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Neighborhood Insights: The 5 Phases of Local

Written by Team Nextdoor

As neighbors navigate through the coronavirus pandemic, Nextdoor has identified five phases of the Rise of Local.

The neighborhood has taken on a whole new meaning in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.  In recent weeks, we conducted research to understand how neighborhoods are coping with this pandemic, what the trending topics are, and—most importantly—how we can best support you. We found that neighborhoods are moving through five “phases,” united by kindness and a commitment to all things local. Let’s take a look.

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Phase 1: Rely on Neighbors for Support

Kindness is not just cool again, it’s essential. When shelter-in-place mandates first began, neighbors on Nextdoor knew it was time to come together. Since February, there has been a 140% increase of meaningful connections among neighbors, from sending private messages to engaging in group conversations. Neighbors are turning to each other for information about supplies, local businesses, and public services. Over a third of members have shared essential resources with one another, showing that neighbors now play a more important role in their lives. 

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As many have lost their jobs, people are finding work with neighbors. Thirty four percent of neighbors are more likely to hire their neighbors for jobs around the home, and mentions of work such as lawn service have increased significantly.

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Phase 2: Reinvest in Home and Self

With all this time at home, neighbors are thinking of ways to improve both themselves and their abode. Routines have changed as members have resorted to at-home workouts and DIY haircuts. In fact, many of these trends are here to stay–27% of people plan to continue working at home after the outbreak and 24% are happy with their home haircut.

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Although transactions on Nextdoor’s For Sale & Free dipped at the beginning of the crisis, neighbor-to-neighbor selling has now returned and remains at elevated levels with the most popular items related to working from home: monitors, office chairs, and desks. It’s clear that neighbors are investing in their homes for the long term, especially for work.

Phase 3: Reconnect with Community

After months of sheltering in place, the need for connection is strong. The mental health toll is staggering,  with 83% of people reporting that they are feeling overwhelmingly isolated from friends and family. At the same time, parents felt more involved with their children, and communities pulled together to check in on their neighbor. 

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We know that local businesses are the cornerstone of thriving neighborhoods, and people are eager to return: 72% of members say they plan to frequent local businesses more often as we come out on the other side.

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Phase 4: Rethink Business as Usual

Local businesses are not only crucial to the economy, but key gathering places for people to connect. But what are people missing the most? We found that major U.S. cities were either primarily “Bar & Restaurant” cities, or “Salon & Spa” cities. Members in New York are eager for happy hours, while those in Dallas would rather head straight to the hair salon.

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To stay afloat during these challenging times, businesses have had to get creative. 30% of local businesses have pivoted and changed the original products and services they offer. Neighbors have continued to support these businesses through the purchase of gift cards, curbside pickup or delivery, and organizing fundraisers. In return, many local businesses are giving back whatever they can to help frontline workers, local charities, and neighbors in need.

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Phase 5: Remain Loyal to Local

In the final phase, conversations have shifted towards the “next normal” with an emphasis on local. The trend of helping one another remains at the foundation of neighborhoods. Neighbors are cultivating a kinder world by organizing nightly claps for healthcare workers, leaving colorful chalk art creations, setting up neighborhood scavenger hunts, and more.

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Despite these tough times, the #StrengthInNeighbors endures: 84% of Nextdoor members feel they have a neighbor they can rely on. As communities reopen, neighbors are remaining optimistic and doubling down on their commitment to their neighborhood. 

Source: Polls and internal Nextdoor data from 2020. View the full #NextdoorInsights report here.

Note: for up-to-date information on the coronavirus (COVID-19), refer to official sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


To connect with your local neighborhood, please login at www.nextdoor.com.

For more like this, follow @Nextdoor on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

134 Comments

  • I love the neighborhood blog, but there should be a way to remove prior comments when they no longer have any value. If there already a way to do this, please let us know.

    • Former comments are the information that the young will soon learn stop them from ever being employed. The lay off you get while working at home will be a lonely fact. Turn off the phone and stop carrying it and i am sure you will be on a list in some agency.

