- 49.1% said hiding holiday presents from kids
- 25.4% said for long term absence/ sabbatical
- 39.2% said if their neighbor was in financial trouble
- 52% said if their neighbor was dealing with challenging family issues
- 13.2% said none of the above
Select ALL of the following spaces in your home you might be willing to lend to a neighbor in need:
- 29.1% said basement
- 48.8% said garage
- 35% said driveway
- 35.4% said guest bedroom
- 45.1% said backyard
- 9.5% said pool house
- 28.5% said porch/ balcony / deck
- 14.5% said none of the above
Please rank the importance of the each of following in your life, from most important to least important: (Mean)
- Good neighbors: 2.0
- Large home or lot: 2.7
- Short commute: 2.7
- Quality neighborhood schools: 2.6
Please rank the importance of the each of following in your life, from most important to least important: (% Top Rank)
- 41.4% said good neighbors is important
- 19.7% said large home or lot is important
- 15.5% said a short commute is important
- 23.4% said quality neighborhood school is important
Select ALL of the following you’ve done before (it’s ok to admit it!)
- 24.7% said they’ve lied about being busy to avoid attending a neighbor’s event
- 41.7% said they’ve pretended to not see a neighbor in order to avoid talking to them
- 9.8% said they’ve plotted revenge against a bad neighbor
- 9.4% said they sent an anonymous letter of complaint
- 16.4% said they’ve filed an official complaint, called the police, or sued
- 18.2% said they’ve been annoyed political signs on a neighbor’s property
- 35% said none of the above
Please select the statement about election season and your neighbors that best applies to you:
- 8.7% said they lived in a neighborhood that’s very politically active, and they are usually participating
- 11% said they live in a neighborhood that’s very politically active, but this means they have some crazy neighbors who take it too far
- 7.9% said their neighborhood isn’t very political, but they wish it was
- 49.5% said their neighborhood isn’t very political, and they are fine with that
- 22.9% said they generally ignore politics in their neighborhood
Select ALL of the ways you’ve seen the political divide in America impact your neighbors:
- 12.9% said they’ve seen a heated argument in the yard or driveway over politics
- 17.3% said they’ve seen complaints in online forums
- 9.3% said they’ve seen issues brought up in an HOA or neighborhood association meeting
- 15.2% said friendships have ended over political allegiance
- 10.7% said they’ve seen neighbors who’ve considered moving because of neighborhood politics
- 13.5% said they’ve seen property damage, sign theft, or other vandalism
- 59.9% said they haven’t seen any impact
Which of the following best describes your political affiliation:
- 25.1% said definitely a democrat
- 13.1% said they lean democrat
- 22.4% said they are not affiliated with a party or are independent
- 14.7% said they lean republican
- 18.7% said they are definitely a republican
- .9% said other party
- 5.1% said they don’t care at all
