By Jennifer McKee
Who are the people in your neighborhood? We’re likeliest to know here in Augusta, Georgia, named the “Most Neighborly City in America” in 2020 by Neighbor.com in celebration of National Good Neighborhood Day (September 28).
Augusta earned the top spot through its charitable giving, formal and informal volunteering and whether its residents feel happy, safe and proud of their communities. This data was gathered through reports published by the Office of Policy Development and Research.
Neighbor found that 87.5 percent of tax returns from Augusta residents included charitable giving, with an average of $7,000, and that 25 percent of residents spent time volunteering. In addition, 11.2 percent of Augusta workers carpool, well above the 9 percent national average.
“As our city continues to grow and thrive, this recognition is a testament to the work that has taken place in Augusta over the last several years,” said Mayor Hardie Davis, Jr., in a report published by Augusta CEO. “Communities are at their best when the people living in them are invested. Volunteering and supporting worthwhile causes are key investments that help strengthen Augusta and I’m grateful to the residents who do all that they can to contribute to our successes.”
And that neighborly tone continues through the South: Augusta neighbors Columbia, South Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina ranked #3 and #9, respectively, on the list.