    • I agree. I’ll look at a listing and then realize it was posted months ago. I would assume people are responsible for removing their own posts once they become outdated, but how do you do it? And is there a way to remove someone else’s outdated post?

    • Yes! It becomes confusing … alsoa date of entry is necessary … it’s been requested previously.

    • Use ND everyday. Needed to come up with something “extra” in the first week of the pandemic, so I choose ND to do one good deed per day. Thanks for the connections.

  • I like to read the blog and all of the comments. This is really a time for people to help each other. We all have some kind of problems now and new help. Now is the time to find out what people are ready to stand up for.

  • Wow… great info! Thank you for taking the time to do the research and putting this together.

  • I love Nextdoor for helpful recommendations i.e. Jobs around the house, reliable names for referrals, and helpful neighborhood news. I continue to encourage an ongoing category for KINDNESS…..whether observed, received, or needed…..Kindness is like gratitude…..kindness begets kindness. Thank you. Susan Veal ?

    • Hi, Susan. I kind of like the kindness things mixed in with the main feed. Isn’t it nice to come along something pleasant amid all the lost dogs, found cats, and general complaints?

    • My neighbors that Nextdoor has connected me with are incredible. Everyone (for the most part) really comes together to help eachother. Restores my faith in humanity to all of the kindness that can come from something like Covid. Thanks guys for the info! And for Nextdoor.

  • Thank goodness something positive and informative was presented today on what is perhaps a new addition to Nextdoor. Every post over the last few days in my neighborhood appeared to be an opportunity to vent, tell others what to do, how to act, think or not think or a request to help them with an issue that was clearly better handled by police or city government offices. Please post more like this!

  • Much Appreciated for my community where I can find much needed resources for everything.

    Thanks to all for the valuable information always provided.

  • I really enjoy the Nextdoor Blog – thanks for making this available ,,,,,,, especially now…..,I too, am a shut-in due to health issues. First thing I read every morning.

  • Thanks for keeping me posted,
    This was a very informative blog- greatly appreciated
    Keep safe all

  • In this sorrowful time, it is UPlifting to have Neighbours reach out and dwell on the Posi+ive, instead of further building WALLS (Real, or figuratively speaking) … be it blocking a view, or, closing a door … it exudes a leetle bit retro-coldwar darkness, in an Obv close-minded way, that should Not be.
    So, Blessed are They whom have reached out with Kind Words&Actions of Heartfelt Sincerity! I OsO Appreciate having Good NeighbOUrs!!!
    Love&Peace to ALL~ ♥♥♥

  • I certainly appreciate all of the informative statistics relative to the current environment. Thank you.

  • Of course neighbors and friends are willing to help. Always when there is a problem of any kind, there are plenty of good people to just help. But I’d like to give a shout out to HEB and Walmart. These are the only places (besides doctors, fire dept., etc) that I have dealt with, but they seem to work so hard all the time to make sure that we can stay isolated if we follow the directions of those authorities who know more than we do. And all the precautions are taken if people need to go to the stores. I’m really impressed at how hard they work to make sure we can all get anything we need.

  • Well- not all communities are supporting all local businesses. Other than alcohol & food. Wait, don’t forget hardware stores. Lots of local businesses just aren’t getting the chances or recognition. Why does Mc Donald’s Ace Hardware ( I know it’s locally owned) always make the money? Advertising is the key. No support = no revenue = no budget.
    And, it appears recommendations or word of mouth is not really working ?

