Are Neighbors Becoming Strangers in New York?

Think about your own neighborhood for a moment. Do you know the people who live next door? Do you talk to them once in a while, or mostly just wave when you happen to see them?

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A new survey of more than 1,000 Americans suggests that many people are spending less time knowing their neighbors, and some are even going out of their way to avoid them.

Many People Avoid Talking to Their Neighbors

1 in 3 Americans say they avoid their neighbors. Over 20% say they’re dealing with some kind of disagreement, while others say they don’t enjoy small talk or feel nervous around them.

Some People Feel Lonely in Their Own Neighborhoods

Almost 75% of Americans say they don’t feel a sense of community where they live. And nearly 1 in 5 people say they feel lonely in their neighborhood. That means a lot of people are surrounded by houses and apartments but feel like they’re on their own.

Neighbor Disputes Are More Common Than You Might Think

The survey found that 11% of people say they have been harassed by a neighbor, and about 13% say they’ve had to file a complaint or even call the police because of a neighbor problem.

The “Borrow a Cup of Sugar” Days May Be Over

There used to be a time when people would knock on a neighbor’s door to borrow something like a cup of sugar. Today, things are different. 70% of Americans would rather order something online than ask a neighbor for help.

Younger Generations Feel Even Less Connected

The survey also found that younger adults are the least likely to connect with their neighbors. Nearly half of Gen Z respondents said they wouldn’t feel comfortable knocking on a neighbor’s door, even just to introduce themselves.