A recent article from Axios highlighted a troubling trend in American life: fewer people are talking to their neighbors than ever before. The article, based on new research from the American Enterprise Institute , found that only 41 percent of Americans now speak with neighbors a few times a week, down from 59 percent in 2012. The decline is even sharper among young adults. In 2012, just over half of Americans ages 18–29 regularly engaged with neighbors. Today, that number has fallen to only 25 percent. Those numbers should stop us in our tracks. For years, many of us assumed neighboring was simply part of American culture. We believed neighborhoods naturally created connection. But modern life is teaching us something different: neighboring no longer happens automatically. The Axios article points to several reasons for the decline. Technology allows people to stay entertained, informed, and connected without ever leaving their homes. Streaming services, food delivery, remote work, ...

For generations, Americans have liked to believe we are a nation of good neighbors. We tell stories about borrowing sugar across the fence, keeping an eye on one another’s homes, and gathering on front porches after dinner. Many people still assume those habits are alive and well. But recent research suggests something deeper is happening beneath the surface: the idea of neighboring is quietly fading from everyday American life.  A recent article from the American Enterprise Institute examined new survey findings showing that Americans increasingly define being a “good neighbor” not by engagement, but by distance. In other words, many people now believe the best neighbors are quiet, private, and uninvolved. Younger adults especially tend to see neighboring less as relationship-building and more as respectful separation.  That should concern us. Privacy is important. Boundaries matter. No one wants neighbors who are intrusive or disrespectful. But when neighboring becomes litt...

In many small towns, the conversation about growth tends to revolve around infrastructure, jobs, and attracting outside investment. But one of the most powerful (and often overlooked) assets is already there: local creativity.  When communities tap into their artistic talent, they don’t just beautify spaces—they build identity, pride, and a shared sense of belonging. From Empty Spaces to Shared Places Arts-led development has a unique way of transforming the everyday landscape. A blank wall becomes a storytelling canvas. An empty lot turns into a gathering space. A quiet alley evolves into a destination. In Mount Sterling, Kentucky, the Gateway Regional Arts Center has demonstrated just how impactful this approach can be. Through initiatives like a public art trail and the vibrant Umbrella Alley installation, the town has reimagined its public spaces. These projects didn’t just appear overnight. Each mural, sculpture, and installation added visibility, drew in visitors, and streng...

Every day begins with a ritual that rivals the feats of Hercules: walking my mighty 10-pound Shih Tzu, Otis. It's a journey filled with absurdity, unexpected challenges, and enough comedic relief to rival a sitcom. Join me as I recount the epic saga of walking Otis, a tale where the smallest of dogs proves that size is merely a number. Firstly, let me introduce you to Otis. Despite his regal name, he possesses all the majesty of a fuzzy potato. His fluffy coat and oversized eyes make him look perpetually surprised, as if he's just realized he's a dog and not a particularly fluffy pillow. But don't be deceived by his diminutive stature. Otis has the heart of a lion, or at least the bark of one. Our adventure typically begins with the elaborate ritual of preparing for the great outdoors. Otis insists on inspecting his leash as if it's a medieval knight inspecting his sword before battle. Once satisfied that the leash meets his high standards (or at least doesn't s...

He is going to be our special guest for a "bonus" edition of Neighboring 101 at 12 noon on Thursday, Sept. 3: Marc J. Dunkelman. If you are not already in enrolled in Neighboring 101, visit the website to enroll with a modest one-time fee. Dunkelman is a writer, public policy scholar, and fellow at Brown University Watson School for International and Public Affairs whose work focuses on community, civic life, and the changing structure of American society. Over the course of his career, he has served in a variety of leadership and policy roles, including work with members of Congress.  His writing has appeared in major national publications including the New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal. Dunkelman is perhaps best known for his influential book The Vanishing Neighbor , which explores the decline of what he calls America’s “middle-ring relationships” — the everyday connections formed with neighbors, fellow church members, civic cl...

Over the last decade, social media shifted from a tool for connection into a marketplace of personal branding. Somewhere along the way, ordinary people were encouraged to think of themselves not just as individuals, but as products. We became our own marketing departments focused on self-promotion. Every photo became a statement. Every opinion became content. Every vacation, promotion, workout, and family moment became material for public consumption. Platforms rewarded visibility, performance, and engagement, and in return they trained us to curate ourselves into something polished, strategic, and consumable. The rise of the “personal brand” promised opportunity. And to be fair, there are real benefits to visibility online. Businesses grow through it. Careers advance because of it. Creative people can build audiences without gatekeepers.  But there’s another side to this trend that we don’t talk about enough. When your identity becomes content, it becomes difficult to separate who...

  In neighborhoods and small communities, volunteers are often the heartbeat behind the scenes. They organize events, check on neighbors, coach youth teams, serve meals, lead clean-up days, support local schools, and help create the kind of places where people feel connected and valued.  Yet one of the biggest challenges many community groups face is not coming up with ideas—it is finding and keeping volunteers. The good news is that recruiting and retaining volunteers does not always require a large budget or a sophisticated strategy. Often, it comes down to relationships, purpose, appreciation, and creating meaningful opportunities for people to contribute. The principles in the “Recruiting and Motivating Volunteers” graphic offer a simple but powerful framework for building a strong volunteer culture in your neighborhood or small town. Recruit: Share the Mission and Reach the Right People People are far more likely to volunteer when they clearly understand why something ma...

Here are ten reasons why you should get to know your immediate next-door neighbors, along with supporting citations for those that want to learn more. 1. Increased Sense of Community.  Building relationships with neighbors fosters a sense of belonging, contributing to a stronger, more connected community. Read: Robert Putnam, Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, 2000. 2. Enhanced Security and Safety . Neighbors who know each other can work together to keep an eye out for suspicious activity, improving neighborhood safety. Read: T. R. Visser, S. M. Brody, & A. T. McGrath, “Neighborhood social cohesion and safety: A review of empirical research,” Journal of Community Psychology, 2017. 3. Better Emotional Support . Neighbors can provide emotional support in times of crisis or stress, acting as a built-in support network. Read: L. S. Turner & R. M. Norwood, “Social Support, Health, and Well-Being,” American Journal of Comm...

  When we think about strengthening a community, we often focus on financial or economic improvements. While those are important, research suggests that something even more valuable exists: social capital.  Social capital is built through relationships, trust, and reciprocity—where people help one another and feel a sense of connection. By simply engaging with our neighbors, we create a stronger, safer, and more vibrant community. The Rule of Reciprocity One famous study on reciprocity helps us understand its power.  A researcher sent out 600 Christmas cards to complete strangers, each with a handwritten note. Astonishingly, about one-third of the recipients sent a card back.  This study demonstrates an important truth. When we receive something, we often feel a natural urge to return the favor.  This principle is seen in neighboring as well. A simple gesture, like bringing over cookies or offering to help with a small task, can spark an ongoing cycle of goodwil...