Have you ever seen a neighborhood on a TV show and wished you lived there? Or maybe you’ve strolled through a charming local business district while on vacation, wondering why you can’t find anything quite like it back home? We all have images of idyllic, picture-perfect towns we wish were more like home.
Well, nice neighborhoods aren’t found solely on our TV screens. A new study by All-Star Home breaks down exactly where you can find towns like Stars Hollow, Pawnee, and Schitt’s Creek all across America.
The West has the most friendly neighborhoods
If you’re looking for friendliness, our study says to head west. Ranking #1 for the friendliest neighborhood in the US is Seattle’s Magnolia area, with nearly 20% of reviews featuring the word “friendly.” Not to be outdone, Corry’s Fine Dry Cleaning, located in Seattle’s Capitol Hill, earned the impressive spot of 8th nicest business in the nation.
Showing the friendly trend extends south, three coastal neighborhoods joined Magnolia in the top 10: Portland’s Mount Tabor (7th), as well as San Diego’s Rancho Bernardo (4th), and Rancho Penasquitos (9th).
But the focus isn’t only on the coast—Texas made a strong showing, too. Houston’s Kingwood clinched the status of a second-friendliest neighborhood, with around 19% of reviews mentioning its “friendliness.”
The Lone Star state actually boasted four of the top 20 friendliest neighborhoods, including Dallas’ historic South Boulevard Park Row (5th), Fort Worth’s South Hills (11th), and San Antonio’s The Dominion (20th). Also highlighted were Austin’s Joyville and El Paso’s Northwest neighborhoods, which made the list of friendliest neighborhoods in large cities.
Texas businesses left their mark, too—Houndstooth Coffee in Dallas and both Cedra Pharmacy and Kingwood Tire and Automotive Service in Houston ranked among the nation’s nicest.
Rounding out the top 10 friendliest neighborhoods were St. Paul’s Highland neighborhood (3rd) and a double entry from Tucson with Casas Adobes (6th) and Catalina Foothills (8th).
Friendliest neighborhoods in large cities
Cities aren’t usually known for being the nicest places. But the “mean streets” in some neighborhoods might not be so mean. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of being on the right block.
New York City is notoriously crabby, but you can find a much-needed break from the typical grumpiness in the trendy Tribeca district. Similarly, the Bucktown neighborhood in Chicago is an oasis of “Midwest Nice.”
In Washington, D.C., politics take a backseat to the welcoming vibe in the Capitol Hill locale. And if you find yourself on the West Coast, consider dropping by Bel Air. Hollywood glitz and glamor aside, this Los Angeles area proves it can be just as warm-hearted and welcoming as a quaint little town. It seems no matter where you jet off to, friendly neighborhoods aren’t impossible to find—even within the hustle and bustle of big city life.
Friendliest businesses
Nice neighborhoods are made up of the people and places in them. Stars Hollow wouldn’t be quite the same without the hominess of Luke’s Diner or the charm of Miss Patty’s dance studio.
So, which businesses earn their keep when it comes to friendliness? Topping the list is a major chain store, Trader Joe’s, with around 15% of reviews mentioning its friendliness. With a business model that embraces “adventure, humor, and a warm sense of community,” it’s no surprise this popular grocery store takes the crown.
Hot on its heels are surprisingly diverse businesses: The UPS Store at number two, followed by Great Clips at three, and Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts rounding out the top five. Other grocery chains also score well in friendliness, including Safeway, ALDI, and Whole Foods Market, coming in at 10, 12, and 13, respectively.
The ElectraPly Bike is here, and it’s going to blow your mind!(Opens in a new browser tab)
However, it seems banks have a little work to do to win our hearts, with Wells Fargo and Bank of America coming in at 24 and 25 on our friendly business list.
When it comes to smaller businesses, Prestige Cleaners in Phoenix, Drip-Thru Coffee in Atlanta, and Morgan’s Pharmacy in Washington, D.C., are leading the pack in spreading friendly vibes. It just goes to show, big or small, all businesses have the potential to make us feel valued and welcome.
So, the next time you’re planning a trip or even thinking about moving, keep in mind that it’s not just about the beautiful scenery or famous attractions. It’s also about the people you meet and the experiences you have. With this list in hand, you’re in a good place to find the friendliest neighborhoods and businesses no matter where you roam.
Discussion about this post