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New survey shows how buying a home akin to being drafted into ‘competitive sport within neighborhood’
NEW YORK — Most American homeowners are locked in an unspoken competition with their neighbors over who has the better-looking house and yard, according to new research.
A survey of 2,000 homeowners found that a whopping 76% feel pressured to keep up with—or surpass—their neighbors when it comes to curb appeal. Half of those surveyed admitted they regularly size up their home’s exterior against those living nearby.
The neighborhood one-upmanship doesn’t end with comparisons. About 11% of homeowners confessed they’ve directly copied style choices from neighbors they admired, while 15% suspect their own landscaping ideas have been pilfered by those living nearby.
The findings come from research conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by lawn care company Weed Man. Results also show that a quarter of Americans (25%) are openly competitive about having the best-looking house on their block.
“When you become a homeowner, it’s like you’re instantly drafted into a competitive sport within your neighborhood,” says Jennifer Lemcke, CEO of Weed Man, in a statement. “Every part of your house is a part of the game, and you better believe your lawn is too. This friendly competition isn’t just about curb appeal—it’s also about showing pride in your home and community.”
For most homeowners, the lawn is ground zero in this neighborhood beauty contest. Two-thirds (67%) feel most pressured about keeping a well-manicured lawn with proper mowing, edging and trimming. Almost the same number (66%) worry about maintaining healthy green grass.
Other top pressure points include:
- Lush flower beds (52%)
- Well-maintained exterior paint and siding (51%)
- Clean driveways and sidewalks (47%)
- An inviting porch or entryway (47%)
- Fresh mulch (41%)
- Stylish seasonal décor (41%)
- Good-looking roof (40%)
- Attractive outdoor lighting (39%)
- Well-maintained fence or gate (34%)
- Beautiful outdoor furniture (33%)
The battle for neighborhood supremacy comes with real commitments of time and money. Homeowners reported spending an average of nearly three hours (2.8) weekly on outdoor maintenance and $122 monthly on upkeep, including lawn care.
All this effort seems to bring personal satisfaction, too. The average lawn owner spends about two hours each week simply admiring their outdoor space.
For some, the pressure to maintain appearances leads to hiring professionals. Nearly half (46%) of respondents said they can easily spot the difference between lawns maintained by professionals versus DIY efforts.
More than half of homeowners (51%) said having one of the nicest exteriors in the neighborhood matters to them, with 23% going so far as to describe their yard as “award-worthy.”
The psychology behind this neighborhood rivalry has roots in American suburban development patterns dating back to the 1950s, when uniformity in housing design meant homeowners looked to landscaping and exterior decorations to express individuality.
This focus on front yard appearances reflects American cultural values around community standing and public image. Your lawn and home exterior essentially function as your public face in the neighborhood, showing neighbors you care about the community.
Housing experts note that this phenomenon is somewhat uniquely American. In many European countries, for instance, privacy walls and enclosed gardens are more common, making the public display element less pronounced than in American suburbs.
For many homeowners, the pressure can be overwhelming. Lawn care companies have seen steady growth in service subscriptions, with many citing the desire to compete with neighbors as motivation for hiring professionals.
Others may simply prefer to free up those three weekly hours they’d spend on lawn care for other activities.
The survey suggests this neighborly competition isn’t going away anytime soon. If anything, social media may be amplifying the pressure, with platforms like Instagram and Pinterest providing endless inspiration—and competition—for home exteriors.
“No matter how much time or money homeowners spend on their lawn or home exterior, a sense of honor and accomplishment is at the heart of maintaining a beautiful, standout property,” added Lemcke. “At the end of the day, a thriving lawn isn’t just for show—it’s a source of pride and enjoyment.”
Methodology: Talker Research surveyed 2,000 American homeowners with lawns; the survey was commissioned by Weed Man and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Feb. 14 – Feb. 21, 2025.
