I live in a mid density city with a nice ambient hum. Indeed the neighbors in my building are respectful, as are the neighbors on either side. But I think the ambient hum is key to the peaceful atmosphere, when living in a city. The biggest threat we’ve experienced in terms of noise is blue jays that I finally staved off after months, by occasionally assaulting them with a super soaker. Other birdsong is pleasant, I hear some right now and open the window wider.
I say this as somebody fairly particular about my comfort. I can’t stand interior transformer hums for example.
Respectful neighbors in the Bay Area?
Which city?
You must have quiet neighbors if you can stand leaving the windows open all the time.