THE UK’s nosiest neighbourhoods have been revealed, with a few surprising contenders nabbing top spots.
A study saw 2,418 adults across cities throughout Britain and Northern Ireland scored and ranked on their curtain twitching tendencies.
A study revealed the nosiest neighbourhoods in the UK
Many said they thought having a nosy neighbour was harmless
It revealed Belfast, Worcester, and Brighton are home to the UK’s nosiest neighbours.
And the Northern Irish capital scored highest overall – ahead of Worcester, which came second, and Brighton and Hove, which came third.
They were evaluated in six categories, including how often they look out their windows to observe their neighbours.
Other considerations included how many neighbours they follow on social media, how many claim to know everyone on their street, and how many are members of neighbourhood WhatsApp groups.
How many consider themselves to be nosy also informed the overall score, as did how many also think those living nearby are “curious”.
Commissioned by Škoda, the study found 35 per cent consider themselves to be nosy.
Spokesperson Kirsten Stagg said: “Nosiness is practically a national sport in Britain.
“Whether it’s a new car on the driveway or a new family moving in, we can’t help but take a peek.
“Being a nosy neighbour isn’t just harmless fun – it helps build safer, more connected communities and even sparks conversations, especially around new technology like electric cars.”
Out of everyone polled, it emerged the most common time for observing the neighbours is between 6pm and 8pm.
And although nosiness is often considered to be a negative trait, it isn’t necessarily a bad thing – 47 per cent believe being a nosy neighbour is harmless.
While 34 per cent reckon it’s a good thing, because it’s helpful in cases of emergency, and helps keep the neighbourhood safe.
With 35 per cent of the opinion it builds a stronger sense of community.
The study also found through observation alone those polled have learnt very specific details about those living close by.
These include what they do for a living, the time they leave for work, and where they shop based on their bags.
They’ve also noticed deliveries being made, their workout schedule, and a new car on the driveway.
The latter a subject those polled have a particular fascination with – 70 per cent know the colour of their neighbour’s car.
Almost half know the make, 35 per cent the model, and 15 per cent can even recall the registration.
And if anyone living close-by was to purchase an electric vehicle (EV) that could also get curtains twitching – 16 per cent would be curious and want to know what it’s like.
While 14 per cent would be impressed by their green credentials and 22 per cent would support their decision.
Carried out through OnePoll, the study commissioned by the makers of the all-electric Škoda Enyaq revealed how those polled perceive EV drivers and being eco-conscious came top.
With tech savvy and trendy also common perceptions.
Nosiest cities in the UK
Belfast – 133 points
Worcester – 127 points
Brighton and Hove – 120
Leeds – 116.5 points
Birmingham – 109 points
Newcastle – 101.5 points
Swansea – 99.5 points
Edinburgh – 98 points
Chelmsford – 97.5 points
Cardiff – 97 points
London – 96 points
Coventry – 93.5 points
Leicester – 92 points
Wolverhampton – 85 points
Southampton – 84 points
Portsmouth – 82.5 points
= Wrexham – 82.5 points
Gloucester – 82 points
Glasgow – 75.5 points
Bristol – 70 points
Liverpool – 68 points
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