The time worn adage that fences make good neighbors is as true as it ever was, but fences don't work in cities. So Improvenet.com set out to find the cities where the neighbors are good, and not good. Interestingly, it found that the hotter the city, the more likely the hotter the tempers.
We surveyed residents from 24 of the biggest cities in America, and, inevitably, there were winners and losers. Atop the list of most annoying cities are Dallas, Miami and Austin. Cities where neighbors are least annoying include Minneapolis, Portland and Atlanta. Interestingly, climate may play a role—four of the five most annoying cities are in hot, southern climates and four of the five least annoying cities are in temperate climates further north. Maybe staying cool is part of the equation? Either way, we know Americans have a long list of specific complaints.
Without question, noise is the leading offense. Loud music is the top culprit in that category, and no city has the volume turned up higher than Houston. People also cite loud kids, pets and TVs as top ten issues, but drowning those out are the loud voices of our fellow adults. Loud talking and shouting is the second most annoying thing that neighbors do!
General grumpiness also made the top ten, along with parking issues and dog poop (we’re looking at you, Nashville). Other modes of annoyance include smells (tobacco, pets, cooking) and filth (overflowing garbage, dirty yard, dirty home exterior). As for common annoyances that are not-so-annoying, Americans are forgiving when it comes to personal expression, specifically in the form of yard signs, holiday decorations, and… nudity in and around the property.
