THE AUSTRALIAN soap opera Neighbours might have ended, but the moral from its theme tune will be with us for some time to come – after all, everybody needs good neighbours.
A new survey has found out exactly what makes the perfect neighbour, one who will be there for one another, and is only a footstep away.
Top characteristics, as defined by people living in the southeast, include volunteering (33%), checking in on elderly members of the community (31%) and picking up rubbish in and around the area (29%).
Nationally, donating to food banks, doing odd jobs for community members, and keeping the garden neat and tidy also featured highly.
The study also found a fifth would consider someone who is trusted to look after a neighbour’s keys, pets and plants to be a great citizen, with the same number citing shopping locally as a virtue.
It also emerged 36% in the South East region feel ‘worthwhile’ when they do something they believe benefits their community, whilst 41% (vs 30% national average) are proud to help in their local community.
A study of 2,000 Brits has revealed the top 40 factors which make up the perfect member of the community, with 21% of those in the South East region believing they fit the perfect citizen model, compared to 15% nationally.
The research was commissioned by housebuilder Redrow, and found that 53% of those living in the South East had become good friends with their neighbours as a result of helping out in their community.
Mark Vanson, Director of Sales at Redrow Southern Counties, said: “Far from nightmare neighbours, this research paints a picture of the model citizens we’d love to live next door to. There’s a lot of conversation about community spirit and whether there’s enough of it in the UK at the moment.
“We strive to deliver a better way of living for people, and that means thinking about the whole development and the community. Our research gives some great tips on how you can be the best citizen possible and brighten up the lives of those living around you.”
However, 44% of South East respondents said they consider themselves to be ‘average’ citizens, who don’t go above and beyond in their local area and 29% believe they could still be doing ‘a lot’ more. Only 14% feel they’re doing as much as they possibly could.
Of those who feel they could give more, 38% struggle after a hard-working week, and 22% don’t think they live somewhere with a ‘community feel’.
Respondents said that the main benefit from a more community-minded neighbourhood in the South East region would simply be having someone to talk to (34%). 26% would like their neighbours to check in on them and 18% would like to go to more social events.
Mr Vanson added: “Our research shows homeowners living with a higher level of community spirit are happier, which is why we ensure all our developments follow our ‘Listen to Learn’ placemaking design principle.
“This approach recognises that a successful place to live is one which responds to the needs and aspirations of the local community and is thoughtfully designed to encourage sustainable community engagement.
“From shopping locally to checking in on elderly members of the community, we understand that communities thrive when they are made up of good citizens who look out for one another and respect their environment and those within it.”
