Madison: A Neighborly City
Looking to live in a community where residents are happy to share a smile or even a cup of sugar? Madison, Wisconsin, has been recognized as one of the most neighborly cities in America.
According to a recent study by Neighbor.com, the fourth annual “Most Neighborly Cities in America” rankings revealed that Madison consistently ranks highly due to its strong commitment to charity, volunteer work, and community support.
Survey Insights
In this year’s rankings, Madison emerged as the top city, reflecting an established culture of neighborliness. This is crucial, especially during challenging times when feelings of loneliness and disconnection may be prevalent.
Joseph Woodbury, founder and CEO of Neighbor.com, stated, “Good neighbors heal our society’s biggest wounds, starting with the smallest friendly gesture.” This emphasizes the importance of community and connection in fostering a positive living environment.
In addition to Madison, other cities recognized for their neighborly spirit include Minneapolis; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Sarasota, Florida; Rochester, New York; Provo, Salt Lake City, and Ogden in Utah; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Richmond, Virginia.
A Call to Action
Anne Sayers, Wisconsin’s tourism secretary, expressed her delight over Madison’s recognition, stating, “This recognition is a reflection of the warm, supportive, and proactive community spirit found in Wisconsin.” She encourages all Wisconsinites to cultivate an atmosphere of neighborliness and community cohesion.
The Neighbor survey, which gathered insights from 1,000 Americans, highlighted that residents value gathering and community engagement. A significant 90% of respondents plan to attend more neighborhood events over the next year, with park gatherings and block parties being highly favored.
Moreover, the survey revealed that small acts of kindness can have a tremendous impact. Simple gestures, such as retrieving and safely storing mail for a neighbor, assisting with yard work, or exchanging family recipes, contribute significantly to building strong community bonds.
Therefore, next time a neighbor heads out on vacation, consider offering to collect their mail. Such acts of kindness foster a strong sense of community and belonging.
