Today, September 28, marks national neighbor day, and there is perhaps no better way to mark it than with a celebration of America's 25 most neighborly cities.
We often feature some of the world's best homes, admired for their grand architecture and inspiring decor ideas. However, an important part of a home's charm is in its location, and these 25 are especially noteworthy.
The study by Neighbor assessed a host of factors, including charitable donations, volunteering, and happiness levels. For the first time this year, the study also surveyed Americans about their neighborly habits, their relationships with their neighbors, and what they think makes a community most neighborly.
The results? The researchers declared Rochester, New York, as America's most neighborly city, closely followed by Madison, Wisconsin; Provo, Utah; Oxnard, California; and Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Rochester climbed from second place last year after ranking third overall for neighborly acts and forth for volunteering. The researchers also praised the city for its charitable giving and happiness levels alongside the natural amenities that residents enjoy.
The city is also home to Art Park, the only state park in the US that's dedicated to visual and performing arts. Therefore, Rochester may well be the best place to buy a house if you're enthusiastic about culture.
'One of the things we often hear from visitors is how welcoming and friendly Rochesterians are,’ said Don Jeffries, the president and CEO of Visit Rochester, when the city ranked second in 2021. 'This ranking is well-deserved and captures the warm welcome visitors can expect when they visit Greater Rochester.'
Rochester, New York
Madison, Wisconsin, fell from the top spot in 2021 to second place, but it still boasts the most local nonprofits per capita on this year's list of 16.6 per 10,000 residents. 'It's clear that those who live in Madison love to help each other out, and this city still has a well-deserved spot in the top two,' Neighbor says.
Meanwhile, Provo, Utah, made significant progress from last year, climbing from 23rd place to third in 2022. This city had the highest rate of charitable giving, alongside the highest volume of residents who reported volunteering for local organizations.
After Rochester, Madison, and Provo? The complete list of the most neighborly cities is right here:
- Rochester, New York
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Provo, Utah
- Oxnard, California
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Poughkeepsie, New York
- Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- Des Moines, Iowa
- San Jose, California
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Ogden, Utah
- Seattle, Washington
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- New Haven, Connecticut
- Portland, Oregon
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Toledo, Ohio
- Springfield, Massachusetts
- Albany, New York
- Allentown, Pennsylvania
- Spokane, Washington
Madison, Wisconsin (2nd place)
Whether you're looking for how to find your forever home or you're searching out a friendly vacation spot these cities deserve a place at the top of your agenda. We'll meet you in Rochester.
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