The Hidden Economy of Being a Good Neighbor

 

When people talk about economics, they usually focus on markets, prices, increased economic activity and formal transactions. 

But there’s an entire layer of economic activity happening outside our front doors that is embedded in everyday neighborly relationships. It’s informal, often unmeasured, but deeply impactful.

I was doing some research on the economic value of being an engaged neighbor. You can read what I discovered in an upcoming blog post. But while researching, I asked a question in an online community I participate in (The Community Building Hub) and got a response from my neighboring colleague in Columbus, Ohio, Chet Ridenour. His perspective sent me in an entirely new direction.

As Chet wrote: "In my experiences from trying to be a good neighbor, I can point to numerous examples of neighboring support that we could practically provide a tangible, economic value to." 

I thought it was brilliant. Chet noted that while it may be difficult for a university or economist to objectively quantify these exchanges, the value being created is undeniable.

Chet then launched in to a long list of examples, many of which I have expanded on below with my own commentary.

Take something as simple as pet care. When neighbors watch each other’s dog for a long weekend, it can easily save around $50 per day compared to hiring a sitter. In return, the “payment” might be a homemade dinner, a modest bottle of wine, and a thank-you card—far less expensive, yet more personal. Both sides come out ahead, not just financially, but relationally.

The same dynamic shows up in shared tools. Borrowing a neighbor’s saw to clean up storm debris might save a rental fee and a trip to the hardware store. Instead of spending $40 and an hour of time, you spend $20 on a thoughtful thank-you. That’s a net gain in both money and convenience—multiplied across a neighborhood, these small efficiencies add up quickly.

Then there are the moments that prevent costly problems altogether. A quick text about a car light left on overnight could save someone from a dead battery and a $100+ service call. Noticing an open garage late at night might prevent theft of expensive equipment. 

In some cities, catching a car parked on the street prior to a street sweeping day could save a ticket—or even a tow. Or in my hometown, a car parked in front of a mail box can get a ticket.

These aren’t just nice gestures; they’re interventions that reduce real financial risk.

Some of the most valuable exchanges are about trust and responsiveness. Imagine being an hour into a road trip and realizing you left your garage door open. The ability to call a trusted neighbor to close it for you is hard to price—but its value is immediate and significant. 

Sort of reminds me of the time I left for vacation and left a sprinkler on it my backyard. I cannot imagine the water bill if it had run 24 hours a day for 10 days!

The same goes for asking someone to grab a package off your porch while you’re away, potentially preventing theft and the hassle of replacements.

There are also examples of neighbors improving outcomes for entire groups. 

On some blocks, able-bodied residents shovel sidewalks for everyone, including elderly neighbors. While this service might cost $20 -$50 per property in a formal arrangement, it often happens freely and more reliably through community initiative. Karen Scranton of Springfield just wrote me today about her neighbor who clears the driveway of four neighbors every time there is a snow.

Similarly, neighbors who redirect misdelivered packages help avoid unnecessary replacement costs for companies and frustration for recipients.

Transportation is another area where informal cooperation shines. Rides to and from the airport, casually exchanged between neighbors, can save $40 or more per trip. Over time, that’s hundreds of dollars kept in the community instead of spent externally.

And then there’s the overlooked social economy. Neighborhood gatherings like potlucks, gift exchanges, or casual front-yard happy hours provide entertainment at a fraction of the cost of going out. A weekly gathering where ten people each save $10 instead of going to a bar can generate thousands of dollars in collective annual savings. At the same time, these events strengthen the very relationships that make all the other exchanges possible.

What ties all of these examples together is a simple idea: neighboring creates value. 

Neighboring reduces costs, saves time, prevents losses, and builds social capital. Unlike traditional economic activity, it doesn’t rely on contracts or pricing mechanisms—it runs on trust, reciprocity, and goodwill.

If we were able to fully measure it, the “neighbor economy” would likely represent a significant contribution to household financial well-being. But even without precise metrics, the conclusion is clear: investing in relationships with the people around us pays dividends—in ways both tangible and intangible.

In a world that often prioritizes independence and convenience, it’s worth remembering that some of the most efficient, resilient, and rewarding systems are the ones built right next door.

If you want to know more about Chet, check out this Neighboring 101 interview with him on YouTube. 

You can also connect with him via his LinkedIn account.

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 visit his website at http://engagedneighbor.com.