Living in a community has its ups and downs. Getting to know your neighbors under normal circumstances can give you some peace of mind and security—unless they’re nosy neighbors who might have you feeling just the opposite.
We’ve all encountered this type—86% of Americans have had at least one nosy neighbor in their lives. Whether they’re peeking out and watching from behind a curtain, calling to complain about how you keep your home, showing up unannounced, or doing their yardwork suspiciously close to where you’re having a private conversation, nosy neighbors can be, at best, a nuisance—at worst, a nightmare.
A recent study by All Star Home surveyed Americans to find out which states have the nosiest neighbors. Their findings also reveal how people cope with their nosy neighbors and get their peace at home back.
So, if you’re dealing with a nosy neighbor, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we break down which states have the nosiest neighbors, how their meddling manifests, and how to protect your privacy.
States with the Nosiest Neighbors
If you’ve been blessed with good neighbors, you might be wondering how common it is to have ones who poke around in your business. According to All-Star Home’s study, many Americans are the victims of noisy neighbors.
Out of every 10 Americans, 3 have lived next to neighbors who peek over their fences or into their homes. Unexpected visits have happened to 2 in 5 who have had neighbors show up unannounced, while 1 in 12 Americans have experienced a neighbor going through the mail or packages.
But nosiness seems more common in some places than others. Of all the states in the U.S., Michigan ranked as the nosiest. As many as 1 in 2 Michigan residents have caught their neighbor peeking over their fence. Next in line is South Carolina, where as many as 1 in 4 residents have had neighbors show up unannounced to their homes or invite themselves over without an invitation.
Some cities have high concentrations of nosy neighbors, too. Memphis, TN, ranked as the nosiest city, with 1 in 4 residents reporting their neighbors have asked them inappropriate questions.
Louisville, KY, came in second, with 1 in 6 residents saying their neighbors have gone through their mail. Louisville residents are also most likely to have neighbors staring at them from afar. Sounds like it would be hard to feel comfortable at home!
What to Do about Nosy Neighbors
Dealing with a nosy neighbor is undeniably stressful. Your home is supposed to be your haven, where you can relax and feel safe. When someone is constantly trying to get into your business, it’s hard to feel that peace of mind.
But there are ways to deter and protect yourself against prying eyes. Here are some tips you can try.
1. Block Their View
If your neighbor is the peeping type, you can use indoor or outdoor features to block their view. If they’re looking in your windows, try putting up or closing your blinds to shut them out. All-Star Home’s survey found this was the most common way to deal with nosy neighbors.
If you find them peeking into your yard, you could try what nearly 3 in 10 Americans do—put up a fence or greenery to block their view. If you already have a fence, you might want to consider making it taller.
2. Install Security Cameras
As many as 1 in 4 Americans have installed security cameras to help keep an eye on their neighbors. Not only does this deter them from crossing boundaries—nosy people typically don’t like it when you spy on them back—but it also gives you the security of concrete documentation.
Most nosy behavior is harmless, so you shouldn’t assume the worst. But if things ever escalate, having security cameras in place provides footage that you can use as evidence of inappropriate behavior.
3. Confront Them
It sounds intimidating, but as many as 2 in 5 Americans confront their nosy neighbors. Feel out the situation before you go this route. It might be effective if your neighbor is just lonely or doesn’t realize they’re overstepping.
Even if they are self-aware, shedding light on their inappropriate behavior might embarrass them into cutting it out. But don’t feel pressure to confront a neighbor directly if you don’t feel safe or comfortable doing so.
4. Move Away
This is the nuclear option, but it might be the right one, depending on your situation. As many as 1 in 6 Americans have gone as far as to move away from their nosy neighbors.
Moving is a huge ordeal, so it’s important to weigh your options first. But sometimes, leaving the neighborhood is better than dealing with a neighbor’s inappropriate behavior, especially if it compromises your family’s health and safety.
And if you do move, you might want to go west. All-Star Home’s survey found the least nosy neighbors live in states like New Mexico, Minnesota, and Washington, with Seattle, WA, and Los Angeles, CA, being the least nosy cities.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with nosy neighbors boils down to one thing—setting boundaries. We all deserve our personal space. By following the tips in this article, you can shield yourself from unwanted snooping while keeping the peace in your community.
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And if your neighborhood happens to be especially nosy, don’t worry. Just remember to close your curtains and keep your private chats indoors, and you can enjoy a peaceful life away from prying eyes.
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