In April, Roseville kicked off Nextdoor.com, a private network designed to help neighbors get to know each other. Six months later, more than 1100 members in 14 neighborhoods have joined. Nextdoor.com creates private websites where neighbors can get to know each other, exchange local advice and ask questions.

Roseville resident Kathy Ramundt has been instrumental in Nextdoor’s growth. She first introduced the idea to City Manager Bill Malinen, and she has been promoting the idea throughout the city.

Nextdoor.com was designed specifically to make neighbors feel comfortable sharing information with one another. Although Roseville is supporting the neighborhood groups, Roseville staff are not able to read neighborhood postings or see membership lists.

Ramundt said she’s been hearing lots of stories from Nextdoor fans. One participant told her he was hesitant to join because it was another drain on his time; instead, he found it’s a time saver. He found a carpool buddy to get his kids to after school activities. Other participants have shared babysitter recommendations and set up neighborhood block parties. Ramundt said when a new neighbor moved in, she quickly invited the family to join, which gave the family a way to learn about the neighborhood.

Interested in joining your neighborhood? Visit the Nextdoor.com website and and enter your address.