i've avoided nextdoor and the like by simply getting to know some of my co-tenants directly. we trade info in person and through texts. walking my dog helps me

i've avoided nextdoor and the like by simply getting to know some of my co-tenants directly. we trade info in person and through texts. walking my dog helps me meet folks farther afield. through that little network, i hear about stuff in about a two/three block radius around where i live (not everything, but enough). we have the usual low-level urban issues: traffic accidents, snoopers, taggers, petty theft, teenagers doing dumb things, and mentally ill folks being weird nearby, but nothing so serious to fear-monger or overly worry about (yes, be alert; no, don't suspect everyone). it saddens me that a few nearby buildings have newly put up fences, as if that promotes anything but isolation. it doesn't keep bad people out but will keep good samaritans out in case of emergency.