Recent studies have shown that few Americans know their neighbors well, and even fewer engage with their neighbors in any meaningful way. This makes it difficult for people to be good neighbors to one another, but one holiday hopes to change that.

That holiday is National Good Neighbor Day. It’s a day observed annually on September 28th and encourages everyone to get to know their neighbors better. After all, if people know their neighbors better, they can work towards being the best neighbor they can be.

The History of National Good Neighbor Day

This holiday was officially created by Becky Mattson in the 1970s. It then became official when U.S. President Jimmy Carter issued Proclamation 4601, which made National Good Neighbor Day an official holiday. It was originally placed on the fourth Sunday in September, but the date was changed in 2003 to be held annually on September 28th.

Facts About Neighbors in the U.S.

Since we’re talking about National Good Neighbor Day, we thought it would be a good opportunity to discuss some interesting facts about neighbors in the U.S. During our research, we came across some interesting facts about neighbors, and we’d like to share these with everyone below.

Most Americans Don’t Know All Their Neighbors

According to a recent scientific study, approximately 57% of all Americans admit to only knowing some of their neighbors. Only 26% of them know most of their neighbors. Americans who are 65 years or older are more likely to know most of their neighbors, and 23% of Americans under the age of 30 know any of their neighbors.

Interactions Between Neighbors Are Rare

For most Americans who know at least some of their neighbors, over half of them say they never get together with those neighbors for parties or other social gatherings. About 30% say that they get together with their neighbors less than once a month, and about 15% say they get together with their neighbors more than once a month.

Rural Americans Are More Likely to Know Their Neighbors

Research has discovered that people living in rural areas are more likely to know a majority of their neighbors than those living in urban or suburban areas. 40% of rural residents say they know all or most of their neighbors.

About 28% of suburban residents say they know most of their neighbors, and about 24% of urban residents say they know most of their neighbors.

Observing National Good Neighbor Day

National Good Neighbor Day can be observed by taking a few moments out of your day to interact with your neighbors. This can be as simple as striking up a conversation with them, inviting them over for coffee, or introducing them to your pets.

While you’re getting to know your neighbors better, you can also use the hashtag #NationalGoodNeighborDay on your social media accounts to spread the word about this holiday.