Nearly half (45%) of U.S. homeowners smile at strangers when they see them in their neighborhood, making it the most common greeting among the six we asked about in a recent Redfin survey. 

It’s followed closely by saying hello, with two in five (40%) respondents choosing that option. Making eye contact rounds out the top three, with 30% of homeowners making that selection. 

The results are similar for greeting a familiar face. Just over half (51%) of homeowners greet people they recognize but don’t know with a smile, just under half (49%) opt for saying hello, and 42% wave.