First things first, it’s a moderated mailing list with some ads

This is what neighborhoods in my area do but without the ads. Around here there are distinct neighborhoods that have their own names but no official designation. People have, since before social media, set up mailing lists moderated by one of the residents.

There’s occasional drama but mostly it’s people asking for tradespeople recommendations, curb alerts for furniture or photos of loose pets.

NextDoor-type services have tried to establish a presence but have mostly been ignored.

Maybe it’s the geography or the early adoption of e-mail lists but mailing lists work great around here.