American neighborhoods aren’t always treated fairly—the white picket fence and other stereotypes can’t be found in some places, especially in inner-city neighborhoods. However, in many suburbs, there is a sense of conformity that is often seen as being truly American. Here are 18 essentials for a classic American neighborhood.
White Picket Fences
White picket fences are a classic American neighborhood cliche. Demand for this icon of suburbia has changed over the decades, but according to the smithsonianmag, the idea can be traced back to the Colonial Revival movement of the late 1800s. Picket fences fell out of fashion during the Cold War, but they’ve experienced a comeback in recent years.
Parking Troubles
Big houses in the suburbs might have space on the drive for several cars, but it’s a different story in inner-city neighborhoods. It’s not uncommon for Americans to turn on one another in order to secure the last parking spot on a busy street—whether they’ve got a right to it or not!
Pristine Lawns
The U.S. national parks are home to some truly amazing landscapes. However, suburbanites prefer to keep the wilderness out of their neighborhoods. Carefully curated lawns are a status symbol in many American communities, even if they’re not all that good for promoting biodiversity.
Lemonade Stands
America isn’t called the Land of Opportunity for nothing. Budding entrepreneurs often make their first few bucks running neighborhood lemonade stands, which pop up all over town during the hot summer months. Kids don’t just earn some extra pocket money—they also learn essential business skills like marketing and customer service.
Teenage Angst
Many American neighborhoods are great places to grow up, but this doesn’t stop them from being ground zero for teenage melodrama. The trials and tribulations of adolescence in the ‘burbs’ have been parodied and dissected in TV, movies, and books, with Jeffrey Eugenides’ 1993 novel The Virgin Suicides being among the most insightful.
Girl Scouts
Each year, swarms of Girl Scouts descend upon vulnerable American neighborhoods with a mission: to sell as many Thin Mints, Samoas, and Peanut Butter Patties as humanly possible. Not even COVID-19 could stop these pint-sized businesswomen—in 2021, an eight-year-old broke the record by selling 32,348 cookies in a single season, states foodandwine.
Homeowner Associations
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, homeowner associations are ready to lay down the law in your neighborhood. On the one hand, HOAs stifle our freedom—why shouldn’t we be allowed to build a new patio or water feature without permission? On the other hand, they keep neighborhoods tidy, so it’s not all bad.
Chain Restaurants
Americans love a chain restaurant, and no good neighborhood should be without a couple of good options. Fast food icons like Dairy Queen and Wendy’s are always popular, and it’s easy to see why—we all deserve the reward of a questionably healthy meal after a long day spent mowing the lawn!
A Friendly Rivalry
American exceptionalism means that the U.S. is number one on the world stage, but it also trickles down to the local level. Americans often cultivate a friendly rivalry with neighboring blocks, but this competition is all in good fun. As long as your neighborhood is a nice place to live, everyone’s a winner.
Mailboxes
U.K. homeowners receive their mail straight through the door, but U.S. neighborhoods take a more civilized approach. Most American homes have mailboxes mounted to a post by the driveway, so it’s easy for mailmen to deliver the goods. We just hope they remember to watch out for the family dog!
Community and Safety
The best American neighborhoods aren’t just places to live—they’re also places to meet new people, try new things, and feel safe while doing so. Residents can work together to tackle crime by enrolling in neighborhood watch programs, which help to promote a sense of safety for everyone in the community.
Great Shops
Thezebra notes how research shows that Americans rate retail outlets as one of the most important neighborhood amenities. As such, truly American neighborhoods are dedicated to retail therapy. Neighborhoods can feature mom-and-pop stores or big-name brands—as long as it’s possible to shop ‘till we drop, we’re willing to split the difference.
Barbecue Season
Few things are more American than inviting the neighbors around for a cookout. The sizzle of steaks hitting the grill is sure to attract attention, and it’s possible to get the whole community involved by organizing a potluck dinner. It’s a great way to meet new people if you’ve just moved in.
Neighborhood Feuds
While we’re lucky—or should that be unlucky—enough not to live on Wisteria Lane, real-life neighborhood squabbles can make the Desperate Housewives look like amateurs. It’s important to mend bridges rather than burn them. Otherwise, your dream American neighborhood risks turning into a nightmare.
American Flags
Americans are sometimes mocked for their patriotism, and they certainly don’t help themselves by decorating their neighborhoods with the stars and stripes. Data from YouGov shows that over half (51%) of Americans keep a U.S. flag somewhere in their homes, and it’s not uncommon to see it flying free on special occasions.
Weekend Car Washes
If there’s one thing that Americans love more than their country, it’s their cars. About two-thirds of Americans wash their cars once or twice a month, so a heatwave can bring out most of the neighborhood. This gives homeowners a chance to talk shop while completing a useful chore!
Large Homes
While it’s true that inner-city apartments are cramped, Americans like to go big (and go home) when it comes to the suburbs. Truly American neighborhoods are instantly recognizable for their large, whitewashed houses and generous yards. Size is partly a status symbol, but it also means that guests are always welcome.
Garage Sales
For Americans who want to declutter their homes while making a few dollars, garage sales are the way to go. It’s no wonder that they’re such a staple of American neighborhoods. They’re also great for buyers—many unexpected bargains have been snagged at a yard sale, with old toys sometimes being worth thousands.
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