  • As a retired elementary teacher/principal for more than 35 years I must remind everyone keeping children ages 3-14 that the teachers holing lessons online are VERY CONCERNED ABOUT DELIVERING LESSONS TO THIS AGE GROUP FROM THE TEACHER’S HOME. Most teachers have their own children at home during the times they are trying to provide excellent instruction to the students who have parents that do help them at home. In wealthy communities most families have educated adults able to help younger children continue to learn. Children at these ages may not be mature enough to focus on these lessons even if they have the devices without an adult present. In needy neighborhoods, many parents are continuing to try to earn a living and seeking assistance from overwhelmed agencies for help. THIS IS NOT AN IDEAL SITUATION. About 30 years ago California tried teaching via computer in classroom labs. More than 87% of the children could not work without a professional teacher or parent working with them. Retention of learning was almost zero! Children learn by doing. Computers cannot replace this. Parents have to work. Teachers cannot be expected to care for their families at home and provide thought provoking, excellent, hands on learning via computer. Most computer work is wrote memory only which is seldom sustainable in this setting. How can teachers help their own children while they are teaching ours? Most lessons are happening at the same time. We must have the teachers with this aged learners. Consider: Year round teaching, half day schooling so the numbers in a class are less for health reasons, Every other day instruction using Saturdays with home projects monitored by the teachers and adults designated by parents at home? Let’s think out loud. Quality, Challenging, Engaging, Orderly, Safe Public Education must continue.

  • Hi Shelley,

    Thanks for your post. I hope you are well and understand the additional concerns being handicapped brings to life. If there is anything in particular on your heart, or that you need, please feel free to send me a note. We live in Mint Hill. Blessings, Karen

    • Hi Shelley!

      I just sent you a quick note. I’m not sure if I used the correct email. I’ll try again!

  • Hi Shelley,

    Thanks for your post. I hope you are well and understand the additional concerns being handicapped brings to life. If there is anything in particular on your heart, or that you need, please feel free to send me a note. We live in Mint Hill. Blessings, Karen

  • A Big Thank You to the kind soul who placed a small river rock with a red heart drawn on it, on our front porch last week! What a nice surprise it was to see it when we walked out to retrieve the mail that day!

  • Except for wearing a mask where asked, I haven’t changed a thing. We did take advantage of doing a remodel on our entire house, though.

  • I have wonderful neighbours who check in with me on a regular basis, bring home cooked food from time to time, and check to see if they can pick anything up for me when they go shopping. I have also been impressed with all of the people who signed up on NDGG to offer help to people in the community when we were advised to shelter in place. Kudos to all the people who jumped right in and starting sewing face masks to distribute to those of us who needed them. That certainly was a labour of love. The county health updates posted on NDGG have been very helpful in keeping us informed as well. Pleasant Hill is filled with many kind, generous and caring people. I feel very fortunate to be a resident of this community.

  • I very much enjoy the neighbor blog and use it all the time since I joined. It definitely makes me feel like I have someone to depend on. I feel more like I can communicate with people.

  • Thank goodness we will get back to some normalcy soon but some things will never be the same. It’s so important that we stay connected.

  • Shelley, I am in the same situation. I even hired a PT employee through the newsletter. She could not continue because of her own disability being exacerbated. I need more contacts, could I ask for your help?

  • Thanks for the information. During this pandemic crisis many of us need extra support. Certainly the stimulus check should help get necessities for those who have lost their jobs. For others the stimulus check is found money. I urge you to consider a gift to Prebl e Street or Good Shepard Food Bank. These are just two of the many wonderful organizations that need extra support during this period of uncertainty. Thank you for your kind consideration. I hope that all of you are keeping safe and well and optimi stic about the future.

  • Nextdoor has been helpful for me. I have sold items much easier than on Ebay and met lovely neighbors.

  • We don’t need outside help yet. My wife is confined to a wheel chair and I am suffering from scoliosis and Parkinsons disease. It is nice to know that there is a back-up system that we may need to take advantage of.

  • The one thing I love about the quarantine for these almost 3 months is sitting on our front porch – something we never had in anyplace we lived, and enjoying the many neighborhood kids and especially
    the dads and mom playing with their kids in the yard – basketball, baseball, slip and slide, etc. They are
    getting quality time with their kids instead of dashing home from work and driving straight into the
    garage and not coming out till morning! We have met a lot of new families in Charleston Oaks and meeting some for the first time since being here since Aug 2018. Seems like the 50’s used to be and neighbors helping neighbors. It’s a really nice feel!! Hope that keeps up in the future.

