Hope flourishes across our nation.

This summer, we dispatched reporters to various American towns named Hope, from the coast of Maine to the Southern states, from the heartland to the Mexican border, and even the Gulf of Alaska. Time and again, we learned that, despite challenges, most people in the United States are leading good lives and are hopeful for a brighter future.

We discovered important insights regarding the significance of strong community ties, how national politics affect local life, and the true meaning of belonging to a community.

After traveling thousands of miles and conducting hundreds of interviews in places like coffee shops, supermarkets, and offices, we’ve compiled five key takeaways about America’s Hopes.

1. Our Hope is Greater Than It Appears.

With a presidential campaign filled with negative ads, it’s easy to assume that America’s way of life is in jeopardy. However, the individuals we spoke to conveyed a strong sense of optimism about the future.

Supporting this sentiment is an exclusive YSL News/Suffolk University survey showing that 81% of Americans express “hope for the future of the country,” a sentiment shared across various gender, racial, and political lines. Only 18% reported feeling hopeless. This poll, conducted with 1,000 likely voters via landline and cellphone from August 25–28, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

While the situation isn’t flawless—many are struggling economically, with rising food prices particularly impacting those with lower incomes, and high interest rates complicating home purchases—hope endures. The conflict in Gaza and federal struggles with border issues have heightened social divisions.

Political conflicts have even led to family rifts, with some siblings no longer in contact, and thoughtless social media posts have brought distress.

Nonetheless, Americans hold on to dreams of a hopeful future, like musician Kat Moore, who shared, “Even when things are kinda crazy, and they’re crazy right now, I tend to lean toward the optimist camp, because I would like that future for myself and the rest of humanity,” during a performance break in Hope, Alaska.

2. We Share Common Values.

Core beliefs unite us: a thriving economy, clean air and water, individual freedoms, and quality education for our children. These shared values strengthen our community ties more than our differences divide us.

Politicians often exploit minor disagreements to gain power by amplifying divisions within society. However, at the end of the day, the love for our families, friendships, and community unites us. In the increasingly smaller town of Hope, New Mexico, Anglos and Mexican immigrants have forged a resilient community despite dwindling water resources for agriculture.

“We’re basically a family here,” stated Mayor Bill Fletcher. “None of us are relatives, but we still act like a family. When one of us struggles, we all feel it.”

3. Community Bonds Matter.

Neighbors play a crucial role, not just for assistance, but in fostering a sense of community that many Americans yearn for.

It’s important to note that people have disagreements—significant ones—about taxes, healthcare, immigration, and education.

However, in small towns, the ability to gather and discuss issues helps build consensus. For instance, the parking challenges faced by some locals are balanced by the success of nearby entertainment venues; likewise, an influx of tourists, while producing more traffic and litter, helps sustain local businesses.

“Every town has its issues,” said Susan Pushaw, who runs a trading post in South Hope, Maine, a gathering spot for locals to discuss their challenges. “They may start with small arguments, yet in the end, everything gets resolved before everyone heads out.”

4. Local Politics Should Take Precedence.

While national politics certainly have significance, the decisions made by local governments tend to affect our everyday lives much more. Many Americans are eager to engage in efforts to improve their communities.

As the upcoming presidential election captures much of the media’s focus, it’s easy to overlook the approximately 90,000 local governments around the nation, which include everything from school boards and water districts to library boards and liquor licensing authorities. These are all managed by our community members. In reality, this local governance plays a crucial role: hiring quality educators, attracting new police officers, managing our drinking water, and ensuring safe roads.

For many, hope in America doesn’t come from a top-down government directive, but rather from a personal sense of freedom and the desire to improve our piece of the world for our loved ones.

“I don’t rely on others’ speeches and cheerleading to find the hope in my own abilities,” remarked John Sitzes from Hope, Arkansas. “If people seek hope, they should plant their feet firmly and go after it.”

5. We all acknowledge our country isn’t perfect.

While opinions may vary on the best way to achieve a “more perfect union” as envisioned in the U.S. Constitution, many of us are optimistic that brighter days are forthcoming.

This sentiment is particularly strong for 67-year-old Jeanne Hope, a motorcycle enthusiast from one of Michigan’s two Hope Townships. Although she is still undecided about her presidential choice, Hope, who resides in Barry County, highlighted how both Republicans and Democrats in her community collaborate on events, support those in need, and look out for one another, despite their differing political views.

“When people tease me about my last name, I remind them that there is always hope,” she stated. “Nothing is ever too far gone; there’s always a silver lining somewhere. We must have hope, or what is the point of being here?”

Contributors: Lauren Villagran, Terry Collins, Karissa Waddick, Kristen Shamus, and Sarah D. Wire