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Should more of us be moving to live near friends? (architecturaldigest.com)

622 points by Geekette · 587 days ago · 487 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses the idea of moving to live near friends and the benefits of having a close-knit community. It features stories of people who have intentionally chosen to live near their friends, creating a supportive and social environment. This approach is seen as a way to combat the loneliness epidemic and create a sense of belonging. By living in close proximity, friends can share responsibilities, such as childcare, and enjoy spontaneous social interactions.

Main themes

  • Intentional community
  • Loneliness epidemic
  • Urban planning
  • Social connections
  • Friendship and proximity
  • Community building

What commenters say

  • Investing in new, long-term friendships is challenging in cities due to the transient nature of relationships and the high opportunity cost of dedicating time to a specific group of people.
  • Intentional communities can be a solution to the loneliness epidemic, but they can also be prone to toxicity and drama if not managed carefully.
  • High-density living is not necessarily correlated with a sense of community, and some people prefer to live in areas with more space and less noise.
  • The cultural preference for isolating oneself and the emphasis on individualism can make it difficult to build strong social connections in urban areas.
  • Remote work can be a solution for people who want to escape the high cost of living in cities, but it may not provide the same level of intellectual stimulation and social interaction.
  • The benefits of living in a big city, such as access to intellectual pursuits and diverse perspectives, may not be replicable in rural areas due to the lower density of people and activities.
  • Proximity is a key factor in facilitating intellectual pursuits and social connections, and big cities offer a unique advantage in this regard.
  • While online platforms can facilitate connections and discussions, they are no substitute for in-person interactions and the depth of conversation that comes with them.