  • I am not much of a typing communicator and yet, I do enjoy the materials I read in the Nextdoor blog. Whoever, came up with the idea to create this program deserves a HANDS UP!

  • Makes me feel not so isolated, like the world isn’t so big, that there are really compassionate and kind people out there, and I learned a few things about myself too (some I need to change, some that made me proud of myself). There was a clown (Joey the Clown), whose tagline was “be kind, because all we really have in this world is each other”. . .

  • Kindness is a big form of love…..lets love one another. Take care and help each other in any way we are able to. Lets make this a real neighborhood.

  • I was surprised that ”Local insights” did not mention religion.
    Many more have relialized that we are not the ones in control. They
    have taken up to praying to the one that is.

  • Let’s face it, we, as human beings need community. Our brain is wired to need a connection with other people. we need each other for conversation and exchanging ideas, and a word of comfort when we are lonely.. This month, my devotional literature has been about community and its importance. God is concerned about everything which is going on in our lives. Not the big things only, but in the mundane things. He speaks to us through our mind. He doesn’t shout at us, but with a still small voice. In order to hear Him we need to tune out all distraction and allow our selves to listen I mean, really listen.

  • I have lived next door to my neighbor for 3 years never got to know her until all this started…. She’s really a nice lady !!!! Too bad it took this National disaster for me to get to know her

  • Local services offered by individuals are important, especially now. But when I was a lead, we regularly deleted such posts as a violation of ND guidelines. Have the guidelines been updated to allow those important neighbor-to-neighbor service announcements?

  • Please stop propagating this!! This is not the new “norm.” This propaganda is more hurtful than helpful.

  • Thank you for posting this information. We need each other. WE are a community.
    My husband and I moved into this Cambrian neighborhood 47 years ago. It was a great decision.

  • I need someone to mow my lawn. I have the mower (push), gas and a weed eater . I don’t want to do it anymore .

  • Very good post. I rely on information from my neighbors and friends, more than the media, Be it Fox News or MSNBC, both networks put their slant on things and you really don’t know what to believe. I do not believe the President nor Governor when they say things because always in the case of the President and most of the time, in the case of the Governor, they are spewing lies and false information. Clay Jenkins is the one to Trust in this pandemic.

    Thank you.

  • THIS “SURREAL” CONDITION OF OUR GLOBE RIGHT NOW IS AT TIMES VERY FRIGHTENING. HOWEVER, IT’S NICE NOW TO BE ABLE TO NOT JUST WAVE — BUT “KNOW” SOME OF THE NEIGHBORS BETTER. ALSO, IT’S REALLY BEAUTIFUL TO ME TO SEE HOW MANY GOOD AND HELPFUL PEOPLE THERE ARE IN MAKAI.

  • I hired my neighbor & hin son & son-in-law to rebuild my deck and ad a screen porch. We are 1/2 way done, the deck is complete, the porch roof is up. Next will be inclosing the screen porch section. I am very pleased with the work they have done.

  • Im looking forward to cohosting a neighborhood block party iin front and back of my home at Mahalo & West Hillside when we get past the Stay-home guidelines!

  • Very positive suggestions that agree with that should be done even after this pandemic is over.

  • Thank you for keeping us in the loop! We don’t have many neighbors, so it’s nice to feel a connection!

  • Perhaps instead of separating our communities this virus is bringing us together. It is reminding us that as a Nation “United We Stand”, so true. Let us follow the rules, respect one another and keep our community number one, anywhere.

  • Nextdoor is an absolutely essential communication for feeling part of our neighborhood –every activity — including wild animal sightings to retail to household hints!

  • Unfortunately I don’t have anyone like a neighbor to count on. I cannot drive.cannot go shopping etc. Need surgery on back. Have been looking for help but can’t find it.

  • My wife and I really miss our church and music summer concerts as seniors we don’t have any thing to do. We are not physically able to do much. We don’t play golf, play ball, not many places to excise. We walk around our neighborhoods and wave and say Hi to the folks that might be outside. I would like to see some consideration for our needs. Thank You! Dale

  • I have found myself really enjoy “ Nextdoor “, for the information and reading about the neighborhood.
    The people are mostly kind and I am grateful for that.
    Finding recommendations for certain types businesses is amazingly good and on point. Thank you much for the Nextdoor App!

