Nextdoor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: NXDR), the platform that has become synonymous with neighborhood engagement, has released its 2026 Friendliest Neighborhoods rankings. This annual report provides a comprehensive look at community interactions and highlights the cities and neighborhoods where residents are most connected and supportive.

1. Celebrating Community Engagement

With over 105 million users, Nextdoor has established itself as the go-to network for fostering relationships among neighbors. The 2026 rankings showcase not just the friendliest cities and towns across all 50 states but also spotlight individual neighborhoods that exemplify engagement and support. The detailed rankings are accessible through Nextdoor's blog, allowing users to explore the friendliest neighborhoods in their own states.

Kelsey Grady, Chief Communications Officer at Nextdoor, emphasized the importance of understanding neighborhood dynamics beyond mere statistics. “When people are considering where to live, they want to know more than just the statistics — they want to understand what it's really like to be part of that neighborhood,” she stated. This sentiment resonates deeply in a world where community connection has become increasingly vital.

2. Methodology Behind the Rankings

Nextdoor’s Friendliness Score is derived from a meticulous analysis of neighbor interactions on the platform. The scoring system functions as an index, with the top neighborhood in each city achieving a perfect score of 100, while others are ranked comparatively. The evaluation criteria include:

Tone of posts (positive or negative)

Fulfillment of neighbor requests for assistance or recommendations

Expressions of neighborhood pride or dissatisfaction

The number of free items shared in the "For Sale & Free" section

Responses to welcome posts from neighbors

Promotion and recommendations of local businesses

To ensure the rankings are meaningful, only cities with ten or more distinct neighborhoods are considered, allowing for a robust dataset that reflects genuine community engagement.

3. A Nationwide Snapshot

The 2026 Friendliest Neighborhoods rankings reveal that strong, supportive communities exist in every corner of the nation. The data underscores the importance of neighborly interactions, from simple acts of kindness to collective pride in local initiatives. This year’s list not only celebrates the friendliest neighborhoods but also serves as a reminder of the role that community plays in enhancing quality of life.

Residents and potential movers can explore the full rankings by visiting the Nextdoor Blog, where they can click on their respective state to see how their local communities measure up. This interactive feature encourages users to engage with their neighborhoods and foster a spirit of connection.

4. The Role of Nextdoor in Community Building

Beyond the rankings, Nextdoor’s platform offers a plethora of features that foster community engagement. Users can access trusted local news, real-time safety alerts, neighbor recommendations, as well as listings for free items and local events. Businesses, publishers, and public agencies also utilize Nextdoor to connect with residents, making it a vital tool for community interaction.

As neighborhoods continue to evolve, Nextdoor remains committed to promoting neighborly relations and enhancing the fabric of local communities. The 2026 Friendliest Neighborhoods rankings not only celebrate the best in community engagement but also inspire others to cultivate friendly, supportive environments in their own areas.

In an era where digital interactions often overshadow face-to-face connections, Nextdoor shines a light on the importance of genuine relationships, proving that strong neighborhoods are built on the foundation of engaged and caring residents.

Original press release