Survey Reveals Americans Avoiding Neighbors More Than Ever

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A new survey of over 1,000 Americans found that many people are spending less time getting to know their neighbors, with 1 in 3 saying they actively avoid their neighbors. Reasons range from ongoing feuds and disagreements to a lack of interest in small talk. The survey also found that nearly 75% of Americans don't feel a sense of community where they live, and almost 1 in 5 say they feel lonely in their own neighborhood.

Why it matters

Declining neighbor relationships and community engagement can have broader impacts, from increased feelings of isolation and loneliness to more neighborhood disputes and a breakdown of the social fabric. As people become more disconnected from those living closest to them, it may become harder to build the trust and support systems that help strengthen local communities.

The details

The survey found that over 20% of Americans are dealing with some kind of feud or disagreement with their neighbors, while others simply don't enjoy the small talk required to build relationships. Additionally, over 10% say they've been harassed by a neighbor, and about 13% have had to file a complaint or call the police due to a neighbor issue. The survey also revealed that 70% of Americans would rather order something online than ask a neighbor for help, indicating the 'borrow a cup of sugar' days may be over.

• The survey of over 1,000 Americans was conducted in March 2026.