Reader mailbag: Being neighborly

We asked readers how they're building community in a time of weaker neighborly ties.

Here's what you told us.

🏃‍♀️ Reader Paige T. said it can be "a little weird talking to neighbors who only emerge for holidays like Halloween," but she found a running club and many members happen to live within walking distance.

• "I've already made friends by branching outside of my comfort zone and being open to something I wouldn't usually do."

🪴 Liz S. noted a South Side Home & Garden Tour she attended for the first time recently after living in the neighborhood for years: "It was such a nice way to feel more connected to everyone in the community!"

👨‍🌾 One Axios Pittsburgh Instagram commenter said they regularly engage with their neighbors.

• "My one neighbor has a garden and shares his freshly grown produce. All of the neighbors going on their daily walks stop to chat. Before moving to my neighborhood, I hadn't experienced this since I was a child growing up in the Hill District," @seaux_eunique wrote.

🤝 Janet B. and Sandy H. both said growing political polarization is making neighbors more divided and distant, too.

• "This has always been a friendly city. People do care about their neighbors. The one thing that has changed the atmosphere is the government. I think people are really afraid to talk to each other…" said Sandy H.

🍻 John B. hosts gatherings on his patio, bringing together men from different parts of his life for "good conversation, laughs, and a few cold beverages." The events often draw dozens of people — dads and non-dads alike — from a wide range of backgrounds.

• "Men often struggle to build and maintain friendships as they get older. It can become surprisingly difficult to create spaces where friendships can naturally form."

Thanks for joining the conversation! Now, go talk to your neighbors!