TODAY’S NEIGHBORS CRAVE INTERACTION, BUT DATA SHOW THERE’S LITTLE FOLLOW THROUGH

State Farm^® releases new data highlighting generational and cultural differences of neighbors

PR Newswire – Bloomington, Ill., (May 17, 2016) — With all of society’s changes, people still value interacting with their neighbors, whether it takes place next door or within a virtual community. However, when it comes to how they connect with each other, several surprising disconnects have emerged.

To understand what’s really happening in the neighborhood, State Farm commissioned a survey by Harris Poll to examine how people across the United States see neighbor relationships. The survey was conducted online among a national sample of 6,051 U.S. adults 18 and over. Findings include specific areas where attitudes and actions do not align. However, with simple actions, these are bridgeable gaps.

Key Findings
A sense of community among neighbors is a constant desire across generations, but the survey findings show Millennials may not know exactly how to connect; while Baby Boomers are generally most satisfied with relationships. Additionally, culture, gender and technology may play critical roles in neighbor relationships. Below are highlights of the findings.

• Millennials aren’t connecting, but they want to: 40 percent of Millennials wish they were more connected with neighbors, but are least likely to have had a face-to-face interaction in the last month (58 percent among millennials vs. 61 percent to 79 percent among older generations).
• The neighborhood gathering is organized by a dedicated few: 58 percent of neighbors says it’s important for neighbors to socialize, but only 16 percent of men and 11 percent of women have ever organized a social event. And 42 percent of men/34 percent of women regularly get together for holidays/events with their neighbors.
• Welcoming is important, but not happening: The majority (75 percent) of neighbors say it is important to welcome new neighbors, but only 41 percent say they were welcomed when they moved in. Only 46 percent actually welcomed someone new into the neighborhood.
• Everyday helpfulness is valued, but not requested: Though indicated as a good neighbor trait, only 37 percent of respondents reported that they were more likely to ask a neighbor for help with a small project than a friend who does not live in their neighborhood. Although for those age 51 and older helping a neighbor in need is commonly defined as a good neighbor.

Bridging the neighbor gap
State Farm enlisted the help of Harriette Cole, an etiquette expert and nationally recognized advice columnist, to help neighbors take the first step to connect.

“We make connections all the time. At the office, in the grocery store, on social media, so we should also be able connect with the people we share our buildings, lawns and streets,” said Cole “It all starts with simple actions like saying hello and finding common interests.”

Digital neighbors are emerging: A small, but significant, group of neighbors are relying on digital communication – from using social media to playing video games together. Hispanic Americans are leading the way in online communication, in their neighborhood with 36 percent saying their neighborhood uses social media. And, seven percent of millennial males report playing computer games with a neighbor.