When I was a kid there was NEVER any hassle with noisy neighbours!! Then again when I was a kid hardly anyone rented in normal 2/3/4 bed semi-d housing estates, people saved for years and bought their own house and it was seen as a big achievement. These days there seems to be a lot more renting in all shapes and sizes of property with the result that people come and go, dont get to know the neighbours, care less about the neighbours anyway, and have no pride in the property or the area because they are only renting and intend to move on at some point.
Its not just the prevalence of renting though, its bad planning as said above, rubbish soundproofing, people not knowing ther neighbours and people generally just not caring.
Ive been home studying today, and from 10am this morning there is an alarm going off in the building. Its been driving me mad. I dont even know which apartment its going off in. Ive stayed home before for various reasons and I dont think Ive ever had a day where there hasnt been an alarm going off at some point.
If my neighbours fight I can practically join in it comes through the walls so clearly.
Ive had issues with parties that go on til the next morning - although Im tolerant of that so long as its not every weekend.
Life is definitely louder, and people are definitely less considerate.