Young Americans' Engagement with Neighbors Declines Significantly Since 2012
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The percentage of young Americans who regularly engage with neighbors has fallen from 51% in 2012 to 25% in 2025. Across all age groups, neighborly socialization has decreased, with seniors also seeing a seven-point drop. Daniel Cox, the head report researcher at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), notes young people are more likely to live among strangers and relocate frequently.
Facts First
- Young Americans' neighbor engagement fell from 51% in 2012 to 25% in 2025
- Overall neighborly chatting declined from 59% to 41% of Americans
- Senior socialization with neighbors dropped seven points since 2012
- More than one-third of young people report loneliness disrupting daily life
- Gen Z is increasingly less religious than older generations
What Happened
A report from the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) shows a significant decline in neighborly interaction among Americans since 2012. The most pronounced drop is among young Americans, whose regular engagement with neighbors fell from 51% in 2012 to 25% in 2025. Across all Americans, the percentage who chatted with neighbors a few times per week decreased from 59% to 41%. Senior socialization with neighbors also dropped seven points from its 2012 level of 56%. Daniel Cox, the head report researcher and director of the Survey Center on American Life at AEI, notes young people are more likely to live in new cities, live among strangers, and frequently relocate compared to those who have lived in the same community for decades.
Why this Matters to You
Your daily social environment may be less familiar and supportive than it was a decade ago. This decline in neighborly connection could make your community feel less cohesive and reduce opportunities for casual, local support. For younger people, this trend may be linked to the reported experience of loneliness disrupting daily life, which could affect your mental well-being and sense of belonging.
What's Next
The trends suggest community-building efforts may need to adapt to address this social shift. Local organizations and policymakers could look to create new avenues for connection that accommodate the mobility and lifestyle patterns of younger generations.