How Portlanders build community with their neighbors
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Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios
After we shared new national data showing Americans are talking with their neighbors far less than before, we were bummed to learn Portlanders are seeing that trend play out on their own blocks — but some are taking action to reverse it.
Why it matters: Casual neighborhood ties are quietly disappearing, and the health consequences run deeper than most people realize.
Threat level: Research from Vanderbilt sociologist Rachel Donnelly found social isolation is "a potent predictor of poor health, mortality, and dementia risk." It is as strongly linked to mortality risk as smoking or obesity.
- Lower-income Americans are disproportionately likely to be isolated, research also shows.
What you're saying: "The only time I spoke with my neighbor was when his groceries got delivered to my house instead," reader Lisa C. wrote. "When I had a 20-acre property in a rural area, I talked to my neighbors several times a week."
- Gary R., who lives in Sandy, said he only knows the names of his immediate neighbors, and that's it. "I rarely see them out, and when I do, we just wave."
Yes, but: Other Portlanders are making it a point to actively engage their neighbors.
Here's how:
🍸 Rotating house parties. Mount Tabor resident Katy W. said her neighborhood has been hosting "Martini Monday" every month for nearly two decades.
- "One neighbor hosts the party at their house and provides drinks; everyone else brings a dish to share. When someone new moves in, I am stoked to say hi and invite them!"
- 💭 My thought bubble: My neighborhood does a version of this called "Soup Night," and the WhatsApp group doubles as a place to share handyman recommendations, coyote sightings, and borrow stuff — whether it's a wine opener or extra chicken wire.
🐕 Let the dogs do the work. While some neighbors arrange weekly dog walks, Jane U. said her neighbors happily dog-sit her coonhound when she's away because it "imposes a strict 'no rabbits' policy around their vegetable garden."
🫛 Share fruits of labor. Natalie B. and their partner recently expanded their garden so they could "gift extra food to our neighbors" in an effort to build more relationships.
The bottom line: Don't overthink it. Wave and say hello on walks, ask gardening questions when you see a neighbor in the yard, or give away extra goodies from your kitchen.
- You don't need a block party budget to get your neighbors together. Start small and grow from there.