New Study Reveals West as Home to Over 50% of America’s Friendliest Neighborhoods
A recent study conducted by All Star Home has revealed that over 50% of America’s friendliest neighborhoods are located in the western states. The study, which analyzed the 200-most viewed neighborhoods on Zillow from 2022 to 2023, took into account Google reviews for both the areas themselves and the businesses located there.
The top spot for the friendliest community in America goes to the Magnolia neighborhood in Seattle, Washington. Melissa Stephenson, spokesperson for All Star Home, believes that the high marks received by Western communities can be attributed to factors such as good weather, nice topography, good businesses, and overall happier people.
Angie Mykel, broker/owner of Keller Williams Greater Seattle, was not surprised that Magnolia earned first place. She describes the neighborhood as an idyllic place with a classic Americana feel, reminiscent of a bygone era. Magnolia offers amenities such as quaint shops, restaurants, a community center, a pool with kids’ birthday parties, a farmer’s market, and numerous festivals throughout the year. Additionally, the neighborhood is just a 10-minute drive from downtown Seattle and offers expansive views of the Puget Sound.
However, with all its charm and amenities, homes in Magnolia come with a hefty price tag. In January, the median price for a single-family home in Magnolia was $1.48 million. Ms. Mykel acknowledges that finding a home in Magnolia can take time due to low inventory. Currently, there are only 46 properties on the market, with 33 of them being single-family homes.
The second friendliest neighborhood on the list is Houston’s Kingwood neighborhood, followed by Highland in St Paul, Minnesota; Rancho Bernardo in San Diego, California; and South Boulevard Park Row Historic district in Dallas, Texas. Two neighborhoods in Tucson, Arizona, and two in Portland, Oregon, also made the top 20 list. Surprisingly, the only New York City location to make the list is Tribeca, which came in at number 18.
Tribeca is situated just south of Canal Street and Chinatown, bordering the Hudson River on Manhattan’s West Side. It is adjacent to the financial district and is known for its trendy vibe and residential lofts converted from old industrial buildings. The area offers cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and restaurants. Despite its reputation as an expensive neighborhood, Tribeca has experienced a revitalization of its waterfront district and new residential development, making it attractive to families. However, one-bedroom apartments in Tribeca can range from $1.5 to $3.5 million, while two-bedroom apartments can go for $3 to $7 million.
The study also found that several of the friendliest neighborhoods are among the nation’s most upscale communities. Although this may be attributed to their wealthier residents, the study analyzed reviews from people of all socioeconomic levels. Grocery stores and retailers received the highest ratings, with Trader Joe’s being voted the friendliest well-known store. Other highly rated businesses included dry cleaners, pharmacies, coffee shops, and automotive services. The key factor contributing to their popularity was the quality of customer service provided by these establishments.
On the other end of the spectrum, the study also identified the least friendly neighborhoods in America, including North Dallas, Ansley Park in Atlanta, and South Dorchester in Boston.
Overall, the study by All Star Home sheds light on the friendliest neighborhoods in America, with Western states taking the lead. These communities offer a combination of appealing factors such as good weather, beautiful landscapes, thriving businesses, and welcoming residents. While some of these neighborhoods may come with a higher price tag, their amenities and charm make them highly sought after places to live.
