Survey: Majority Of People Will Help Neighbors

BERKLEY (WWJ) - Is your neighborhood neighborly?  A new survey looks at how well we know the people who live around us.

State Farm Insurance and consumer research firm Harris Interactive surveyed more than 17,000 people about the state of American neighbors.  They found that the vast majority, 83 percent, are willing to help a neighbor having financial problems.

"We've always known good neighbors are important in good times and in bad," said Mike Davidson, State Farm Vice Chairman and Chief Agency Marketing Officer.  "What's encouraging is that people in every state are willing to step up and assist."

Some people say one friendly neighborhood, Berkley, is a real-life Mayberry (the fictional community on "The Andy Griffith Show").

Visiting the city with its walkable downtown and tree-lined neighborhoods, WWJ's Marie Osborne spoke to Annie who shared coffee with her neighbor at the Coffee Beanery.

Annie said she considers her neighbors like an extended family.

"They look out for the neighborhood and really take care of one another if somebody needed something," said Annie. "Being there, having people on my street on my block that I know, is that if I did need something or somewhere to keep a spare key when you get locked out," she laughed.

The survey found that 44 percent of neighbors cook for each other and Annie says she does that.  Annie said it's something she learned from her mother.

However, while Americans are more than willing to help in times of need, the survey also found that 60 percent have a pet peeve with their current neighbors.  The top listed complaints are related to out-of-control pets or children, noise and poorly maintained property.