US homeowners prioritize neighbor quality in real estate decisions

A survey by Garon Fence reveals that neighbor quality significantly influences real estate decisions in the United States. Approximately 80% of Americans consider neighbor quality when purchasing a home, with 41% stating they would abandon a purchase if faced with bad neighbors. Financial incentives vary, as nearly 40% of respondents would pay an additional $5,000 to ensure good neighbors, while some would pay $20,000 or more.

Contrary to common assumptions, political ideology is a minor source of friction, accounting for only 3.6% of neighbor tensions. The primary drivers of conflict include neglected property appearance (11.1%), noise (11.0%), boundary encroachment (8.7%), and pets (7.9%).

Social avoidance is also prevalent, with nearly half of Americans reporting they have actively avoided their neighbors. This includes staying indoors to avoid interaction or pretending not to see them. The tendency to hide from neighbors is more pronounced among younger generations, with only 40% of Gen Z reporting they have never hidden, compared to 65% of Baby Boomers.