Across the United States, a growing trend known as "neighborism" is reshaping how people connect and seek support, moving away from the internet-centric model of distant communities toward a renewed emphasis on immediate, local relationships. This shift is driven by a combination of economic pressures, such as high childcare and housing costs, and a desire for tangible support networks in an increasingly complex world.
Sociologists and community organizers observe that while digital connections once promised to transcend geography, many individuals are now turning to those physically closest to them—neighbors, parents from local schools, and others within their immediate vicinity. This is not merely about social interaction but about building practical support systems. As noted by Eric Klinenberg, a sociology professor at New York University, Americans socialized with their neighbors more frequently 60 years ago, a trend that has declined with increased work hours, digital communication, and changing labor force participation.
"The problem with that model is that most of us live where we are and we miss out on interpersonal human companionship face to face," says Garrett Bucks, founder of the Barnraisers Project. He suggests that the ubiquitous digital tools, once seen as bridges to global communities, are now being repurposed to facilitate local engagement.
This revitalized focus on proximity manifests in various ways, from informal gestures like introducing oneself to building occupants to more organized efforts. In Minneapolis, for instance, community members organized patrols and shared alerts in response to federal immigration enforcement activities, creating an informal, rapid network built on trust. This event is cited as a large-scale example of a broader, ongoing shift.
"What neighborism looks like in practice" can range from simple acts of kindness to more involved community organizing. Alec Patton, 45, started a WhatsApp group for his San Diego neighborhood in December 2024 after realizing how few of his neighbors he knew. Through flyers and a QR code, his group grew to around 50 members, proving its utility when a neighbor quickly provided a needed car seat and later served as a real-time information hub during an ICE raid at a local restaurant.
Robert J. Sampson, a Harvard sociology professor, emphasizes that neighborism doesn't necessarily require deep friendships but rather a willingness among loosely connected residents to support one another, fostering a sense of collective efficacy. This, he explains, can create "a certain kind of public good."
Beyond fostering personal well-being and a sense of belonging, neighborism is also stepping in to fill gaps left by institutional shortcomings. Gabriel Nyantakyi, co-founder of the Facebook group "Good Looking Out" in West Philadelphia, describes how the group emerged from discussions about policing and a desire for community-led support, establishing "some independence from the state." This trend accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting what Nyantakyi calls "a clear case of the government being inadequate in addressing people's needs." Aisha Nyandoro, CEO of Springboard to Opportunities, characterizes neighborism as "a practice of radical, everyday care rooted in proximity," where neighbors are seen as "co-creators in your safety, your joy, and your ability to thrive." This mutual aid is not transactional but mutually helpful, exemplified by simple acts like a neighbor watching a child or offering a ride.
Psychologist Juli Fraga notes that proximity-based relationships are easier to maintain and contribute positively to well-being by reducing feelings of isolation. Ultimately, the resurgence of neighborism suggests a collective realization that while digital connections have their place, the most reliable and fulfilling support often comes from those living nearby, demonstrating that "We’ve tried everything else. Maybe we should try each other."