Madison is America’s ‘Most Neighborly’ City

By Christina Lorey

March 27, 2025

What makes a city “neighborly”? Since 2020, Neighbor.com has released an annual ranking of the “most neighborly cities” in the US based on the following factors:

✅ Violent and property crime

✅ Volunteering

✅ Voter turnout

✅ Charitable giving

✅ Population

Data analysts then rank 100 of the largest metro areas in the US.

“Good neighbors heal our society’s biggest wounds, starting with the smallest friendly gesture,” Joseph Woodbury, Founder and CEO of Neighbor explained. “The real magic of community is the ability to uplift and magnify our impact.”

🏠 FULL LIST: The 10 Most Neighborly Cities in America

America’s most “neighborly” city? Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin’s capital has ranked in the Top 10 every year the study has been conducted–most recently, taking the top spot thanks to its high-scoring outdoor recreation scene . Madison has the most parks and playgrounds per capita of any of the 100 largest US cities!

As of 2021, “Mad Town” is also Wisconsin’s fastest-growing city, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and home to major employers like the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Lands’ End, Spectrum Brands, American Girl and more.

According to the Neighbor report, Madison is also attracting a high number of recent graduates who have chosen to move to the friendly, Midwest city over New York City or San Francisco.

Author

Christina Lorey

Christina Lorey is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist and former UpNorthNews newsletter editor. She previously worked as a producer, reporter, and TV anchor for stations in Madison and Moline. When she’s not writing or asking questions, Christina volunteers with Girls on the Run, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and several mental health organizations.

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CATEGORIES: LOCAL CULTURE

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