Palm Bay received a \u201cgood neighborhood\u201d score of 81 out of 100, the highest among the three Florida metros. Tampa and Cape Coral each scored 79.<\/p>\n
The mortgage lender surveyed more than 1,000 U.S. adults about the qualities they value in their neighbors and neighborhoods. Researchers then compared the 100 largest U.S. metropolitan areas using data from the FBI, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow and County Health Rankings.<\/p>\n
The ranking considered safety, cleanliness and upkeep, access to health care, walkability, parks and green space, and housing value.<\/p>\n
Safety was the strongest category for all three Florida metros. Cape Coral and Palm Bay had two of the lowest principal-city crime rates among the areas included in the analysis.<\/p>\n
Madison, Wisconsin, earned the top overall ranking, followed by Allentown and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania, Minneapolis and Boston.<\/p>\n
The accompanying survey found that 56% of Americans consider respecting boundaries and privacy the most important quality in a neighbor. Being quiet and considerate came next at 47%.<\/p>\n
Nearly two-thirds of respondents said they prefer neighbors who are friendly but maintain some distance instead of becoming close friends.<\/p>\n
The study also found that 66% of Americans have at least one neighbor they could rely on during an emergency. Renters were almost twice as likely as homeowners to say they lacked an emergency contact in their neighborhood, 44% compared with 24%.<\/p>\n
More than half of respondents said they would pay a premium to live in a more connected community, while 23% would pay between 5% and 10% more for a home with great neighbors.<\/p>\n
When asked what matters most for long-term happiness at home, 36% selected their neighborhood and neighbors. By comparison, 13% chose the price they paid for their home.<\/p>\n
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