Renters Feel Less Connected to Their Neighborhoods Compared to Homeowners

Renters Feel Less Connected to Their Neighborhoods Than Homeowners, Redfin Survey Reveals

A new survey conducted by Redfin, the technology-powered real estate brokerage, highlights a striking disparity between renters and homeowners when it comes to feeling a sense of belonging in their neighborhoods. According to the study, less than half of U.S. renters (46.7%) reported feeling a connection to their community, compared to almost two-thirds (63.6%) of homeowners.

This sense of belonging—or lack thereof—has deeper implications for how people perceive their local environments and interact with their neighbors. “When someone buys a home, they’re making an investment in a property and a neighborhood, which means they’ll probably see their neighbors for years to come. Many homeowners seek out positive relationships with their neighbors as a result,” explained Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather.

Renters Less Likely to Share Commonalities or Interact With Neighbors

The survey also revealed significant differences in how renters and homeowners perceive their relationships with neighbors. Only 38.9% of renters felt they had things in common with their neighbors, compared to 58.5% of homeowners. Renters were also more likely to avoid their neighbors, with 41.6% admitting they try to steer clear of interactions, as opposed to 33.1% of homeowners.

“Renters tend to stay in their homes for shorter periods, which means they’re often less motivated to build lasting connections with their neighbors,” Fairweather added. This contrasts with homeowners, who are typically more invested in their neighborhoods due to longer stays and considerations like raising families or establishing roots.

The survey found that less than half (47.6%) of respondents who had lived in their current residence for under a year felt a sense of belonging in their neighborhood. However, this figure rose to 58.1% among those who had been in their homes for six to ten years, regardless of whether they were renters or homeowners.

Broader Trends Highlight Social Divisions

Despite the differences between renters and homeowners, a notable portion of respondents across both groups reported feeling disconnected from their neighborhoods. About 21.2% of renters and 12.5% of homeowners said they did not feel a sense of belonging in their communities. This lack of connection could reflect the growing political, economic, and social divisions seen across the U.S.

Millennials and Gen Z Homeowners Feel the Strongest Sense of Belonging

Interestingly, young homeowners emerged as the demographic most likely to feel a sense of belonging in their neighborhoods. Over two-thirds (67.6%) of millennial and Gen Z homeowners reported feeling connected to their communities, compared to just 44.4% of their renter counterparts.

Additionally, nearly two-thirds (63.7%) of millennial/Gen Z homeowners said they had commonalities with their neighbors, making them the most likely group to share this sentiment. By contrast, Gen X renters were the least likely to feel they had things in common with their neighbors, with only 36% agreeing.

“Young homeowners may feel more connected to their communities because they’ve recently chosen to live there, while older homeowners may feel less connected if their neighborhoods have changed significantly since they first moved in,” Fairweather noted.

Millennial and Gen Z renters were also the most likely to try to avoid interacting with their neighbors, with 45.7% expressing this tendency. Meanwhile, baby boomer homeowners were the least likely to avoid their neighbors, with only 24.8% admitting to such behavior.

Study Details and Methodology

The survey, commissioned by Redfin and conducted by Ipsos in September 2024, polled 894 U.S. renters and 805 U.S. homeowners aged 18 to 65. Among the participants, responses varied significantly based on age, homeownership status, and duration of residence. The findings shed light on how housing choices impact community engagement and social connections.

About Redfin

Redfin is a technology-driven real estate company that helps people buy, sell, and rent homes. Since its founding in 2006, Redfin has served over 100 markets in the U.S. and Canada, saving customers more than $1.6 billion in commissions. In addition to real estate brokerage, Redfin provides rental services, lending, title insurance, and innovative tools like WalkScore® to empower customers.

To learn more about housing market trends and access the full report, including survey charts and methodology, visit the Redfin Data Center at www.redfin.com.


This version maintains the article’s core insights while presenting the information in a reader-friendly narrative.

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