Strong neighborhoods are built on simple actions. Start with a wave.

This summer I spent some time away from my home in Chelsea, New York. Each time I returned to my neighborhood in the city, I noticed more things I’d missed while I was gone: my neighbors Nathaniel and Troy waving as they walk their dogs. Morning chats with Stephane, the owner of my local coffee shop. Artists playing instruments or painting outside.

These are all simple things, but they’re the kinds of gestures that make up the foundation of a neighborhood. As many of us cope with uncertainty and change, it’s these small actions that connect us to the people and places around us.

Small actions bring new neighbors together.

In the last several months, I’ve felt an even stronger urge to rise up and connect with my neighbors. In an effort to spread positive news about my city and frustrated by stories about New York “dying,” I started a Nextdoor group called “I Love NY More than Ever.” The group has grown to 252 neighbors and has become a place to celebrate our home while finding ways to help. Two weeks ago, I didn’t know most of these neighbors—and now we’re connected with a sense of purpose.

While many, like me, have a renewed appreciation for our cities, people are also moving and making new connections in neighborhoods across the U.S. (and around the world). According to Pew Research Center, 22% of Americans have either relocated due to the pandemic or know someone who has. Nextdoor data shows that 55% of movers are relocating to less dense areas.

New residents are quickly finding ways to become part of their communities. Again, it may start with simple searches for lawn care or a math tutor. And along with looking for help, new neighbors are trying to find ways to offer help. These connections are deep and lasting: 63% of Nextdoor members say they’re more likely to be friends with their neighbors than they were pre-COVID.

Small actions help businesses thrive.

A quick tip from one neighbor to another may seem insignificant, but it’s these sorts of thoughtful actions that help communities stay connected. Restaurants, fitness apps, mattress brands, binge-worthy TV shows—whatever the category, we’re looking to others in our area to help us make informed choices. Ultimately, these choices can lead to more local commerce and increased brand loyalty. 

According to new data from Nextdoor, 88% of members shop at a local business at least once a week. A whopping 50 million business recommendations have been posted on Nextdoor, and they’re definitely being noticed: From April to July, Nextdoor searches for classes and lessons, medical/dental services and automotive services more than doubled compared with January to April. 

Business owners are also taking small, meaningful actions to attract and keep customers. Yes, social media and word of mouth are still essential promotional tools. But during the pandemic, customers have been responding to businesses and brands that are contributing to positive change, whether that’s through discounts to essential workers, support of Black Lives Matter and social-justice movements, and/or charitable donations. 

National brands have also stepped up to help communities affected by the pandemic. Walmart partnered with Nextdoor to sponsor a Help Map feature and shopping groups, tools designed for neighbors to assist each other during this uncertain time, with 63% of helpers and 58% of helpees recommending Walmart groups as a way to help others.

How can we help our communities? Start small.

The last several months have presented emotional, physical and financial challenges and have ushered in a “new normal” of spending more time at home. Connection isn’t just essential to the health of our neighborhoods, it’s vital to our own mental health. In a recent interview, Australian National Mental Health Commission CEO Christine Morgan pointed out how loneliness endangers our physical and mental health: “When the chips are down and we’re absolutely losing everything, we need each other,” she said. “We need our neighbors.” 

As we head into fall and approach National Good Neighbor Day on September 28, there’s no better time to start conversations and help the people and places around us. Neighborhood street-cleaning groups, distanced “porch-trait” photographs and surprise musical performances are just a few examples of how localism is here to stay. Our needs for creativity, support and connection can’t be stopped, and they’re integral to getting through this uncertain time. 

One simple wave can lead to a conversation. That conversation can spark an idea. And that idea can make a positive, lasting impact on an entire community.

When our neighborhood thrives, we thrive. It’s up to each of us to extend a hand.

Maryam Banikarim is the Head of Marketing at Nextdoor, where neighbors come together for trusted connections and the exchange of helpful information, goods and services.