  • I second Estelle’s thank you for taking the time to put Nextdoor together. Very reassuring and helpful to know we have somewhere to turn for to reliable information and helpful sources.. Thank you, thank you. from a grateful neighbor.

  • As Al Gore commented on making radical changes in lifestyle in view of global eco-catastrophe, humans don’t make major changes until disaster hits them at home:far away floods, erosion of shorelines, food shortages were abstract until they occurred in your own neighborhood. I’m not cheering for the COVID -19 disaster, especially the death toll, but I am appreciating some of the new neighborliness and new outlook on rampant consumerism that doesn’t benefit locals in neighborhoods as does supporting local businesses. Necessity is still “the mother of invention.” Changing to living more simply may also be an outcome that was overdue.

  • I have lived in Bar Nunn for 20 years and am a single gal most of my neighbors are young families and dont want much to do with a single gal. I grew up in a small farming ranching area where neighbors knew each other and helped one another. I find in Wyoming people are very translate and dont wave at each other. I miss that. I do enjoy living here, just a different environment

  • I was so gratified to hear that most of the comments on NextDoor were kind, informative and helpful. Even the ones who complained, sometimes very bitterly, were most often met with kindness in return.
    I even noticed that I myself, most times, responded with kindness (but not always, I am sorry to say).
    Thanks for the. research and the report.
    Pleases me to my core to recognize our joint love of the beautiful area in which we live.
    Lee

  • I feel the same way about having this post. As soon when a neighborhood post is set up for June 3rd I knew with my background in Aging that is not a good idea. First of all most buildings are not air-condition meeting room, wearing mask can be too warm could cause heat stroke, plenty of water needed. I gave a solution for the meeting Zoom system. We are all in this together need be careful with virus spreading still.

  • Live in Bartlett Woods. Would like to know if there are any families who have lost their jobs in our sd that need help with food? We are neighbors and believe there are enough of us that would help with food. Please email me. I would email you if needed.

  • Phases 3-5 are not possible without embracing the ethic of “I protect you, please protect me”.

    This is the ethic of wearing a face mask.

    In this community the practice of wearing a face mask has sadly been politicized.

    How do we get infected?
    1) The aerosol from our breath and speaking is the primary source of transmission of infection. As we speak we create a cloud of aerosol that hangs in the air for 8 minutes or more, studies have shown.

    2) Individuals with no symptoms spread the virus.

    3) A face mask is our best line of defense until we have frequent, routine testing for asymptomatic people as well as those with symptoms, a vaccine or effective therapeutics (medication) to treat corona virus.
    Until then:
    4) the face mask is our best tool in our tool box for accessing the social activities we enjoy.

    Face masks are the new fashion statement that demonstrates empathy for others.

  • I have been blessed by the best neighbors that I could ask for. I know if I ever needed anything I could go to one of them or both anytime. I thank God every day for them.

  • Those of you in charge of this info did a fine job. Thank you for all of your efforts in making our home bound
    interesting! It was truly appreciated.

  • Was there a poll that went around to obtain these numbers? Unfortunately I have not been witness to neighbors reaching out. I live alone and have physical limitations and no family and a few folks from church have been in contact but even fellow church members right on my street (with minimal exceptions) have not said anything. I’ve actually stopped asking for recommendations as there are rarely any replies.

    • Abbe I am in the very same boat. I need back surgery and cannot stand very long. No neighbors,no family, etc. I read your story and the others. Yes,come to the back door can’t get to the front. Next door is here for us but we are here for each other!? garbagel needs to go out but we can only do what we can do! My heart goes out to all of you we can share here! ?

      • Call the Prescott Waste Management folks. You can set something up with them for help with garbage.

