37 per cent of us don’t want to get to know our neighbours, according to a new study by realestate.com.au.
Another 15 per cent said they go out of their way to avoid speaking to neighbours, while one in ten of us use our neighbour’s bin without asking (guilty as charged).
More than one in ten have also called the cops on their neighbours (been there, done that).
And Baby Boomers were snubbing their neighbours just as much as Gen Y, with similar results between age groups as well as between those living in cities and regional and rural areas.
A less-than-warm welcome?
realestate.com.au Executive General Manager of Residential, Andrew Rechtman said the results were a surprise, considering Aussies are known for their friendly nature.
“When people are searching for a home one of the first questions they ask is – what are the neighbours like and what will my neighbourhood be like?” he said.
“We know that more connected neighbours can lead to safer communities, as residents are more inclined to look out for one another.”
That sense of community is certainly one of the bonuses of living in a retirement village.
It wasn’t all bad news though. There are still over 60 per cent of us who do want to know our neighbours – or at least figure out if we can borrow your lawnmower.
