In our modern, hyper-connected world, families are often spread far and wide – sometimes across the country, other times across continents. While some manage to stay in touch regularly, no matter the miles, others only catch up during big holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. With so much of our communication now happening through phones and apps, it’s easy for people to feel a little lost in the shuffle, which only adds to the loneliness so many are experiencing today.
Curious about how families across the U.S. keep their bonds strong, PITAKA conducted a nationwide survey of 3,000 parents (with adult children) to uncover which cities are best at staying close-knit, even when life gets in the way. They asked respondents whether they have family gatherings at least once per month (either in person, or remotely).
The top 10 most family-orientated cities are:
1. Memphis, TN
2. Knoxville, TN
3. Salt Lake City, UT
4. Brownsville, TX
5. Clarksville, TN
6. Green Bay, WI
7. Greensboro, NC
8. St. Louis, MI
9. Durham, NC
10. El Paso, TX
The results show that Tennessee leads the way when it comes to family bonds, with Memphis, Knoxville, and Clarksville, showcasing how the state’s Southern hospitality and deep-rooted traditions keep families close. The survey sheds light on what keeps families connected – and what sometimes pulls them apart. For half of respondents, the driving force behind staying in touch is the desire for emotional connection, with 32% also crediting tradition and cultural values as their motivation. On the flip side, only 4% say practical support, like childcare or financial help, is a key reason.
When it comes to holidays, Christmas reigns supreme, with 62% considering it the most important time to reconnect, followed by Thanksgiving at 34%. Surprisingly, New Year’s was the least popular, showing that the end-of-year countdown is more about celebration than connection. While 36% of families gather for most holidays, only 32% make it a point to meet for every single one. The biggest barriers to holiday get-togethers? Geographic distance tops the list at 40%, followed by work or personal schedules (30%), and, for 22%, family disagreements.
Technology plays a massive role in bridging the gaps. Making calls with smartphones are the MVP for 68% of families, far outpacing messaging apps (12%) and video calling platforms (4%). Despite these tools, miscommunication is still a major cause of family disagreements, cited by 34%, with financial issues (38%) being the top culprit.
Interestingly, 50% of families have a designated group chat or thread, making it easier to stay in touch – but it’s not all smooth sailing. Half of respondents admit to blocking or muting a family member at some point, and 60% notice that arguments tend to escalate during holiday gatherings.
Grandparents emerge as the unsung heroes of family connections, with 52% saying they’re the most active in keeping everyone together. Parents (24%) and adult children (22%) also do their part, while teenagers bring up the rear at just 2%.
Looking to the future, nearly half of respondents (48%) believe their family’s communication will grow stronger in the next decade, while 40% think it will stay the same. But there’s one sobering takeaway: 56% feel their family would fall apart without a single “glue” member holding it all together – a reminder of just how important those bonds really are.
Infographic showing the 150 cities with the closest family bonds
“These results show that while families face modern challenges like distance and busy schedules, the desire to stay connected remains strong,” says James Zheng, CEO of PITAKA. “Whether it’s through holiday traditions, technology, or the efforts of a dedicated family member, it’s clear that staying close to loved ones is still a priority for many. At the end of the day, the heart of family connection is about making the effort—even if it’s just a quick message or call.”
