Austin Ranks 7th On Friendliest Neighbors List: Report

AUSTIN, TX — Howdy, neighbor! It's an often-heard sentiment of goodwill and collegiality in these parts, yet people in the capital city seem to really mean it. According to a new study, Austin ranks 7th among the cities with the friendliest neighbors.

Improvenet recently surveyed 2,500 Americans from across the country to assess how neighbors are getting along during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the need for physical distancing and staying home as much as possible to help blunt the spread of illness, it's become more challenging staying active, engaged and connected with our neighbors.

Those living in Austin have risen to the occasion, as the results of the study would indicate. According to the report:

• 70 percent of Austin residents socialize frequently with their neighbors in ranking 7th nationally.
• 67 percent of Austin residents offered to help their neighbors during the pandemic ranking 10th nationally.
• 38 percent of Austin residents socialized with their neighbors for two-plus hours during the pandemic, ranking 19th nationally.

That's better than the national average. Other highly ranked cities in terms of friendly neighbors include Houston in the fifth ranking and San Antonio, ranked 15th. The neighborly quotient in Austin bested the national average, as illustrated in the report. Across the U.S.:

• 69 percent of Americans have gotten to know their neighbors better during the pandemic and 65 percent have made an effort to be more friendly than usual.
• 57 percent say neighbors have helped to fill the void of visiting with friends and family during the pandemic.
• 54 percent say they’ve had at least one socially distanced gathering with neighbors during the pandemic.
• During the pandemic, 67 percent have offered help of some sort to their neighbors and 62 percent say they’ve received the same offer in return.

According to the study, these are the top 10 cities with most friendly neighbors:

1. Los Angeles.

2. New York (New York City?!?!).

3. San Francisco.

4. San Diego, California.

5. Houston.

6. Columbus, Ohio.

7. Austin.

8. Chicago.

9. Las Vegas.

10. Atlanta.

For more details, take a look at the full report.

Improvenet centers on home improvement and repair projects, matching its patrons with professional contractors.