Nowadays, it’s possible to live without ever really getting to know anyone. Some people do this intentionally by making it a point to keep to themselves, but others can fall into this without even trying. Long gone are the days where most people get to know their neighbors, regularly visit with them, and support each other during the hard times in life. The few neighborhood communities like this that still exist are mostly populated by people who grew up when this was the norm. These people managed to maintain their communities despite massive economic and cultural changes. As such, they provide a chance to see a way of life that was once common but is now nearly nonexistent.
This change hasn’t been all bad, however. In some ways, it’s brought about positive things, such as allowing people to find and cultivate friendships outside of their neighborhoods. This is beneficial for those who have little spare time and would rather focus on the people they met through a shared interest than the people who live down the street and are essentially total strangers. And plenty of people can and do still support each other in tough times, even when they’re far apart. The internet has made it easier than ever to do this and lots of people use it regularly for that purpose. Additionally, the decline of neighborhood communities allows one’s house to be more of a retreat, with little to no chance of anyone dropping in unexpectedly even in the most populous neighborhoods. With so many people hustling and grinding through the day, having a peaceful place where they can take a break from the world is exactly what they need.
I’ve changed some of my thinking on this subject since I’ve thought more about it and recalled my experiences with it. I now think that communities haven’t gone away, they’ve just changed over time, most notably by becoming less dependent on location and place of residence. Even in a city like Jacksonville that is massive and widely spread out, communities are still alive and well. My time in the swing dance scene has shown me that firsthand. Most of the trips I’ve taken in the past few years have been with some of the people I’ve met through swing dancing. Many of these were trips to a dance event, but several have simply been opportunities for us to visit with each other and enjoy each other’s company wherever we’ve gone. I never expected to see this or be part of it when I first started dancing, but that’s exactly what’s happened. So even if neighborhood communities have mostly gone by the wayside, true communities where people know, understand, support, and love each other are still alive and well. And I’m so glad to be part of a great one.