By Jonathan Eberle |
In an era dominated by global social media platforms, one Arizona-based startup is taking a different approach—focusing not on the world at large, but on the people living right next door.
ConnectNeighbors.com, a new digital platform founded by Air Force veteran and entrepreneur John Backer, has officially launched nationwide, offering free, hyperlocal websites designed to help neighbors connect, communicate, and collaborate. With over 5,000 neighborhood-specific sites already live—spanning all 50 states, 431 cities, and 3,080 counties—the platform has rapidly gained traction, surpassing 2 million page views.
“We built ConnectNeighbors.com to create stronger, better-informed neighborhoods,” said Backer in a statement. “It’s a modern front porch—a place where people can share, connect, and build community pride.”
Unlike traditional social networks, ConnectNeighbors.com emphasizes geographic specificity. Each site is tailored to a particular community, offering resources and updates that matter most to local residents. Features include event calendars, garage sale listings, real estate updates, neighborhood watch alerts, school contact information, and even space for homeowners association (HOA) links and local vendors.
But perhaps the most distinctive aspect of ConnectNeighbors.com is its sponsorship model. Rather than relying on advertising revenue or subscription fees, the platform is sustained by local Realtors who sponsor and manage their respective neighborhood sites. These sponsors serve as community liaisons, curating content and offering insight in what the company calls an “attraction marketing” approach.
“The response has been amazing,” said Backer. “Realtors love the visibility, and residents appreciate the convenience. Most people have told us they’ve never seen anything quite like ConnectNeighbors.com—it’s a win for the whole community.”
The model appears to be resonating. Residents can easily locate their neighborhood page at ConnectNeighbors.com, and if a specific community isn’t yet represented, users can request its creation. For real estate professionals, sponsorship opportunities are available on a first-come, first-served basis—with only one Realtor assigned per site to ensure exclusivity.
As digital platforms continue to evolve, ConnectNeighbors.com is betting that community-focused connectivity—rooted in geography, trust, and local service—will offer something social media giants can’t: genuine neighbor-to-neighbor engagement.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
