Placemaking on a Shoestring: How Neighbors Can Transform Their Street for Under $100

Too often, placemaking sounds like something reserved for city planners or expensive downtown projects. It brings to mind consultants, architects, and budgets that most neighborhoods could never dream of. But real placemaking—the kind that builds connection and pride where you live—doesn’t require any of that.

In fact, you can do a lot for under $100. The best placemaking doesn’t begin with money. It begins with neighbors.

1. Make It Look Alive

You don’t need a big event to make your street feel vibrant. A few small touches can send a big message: people care about this place.

Decorate windows, fences, or porches with simple seasonal displays. Hang paper snowflakes, paint flowerpots, or invite neighborhood kids to create cheerful chalk art on the sidewalks. You could even organize a “window gallery” where neighbors display art, photos, or collections in front windows for others to enjoy during evening walks.

These simple gestures transform ordinary spaces into signs of life and friendliness.

2. Add a Splash of Color

A little paint can make a big difference. Whether it’s a mailbox, planter, fence post, or bench, a touch of color makes your neighborhood feel cared for.

Collect leftover paint from your garage or ask neighbors if they have any partial cans sitting around. Freshen up your street’s shared mailbox stand, paint small designs on rocks for a garden border, or add cheerful colors to curbside flowerpots. You don’t need artistic skill—just a willingness to brighten the block.

3. Create Places to Linger

The best neighborhoods are the ones where people stop to talk instead of just waving from the car.

Set out a few lawn chairs in your front yard, or add a picnic table or bench in a shared green space. String a few lights across a driveway or porch. Add a trash can or small recycling bin to keep the area tidy.

You can also introduce a few simple outdoor games—cornhole, giant Jenga, or hopscotch. These casual touches invite conversation and laughter, the building blocks of real connection.

4. Turn Empty Into Inviting

Every neighborhood has spots that look overlooked—a side yard that feels forgotten, a corner with patchy grass, or a vacant home with a dull fence.

You can turn these spaces into simple gathering spots or beauty zones. Add a few flowerpots, plant native wildflowers, place a painted bench, or install a “Little Free Library” or “Blessing Box.” Even a small change can transform an unused space into something that serves and uplifts neighbors.

5. Start Small—Start Now

You don’t need permission from a city office or a neighborhood association to start small acts of beauty and connection. All you need are neighbors who care enough to do something.

That’s what placemaking really is—neighbors working together to make their street the kind of place they want to live. It doesn’t take a grant or a grand plan. It takes presence, creativity, and heart.

Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or burtond@missouri.edu. You can also visit his website at https://engagedneighbor.com.