What It Means To Be A "Neighbor" Today

The digital social world may be booming, but a recent State Farm survey found that face-to-face interactions between neighbors are still valued—both for happiness and financial security. Below are some findings from The State of American Neighbor’s Survey:

Help during hardship. Whether it's lending money or time, people want to care for the family next door. In a survey of more than 17,000 people, 83 percent said they would be willing to assist a neighbor who was struggling financially.

• 45 percent would help a neighbor search for a job
• 44 percent would provide meals for a neighbor in need
• 32 percent would baby-sit
• 15 percent would lend money

Acts of kindness. Neighbors say they are also performing other charitable acts for those across the fence.

• 46 percent look out for a neighbor's house
• 39 percent lend items to their neighbors
• 15 percent watch each other's kids

Staying in contact. The willingness to help a neighbor may be linked to positive social interactions.

• 86 percent of the respondents said that neighbors impact their happiness at least somewhat
• 25 percent knew most of their neighbors by name
• 71 percent said they chat with neighbors face-to-face at least once a month, with 12 percent keeping in touch via social media too

Make the first move to know your neighbors better. Wave when you drive by, chat over the fence or invite them to a game night in your home. That neighborly bond will make you happier and may just come in handy when you're in need of assistance—or even a cup of sugar. To find out more about the survey go to http://stateofneighbors.com/.