What makes a city friendly? Neighbor.com analyzed the 100 largest metro areas, surveying 1,000 Americans and using government and consumer data to pinpoint the friendliest cities in the USA.
The ranking considered factors like violent crime, voter turnout, charitable giving, volunteering, property crime, and population change.
1. Madison, Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin, claims the top spot as the most neighborly city in the US.
- Community and Activities: Madison locals connect at the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the country. “Mad City” also boasts incredible outdoor recreation and a stellar food and drink scene.
- Civic Engagement: Residents are politically active, with 59.67% participating in the last mayoral race.
2. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis embodies Midwest hospitality, scoring high in volunteering and charitable giving.
- Community Support: This community loves supporting others.
- Attractions: Minneapolis features scenic blue lakes, a thriving art scene, and proximity to the Mall of America.
3. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs is known for its gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountains and has the highest volunteer rates.
- Volunteerism: 69% of residents support a local organization.
- Real Estate: For three years in a row, this charming Colorado city has had one of America’s hottest real estate markets.
4. Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota, Florida, offers a warm climate and sandy beaches.
- Population Growth: It has the highest population change of the top 25 cities, adding 3.4% new residents between 2021 and 2022.
5. Rochester, New York
Rochester is an exception to the typical New Yorker stereotype, scoring high marks in charitable giving and volunteering.
6. Provo, Utah
Provo, Utah, offers opportunity, community support, and affordable living.
- Community and Economy: Many Provo residents volunteer within their community, and people are flocking there for its affordable cost of living. Some of the largest companies in the state are headquartered in Provo, and it was ranked as one of the best new places to start a business.
7. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City earns high remarks for its safe neighborhoods, voter turnouts, and volunteering.
- Tech Hub: It has also been dubbed the next Silicon Valley for attracting tech talent from all over.
8. Ogden, Utah
Ogden, the oldest city in Utah, is home to many helping hands, as 50% of its residents reported volunteering in the community.
- Lifestyle: Its vibrant downtown and proximity to awe-inspiring outdoor entertainment and recreation make Ogden a desirable place to live.
9. Raleigh, North Carolina
Many people who’ve been to Raleigh know its pleasant charm and neighborly feel.
- Economy and Climate: With a strong economy, abundant jobs, enjoyable climate, and small-town hospitality, you’ll feel right at home in Raleigh, even if you’re a newcomer.
- Outdoor Activities: There are 180 miles of greenway trails to explore for every outdoorsy resident.
10. Richmond, Virginia
As the political capital of Virginia, Richmond has made its way onto the list of most neighborly cities.
- Population Growth: Since the housing market pushes people to relocate to more affordable communities, Richmond has seen more than 30,000 new faces move between 2020 and mid-2022.
- Civic Engagement: It also ranked among the top 10 cities for highest voter turnout.
11. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is a popular vacation destination and also one of the most neighborly places to live.
- Civic Engagement: It ranked the highest for its substantial number of voter turnouts in the community.
- Attractions: It’s also close to several family-friendly attractions, including Grommet Island Park.
12. Seattle, Washington
Seattle is full of residents who care about giving back to the community and helping it grow.
- Economy and Community: The coffee capital of America earned high scores in charitable giving and volunteering. It’s also home to several major tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon.
Alicia Richards