Americans are spending more time at home, yet many have become strangers to their neighbors — especially young Americans, who are increasingly unlikely to socialize with those living feet away.

By the numbers: In 2012, 51% of young Americans regularly engaged with neighbors, according to a new AEI report. Today, that number has plummeted to 25%.

• By contrast, 56% of seniors socialize with neighbors, a seven-point drop since 2012.
• More broadly, 59% of Americans chatted with neighbors a few times per week in 2012. In 2025, that number is 41%.

What they're saying: Daniel Cox, head report researcher and director of the Survey Center on American Life at AEI, tells Axios that technology deserves some of the blame.

Zoom in: Young people are also more likely to live in new cities, live among strangers and frequently relocate. Whereas someone who's lived in the same community for decades has years to build relationships.

The intrigue: Cox said young Americans also talk less with neighbors because they have less practice with face-to-face connections during their formative years.

At the same time, Gen Zers are turning towards digital communities for connections, which Cox said can offer friendship but are "very limited in terms of creating an actual supportive community that people really need."

• He added that online friends can't water your plants when you're on vacation, help you move furniture, or watch your dog.

Jeremy's thought bubble: I'm fortunate that my central Phoenix neighborhood is one that really fosters a sense of community.

• We have an awesome neighborhood association that holds block parties. There's nothing like socializing with neighbors over a taco, snow cone or beer while your kids play together.

🗣️ You tell us: How well do you know your neighbors? And how did you get to know them?

• Reply to this email or drop us a note at [email protected] with your best community building tips, and we may include them in a future edition.

Meet the neighbors

Three Arizona kids made it to the Scripps National Spelling Bee, and one has advanced to today's quarterfinals.

🐝 Smriti Parajuli:

• Eliminated in the preliminary vocabulary round with the word "peruse."

🐝 Esha Marupudi:

• Advancing to quarterfinals after correctly spelling "wongshy" and defining "contested."

🐝 Koen Harvey:

• Eliminated in the preliminary spelling round with the word "burelage."

👏 We're sending a big round of applause to all three for representing Arizona on the national stage!

Arizona isn't hosting any FIFA World Cup games, but we can still be home to the best soccer bar in the U.S.

State of play: USA Today is asking readers to vote on the country's best soccer bars, and one of the contenders is right here in central Phoenix: the George and Dragon English Pub.

• It's one of 20 bars in contention.
• You can vote once a day through 9am next Monday.
• USA Today will announce 10 winners on June 10.

Zoom in: If you're looking to watch a big Premier League match, you can usually count on the George and Dragon to open early.

• "Whether you've joined us for a 7am kickoff, a World Cup match, or just a proper pint with friends — this nomination is because of YOU," the George and Dragon wrote on Facebook.

What they're saying: For more than 30 years, "the George and Dragon has provided a great atmosphere for soccer fans in the Phoenix area," USA Today wrote.

• Owner David Wimberley and his mother Anne opened the bar in 1995 after coming here from the U.K., "and the authenticity has stuck, with the pub offering delightful food options and of course, proper pints, while watching the match."

I'm not a big soccer fan and certainly not someone to go to the bar to watch a game at 8am, but the George and Dragon is near and dear to my heart for numerous reasons — I was a regular in my younger, child-free days — so I'll be voting early and often.

Cast your vote

🚗 Waymo suspended robotaxi service on freeways in Phoenix and several other cities to improve vehicle performance in construction zones. (TechCrunch)

🏭 Arizona Land Consulting bought nearly 1,000 acres in Tonopah, which the company wants rezoned for industrial and data center use. (Phoenix Business Journal)

🗳️ Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap referred 137 alleged noncitizens he said he found on the voter rolls to the AG's Office after the office said he wasn't handling the situation in accordance with state law. (Votebeat)

🛬 The FAA is taking over Mesa Gateway Airport's air traffic control tower, which had previously been staffed by contractors. (KJZZ)

I thought the admissions attendant at OdySea Aquarium with joking when she told my family the first thing we had to do was check out the bathroom.

• I laughed and she very seriously told me, "It's one of those, 'if you know, you know' things.'"

The intrigue: There aren't mirrors above the sinks, but instead a window into the aquarium's shark exhibit.

• It was named "America's Best Restroom" in a very unscientific ranking in 2017.

The bottom line: The bathroom alone may not be worth the steep price of admission ($49.95 per adult!), but the rest of the aquarium made it money well spent.