        • Thanks! Sadly my city takes care of the trash. If it is not at the curb it is not getting picked up! I live in West Virginia. My neighbors, are too caught up in their own lives. I could give examples but I won’t.they can help but won’t. Thanks for the advise but they know how to call. It is sad but this is happening in society. Having next door.com has been wonderful. I can only give cyberhugs and love. I am a former first responder and this is how I end up. Go figure!?♿??

      • Becky: You and Abbe should leave your addresses or phone #’s so nearby neighbors/people can call and check on you – can come and bring in your trash cans, and help with the myriad other things that need to be done every day. This is terrible to be isolated with such a bad back. d winthrop

  • I love the comments & the blog!
    I 2 feel I get no help from my neighbors!
    I came home 2 days ago from hospital!
    I live along! I don’t feel like cooking a lot of times!
    Especially now I have pneumonia in my left lung & a trait infection!
    I was tested for COVID 19 it was negative!
    Oh I can’t hear at front door U have to come to back door & knock!

    • f there is anything you need at the store, please contact me.
      I live in Silver Ridge. I am disabled but I can drive and shop.

      Most take outs are delivering. They have a minimum order, but i order extra and freeze for another day. Ordered from Olive Garden, $50 minimum so i bough two meals which were buy 1 get one, plus ordered a a gallon soup. I froze everything except one meal. I had a lot of different meals for whenever I didn’t want to cook. There minimum is higher than most.
      Sherryrlang@gmail.com

    • Have you tried calling Meals on Wheels? I’m not sure if they are operating at this time, but maybe that would be some help to you.

    • Vickie, I find that so sad and I wish I lived near you to help. I am disabled an people are polite to open doors and store workers at store that don’t offer online ordering are extremely nice and carry everything out to my trunk and ask what I need as they will get it for me. I live in a very rural area with one true grocery store and I thank god that they started customer pickup it is truly a godsend. I’ve had 8 surgeries in the past four years and have been lucky to have my son with me but he also has issues with health and other things so having him here is a safety net but he doesn’t drive anymore so I have to go to stores to get things. My neighborhood is not very friendly except for one gentleman but I pay him to do stuff for me. It’s not a good feeling to feel alone and to boot on Facebook all they do is bash each other for what political side they are on. I pray your neighbors step up and offer some help for you. Respectfully Karen

  • Top three missed activities don’t include attending religious services, Hopefully it would be in the list if they had included 4 activities, as it’s the most essential one of them all. Yes, God is everywhere but it heals our hearts when we gather together in prayer and honor,.

  • Thanks to the Next door blog for helping assist in connecting and hiring . For many, it softens the oppression of isolation and helps those who reach out to others for grocery shopping, yard care etc. I personally find it very helpful in looking for people who work in various occupations such as handyman, landscapers etc. In fact I keep a spiral notebook writing the date, topic and the name and phone on a recommended company or person. That way all the info is in one place.

  • I am trying to get more people to call city hall about the water in the ditches on Beachwood and reed and roth roads. City tells they r responsible to clean culverts as far back as 2019 and we have called them n March and May 2020. They come look but nothing is done .the more calls the better. As of the last heavy rain on Memorial weekend Paul Davis is appearing around here and sewer Companies r doing repair and digging yards up. The water just needs to drain faster but it is not even draining!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • I would add another item to the neighborhood navigation list. Namely, welcome back those who have returned to their home after an unwanted absence. I am thinking for example about the lady who was in the hospital and when she returned was trying to figure out how to deal with food issues. I expect the community response at Nextdoor was helpful to her.

    And yes, I am even thinking about a few nonviolent ex-prisoners who may be released to the community in order to help reduce covid-19 spread. I know this idea can be a tough sell, but to illustrate, the U.S. has 4.4% of world population and 22% of world’s prisoners. Seems to me that we are guilty as a country of barbarity towards our citizens and the present #BLM activism speaks to that problem. At the minimum, we can respond responsibly in our own neighborhood actions and welcome neighbors with kindness where appropriate, whatever their background and our background.

  • I love this blog. With everything happening, I do hope people start going back to the local businesses to support them. It’s easy to get everything online nowadays, but there is nothing better than showing support to our communities.

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