Provo, Utah Declared America's Most Neighborly City for 2026

In a heartwarming announcement, Neighbor.com, the largest marketplace for storage and parking solutions, has named Provo, Utah, as the most neighborly city in America for 2026. This recognition comes in the wake of a national survey aimed at uncovering the key factors that contribute to neighborliness among cities across the United States.

Survey Insights

Interestingly, this year’s ranking was informed by the voices of over 1,000 residents who participated in a survey, sharing their perspectives on the qualities that define a neighborly city. Key factors included the safety of neighborhoods, the willingness of residents to lend a helping hand to one another, and the level of civic involvement seen in various community activities. The survey's results guided the evaluation of cities across numerous categories, reinforcing that neighborliness transcends city size.

Provo'sAchievements

Provo stood out prominently in this year’s rankings, thanks to its strong sense of community and low crime rates. According to figures from the IRS, residents of Utah County demonstrated remarkable charitable behavior, donating an average of 4.5% of their income in 2023 – a significant figure compared to the national average. In addition, Provo achieved impressive marks across five of the seven measured categories, securing the second spot for local sharing and ranking among the top three for volunteer efforts.

Notably, Provo climbed from fifth place in 2024 to its current top position, marking a consistent trend of neighborly qualities over the past four years. The city's significant achievements can be attributed not just to its residents’ giving spirits but also to its proactive community initiatives and engagement.

Joseph Woodbury, co-founder and CEO of Neighbor, remarked, "From Provo to San Francisco, this year’s winners show that neighborliness is a matter of the heart, not just geography. This spirit is what we aspire to foster at Neighbor.com, where people can create connections locally while utilizing their unused spaces."

Neighborliness Beyond Geography

The rankings also showed a divergence in neighborly attitudes based on demographics. Findings from the survey indicated that although many Americans express a desire to support their neighbors in times of crisis – with 94% indicating they would help during emergencies – a significant number of individuals lack familiarity with the neighbors living right next to them. A striking 34% of respondents could only name two or fewer neighbors by first name, and 10% admitted they didn't know any.

Age demographics further elaborated on this trend. It was revealed that half of adults under 35 were less acquainted with their neighbors compared to older respondents, even though both groups felt a relatively similar closeness to those living nearby. This illustrates a shift in how community engagement and neighborly connections are viewed across different generations and points to the need for initiatives that encourage more active and meaningful interactions.

Full Rankings

Provo was not alone in its success; it was joined on the podium by San Francisco, California, and Boise, Idaho, which took second and third places respectively. The following ranks included cities like Madison, Wisconsin, and Virginia Beach, Virginia, rounding out the top five most neighborly cities.

Interestingly, the results were further categorized by city size, leading to distinctions among large, medium, and small cities, ensuring all neighborhoods had an opportunity to shine. San Francisco won the award for large cities, while Boise was recognized for medium-sized cities, and Provo took the accolade for smaller cities.

Looking Ahead

As Good Neighbor Day approaches, Neighbor.com hopes to inspire more Americans to strengthen their ties within their communities. Woodbury encourages everyone to take simple, yet meaningful actions by getting to know their neighbors better. After all, neighborliness is not solely about big gestures but rather the daily connections we build, making our communities stronger and more supportive.

Provo, Utah’s recognition as the most neighborly city reminds us all that behind every neighborhood, there are residents who care, who give, and who create a sense of belonging. Here’s to neighborliness thriving across the nation as we move forward into 2026!