More than half of Americans-53%-oppose the construction of AI data centers in their neighborhoods, according to a new survey from real estate brokerage Redfin. The findings, drawn from an Ipsos poll of 4,000 U.S. adults in May 2026, reveal a level of community resistance that outstrips opposition to apartment buildings and other dense housing projects, raising stakes for developers and real estate professionals facing local land-use battles.
Data centers drew higher rates of opposition than any other development type tested. Only 34% of respondents favor having one built nearby. By comparison, 39% opposed nearby apartment complexes, 32% opposed mixed-use developments, and 48% opposed converting single-family homes into multi-unit housing. The survey shows that industrial-scale tech infrastructure triggers deeper local anxieties than residential density.
What's driving the opposition
Public resistance centers on resource consumption and noise. Heavy electricity and water use, potential utility rate increases, environmental impacts, and the persistent hum of cooling systems all fuel opposition. These concerns have already shaped policy: New York enacted a statewide ban on large-scale data centers, a direct response to community pressure.
Generational divide in attitudes
Opposition peaks among older adults. About 65% of baby boomers and 60% of Gen X respondents oppose local data centers, compared with 43% of millennials and 42% of Gen Z. Younger generations show more tolerance, but even among them, support remains below a majority.
Effects on home buying
Real estate agents report that proximity to tech facilities increasingly influences home-buying decisions. Buyers voice worries about industrial aesthetics, strain on local utilities, and long-term property values. For professionals in AI for Real Estate & Construction, the data signals a need to factor community opposition into site selection and client advisories.
Why this matters for real estate and construction
The survey confirms that data center proposals now face a tougher path to approval than many residential infill projects. Developers and builders must anticipate organized pushback, higher mitigation costs, and shifting buyer sentiment in areas near proposed AI infrastructure. For real estate agents, understanding these dynamics can help price properties accurately and counsel clients on long-term value risks tied to nearby industrial development.
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