30 Dec 2025 Small town internet, undefeated.

I was doomscrolling the other day (because I’m human), and it hit me:

The internet is exhausting.

It’s either breaking news, hot takes, or someone confidently incorrect in all caps.

Five minutes in, I’m overstimulated and vaguely angry … and I haven’t even learned anything useful.

Then I clicked on a local community website, and I swear my shoulders dropped.

You know the kind — where the “news” is:

• the garden club’s holiday fundraiser
• a shout-out to the EMTs who showed up fast — and a neighbor who takes the time to say thank you
• a tribute to a beloved community member (or the town employee who somehow holds everything together)
• team sports results — and yes, the photos are always adorable
• a local business donating gift cards for a fundraiser

It’s not glamorous. It’s not viral.
It’s real life.

And unfortunately, that kind of internet is becoming rare.

Local community websites matter more than ever.

Because they’re not trying to hijack your nervous system.
They’re trying to keep a town functioning.

They’re the digital version of running into someone you know at the coffee shop —
and walking away with a useful piece of information instead of a headache.

That’s why we’re proud to be advertising sponsors of The Larchmont Loop, Scarsdale10583, and The Rivertowns Dispatch — which, in a charming plot twist, also has a weekly print edition. Like, a real newspaper you can hold. (It almost feels rebellious!!!)

We spend our days thinking about homes — and homes don’t work without community.
Supporting local platforms like these is one small way we try to be good neighbors.

These sites do something that’s easy to overlook until it’s gone:

They keep people connected.
They shine a light on local nonprofits and events.
They give local businesses a place to show up without having to scream for attention.

And they remind us that community is still a real thing — not just something you write on a welcome sign.

Which feels especially worth saying as we head into a new year.

So if you haven’t clicked around on your local community site lately, consider this your nudge.

You might find something useful.
You might end up at an event you didn’t know existed.
You might even discover that someone in your town is quietly doing something wonderful.

That’s the good stuff.

Until next Tuesday,

Cheerfully.