Few things in life feel as magical as walking into a city where everyone smiles back, holds the door open, or asks, “How’s your day going?” That might or might not seem like a very outdated notion in a hustle-and-bustle world, but in 2025, kindness is defining the evolution of cities. The more kind folks there are, the safer their neighborhoods, their happiness level, and their economies will be.
According to researchers at VolunteerMatch, cities that excel in topics of generosity and fairness can impress with their community development. In the meantime, surveys such as the “friendliest cities” study by Preply reveal one aspect of the truth that cannot be unlearned or deemed unnecessary: seemingly small actions, like giving directions or engaging in a friendly conversation, can have a profoundly positive impact on the lives of the entire community.
Here are 17 American cities that have learned how to be good neighbors.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
The people of Virginia Beach are at the top of their game in the matter of giving back. They volunteer more hours than almost anywhere in the country, establishing a solid foundation of neighborhood connectivity.
The city also impressively has low rates of poverty and a good safety record, making it a delight to be a resident and experience a sense of belonging and well-being. Efforts to improve the lives of underserved and homeless communities, as well as preserve the coastal environment, are welcome here. Even the animals are not left behind.
Virginia Beach is renowned for its pet-friendly beaches and parks, offering an environment that fosters harmonious coexistence between humans and their four-legged companions.
Austin, Texas
Austin might attract people with its live music and a vibrant food scene; however, at the heart of this city in Texas is its people. The prominent residents of this area are also ranked among the friendliest in America in survey reports, whether it comes to volunteering in local events or welcoming new people with a friendly “Hello, Howdy!”
Austin exudes warmth and hospitality. It is a city where niceness becomes an opportunity; its job market is booming, its city parks are among the finest in the country, and its culture embodies an altruistic ethic. Austin has demonstrated that big hearts and big ideas can work in tandem to produce a thriving and welcoming town.
Naperville, Illinois
Naperville is a family and community-based city. A combination of fantastic schools, properly cared-for parks, and an outstanding safety record, it is the type of neighborhood where everybody knows whose kid is whose.
Noble causes inspire volunteerism and foster a sense of unity, allowing people to form lasting relationships. It could be a block party in town or a city-wide clean-up day, but either way, Naperville is the type of town where everyone feels that they fit in; the friendly nature of the city makes that happen.
The Woodlands, Texas
The Woodlands serves as a model for incorporating community focus into urban planning. Strollable paths, parks, and well-planned communities are ideal, as residents can meet easily in a natural way.
The city also boasts an active calendar of community events, from farmers’ markets to outdoor concerts, which bring people together in meaningful ways. The result? A place that seems like an extended neighborhood, where people are friendly and relate to each other.
Charlotte, North Carolina
As in the rest of the South, this kind of Southern charm thrives in Charlotte, and its people are described as those who are eager to lend a hand and make a difference. The city’s culture encompasses numerous charitable activities and a strong volunteer spirit, which complements the energy of urban life, enhanced by the atmosphere of its surrounding neighborhoods.
It can be as simple as patronizing local businesses, participating in food initiatives, or even assisting a stranger in crisis. Still, either way, Charlotte is as hospitable as it gets in the South.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio has a rich history, and its community reflects a similar heritage. A city of big-hearted people, it fosters these bonds through economic assistance, its environmental projects, and its cultural events.
Strolling through the famous River Walk or having a taco chat in a local establishment, you are going to experience the good-naturedness that characterizes this city. San Antonio is a testament to the fact that goodwill can be just as much a part of a city’s heritage as its attractions.
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is a city that thrives on cooperation. Natives never hesitate to roll up their sleeves and unite in volunteer or locally coordinated programs. This welcoming city in the Midwest combines spirit with economy, providing its population with easy access to public facilities and continuous initiatives that foster unity within the society.
Columbus entertains with arts events and neighborhood clean-ups, demonstrating that kindness can facilitate growth and unity.
San Diego, California
San Diego is not only about ideal weather and some lovely sandy beaches, but it is also a place of givers and good citizens. People here are extremely conscientious in all issues, including beach clean-up, and social justice and compassion are very central to the city’s culture.
Whether riding the waves or making a fish taco, you will notice that, just like the sunny days, kindness comes naturally to San Diego.
Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville may be small, but its heart is big. This is a walkable city that promotes spontaneous encounters, whether in its lively downtown area or its parks, where people meet and greet one another with smiles on their faces.
Social gatherings, such as the art walk and farmers’ market, are other elements that make the city of Greenville more special and welcoming, where people not only enjoy beautiful scenery but also kindness.
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison is a metropolis that strikes a balance between environmental consciousness and a strong sense of community. Residents in this area take the topic of sustainability seriously, while also being concerned with inclusivity and volunteerism.
Madison has created a city where people meet each other with the intent of being nice to them and to the planet, from livestock events and farmers’ markets to family-friendly park events.
Fremont, California
Fremont is part of Silicon Valley, one of the fastest-growing regions; however, the city has a humane atmosphere. Fremont is regarded as a shining example of social and environmental consciousness, while embracing the latest technologies with generosity.
Fremont has a variety of communities where people adopt a sustainable mindset, which consequently makes kindness a natural part of their lives.
Phoenix, Arizona
The city in the U.S. that is currently growing the fastest is Phoenix, yet its generosity maintains the same pace as its growth. The people who live in the city are friendly through their gestures and active participation in community programs, thus creating a welcoming environment for both new and long-time residents.
Phoenix proves that as the city grows, so will the show of kindness.
Chesapeake, Virginia
Chesapeake has plenty of parks, trails, and waterways, where you can find serenity and social connection in equal measure. The city has a lot to offer its residents, including outdoor activities and volunteer work, which serve as means of uniting people and showcasing the town’s natural beauty.
It is the kind of city where everyone is polite, just like the nature that surrounds it.
Cambridge, Massachusetts
The city of Cambridge is renowned for hosting some of the world’s best universities, but what many people do not realize is that the city is also at the forefront of community care.
The city also invests in education-oriented programs, equity-enhancing initiatives in the economy, and cultural events to foster unity among its people. People in this city cultivate their intellect, and here, empathy helps them build a town where people are kind to one another.
Jersey City, New Jersey
Jersey City is a bright example of how one can achieve unity through diversity. The city closes divisions and creates cross-cultural and cross-economic bridges through programs that impact immigrant and low-income families, as well as initiatives aimed at preserving the environment.
Jersey City is effective in fostering a sense of belonging among all people.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh combines its rapidly developing status as a technological center with traditions of Southern hospitality. With its bustling main streets and innovative startups, the city is a warm and welcoming environment.
The people living in the town take pride in merging development with a sense of kindness, ensuring the city remains connected to its principles.
Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines is a city where affordability meets generosity. Residents of this area are also actively engaged in social activities, charity projects, and initiatives aimed at making society more inclusive.
People in the city can concentrate more on giving back due to its low cost of living, and genuine kindness exists where economics and empathy merge.
Key Takeaway
Although these 17 cities may look different, they all know how to transform small gestures of kindness into flourishing communities. Wondering what the towns have inspired you through their volunteerism, friendliness, or intellectual empathy, it is easy to realize that kindness is a powerful thing.
Are you seeking a place where neighbors genuinely care and communities support one another? Then these cities are the ones to consider.
Disclaimer–This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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