Survey: America’s Dream Backyard

At Reflections Water Gardens, we believe that every backyard should be an escape. Over the years, we’ve created one-of-a-kind oases through careful consideration and design of water features like Koi ponds, natural pools, and waterfalls.

We know what makes for a beautiful backyard, but with summer in full swing, and more and more Americans spending time there, we wanted to know: What makes for the perfect backyard? We surveyed 600 people to find out.

What makes for a perfect backyard?

For many Americans (42%), the backyard matters more to them than the front yard. Three in four say it’s important or very important – that’s not a surprise, given that over half (51%) say they spend up to 15 hours in their backyard every week during the warmer months.

In fact, the backyard is so important that it can easily make or break a house purchase. A majority of those surveyed (70%) said that they’ve passed on a home because of the backyard. Why? Oftentimes because it was too small, lacked space for children or pets, or would require too much maintenance.

Despite the importance placed on backyards, just 1 in 3 love their current backyard – and more than half think that their ideal backyard is out of reach. This could be because of the price point: 2 in 5 estimate that it would cost them $10,000 or more to create the perfect backyard. 

Could that price point be worth it, though? A majority (82%) wish they spent more time in their backyard and if they had their dream backyard, would spend an average of 20 hours in it each week during the warmer months. Call us biased, but because they would most often spend that time relaxing, enjoying nature, hosting parties, and playing with children, we believe the answer is a resounding yes.

So what, exactly, does an ideal backyard consist of? The most essential features are size, space for entertaining (outdoor kitchen or outdoor bar), a back deck or patio, privacy or fencing, and water features. Proximity to neighbors, shade, and backyard landscaping mattered least to respondents.

At Reflections Water Gardens, we take pride in turning your backyard into an oasis. And with summer in full swing, there’s no better time than now to make it happen. If you’re ready to explore transforming your backyard into a personal oasis with a water garden design, natural swimming pool, or other backyard ideas, reach out today.

Methodology: In May 2021, we surveyed 600 Americans about their current backyard and ideal backyard. 56% of respondents were male, 44% were female; 68% were married, 27% were single, 4% were divorced. 63% have at least one child, and 78% have pets.