Nearly 70% of Homeowners Feel Secondhand Embarrassed by Neighboring Yards

Sixty-nine percent of homeowners have experienced secondhand embarrassment from their neighbors’ yards, according to a survey from Top Rail Fence.

While many homeowners take pride in maintaining their yards and increasing curb appeal, some are less concerned with their home’s exterior appearance. Of the 869 homeowners surveyed, a large majority expressed negative feelings toward their neighbors’ home upkeep and maintenance habits.

When asked how they felt about the appearance of their neighbors’ yards, respondents said:

• Bothered (36%)
• Frustrated (34%)
• Embarrassed (34%)
• Admiration (29%)
• Empathetic (22%)
• Envious (20%)
• None of the above (21%)

Generationally, millennials and Gen X experienced the most negative feelings, with 42% of millennials and 37% of Gen X reporting frustration and 45% of both admitting embarrassment.

More than half (55%) of respondents said that the appearance of their neighbor’s yard can impact their own ability to enjoy their outdoor space. More men (63%) agreed with this than women (47%).

Eyesores reported included:

• Trash (59%)
• Overgrown grass (55%)
• Overgrown landscaping (52%)
• Junk cars (47%)
• Dilapidated structures (42%)

What’s the solution to embarrassing neighboring yards? Not having to look at them. Eighty-two percent of homeowners said that a privacy fence would increase the enjoyment of their outdoor living space.

Notably, the survey also found that unkept yards may push away potential homebuyers, as 75% of respondents said they wouldn’t move to a community if the surrounding neighbors’ yards were an eyesore.

Overall, homeowners who keep their yards looking nice may stay in the good graces of their neighbors while helping to attract more people to their communities.