Arizona-Based Social Media Startup Expands Nationwide As Growth Continues

Arizona-Based Social Media Startup Expands Nationwide As Growth Continues

by | Feb 19, 2026 | News

By Matthew Holloway |

An Arizona-based social media startup, ConnectNeighbors.com, is projected to surpass 4 million visitors before the end of February 2026, according to a recent company press release.

The digital platform, designed to offer structured community information across the United States, currently includes websites for more than 3,080 counties, 3,100 cities, and 5,700 neighborhoods nationwide — all organized in searchable pages distinct from traditional social media feeds.

ConnectNeighbors.com was founded by Air Force veteran and entrepreneur John Backer, emphasizing long-term discoverability through dedicated local websites at the state, county, city, and neighborhood levels. Using this model, the platform intends to provide residents and local service providers with community-specific content that remains accessible in search engines.

In a statement, Backer said the projected milestone reflects “steady organic growth” tied to the ongoing expansion of neighborhood web pages across all 50 U.S. states.

“The focus has been on building dedicated neighborhood websites that remain searchable and accessible for residents, real estate professionals, and local businesses,” he explained.

In Pima County, where the platform is based, the network comprises one county page, 10 city pages, and 997 neighborhood websites. Additional cities and neighborhoods are planned for launch throughout 2026. The cities in Arizona with the most neighborhood pages, according to the site’s directory, include Tucson, Green Valley, Phoenix, Vail, Sahuarita, Chandler, and Yuma.

ConnectNeighbors.com offers dedicated community pages that can host local news, events, polls, homeowners’ association information, business listings, and real estate data without the time-limited feeds typical of social networking platforms.

According to the platform’s website, community members can browse by state to find neighborhood pages that include vital local resources, such as utility contacts, schools, safety alerts, and community activities.

The project launched nationwide in 2025 and surpassed 2 million page views by mid-year, expanding to serve all 50 states.

The platform operates through a sponsorship model, in which local Realtors sponsor and help curate neighborhood pages, providing both community resources and professional visibility.

ConnectNeighbors.com’s model centers on structured, permanent websites designed to be discoverable through search engines, in contrast to platforms that focus on time-sensitive social feeds or subscription-gated content.

Neighborhood pages are free for community residents to access and are supported through local sponsorship by realtors, lenders, and small businesses, which may use the pages to reach local audiences.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.

Arizona-Based Social Media Startup Expands Nationwide As Growth Continues

Arizona Startup Launches Nationwide Effort To Strengthen Local Communities

by | May 29, 2025 | News

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.