Using Big Data to Improve Neighborhoods

Described as the Facebook for Neighborhoods, the startup Next Door recently raised $18.6 million which will be used to expand operations.

According to a GigaOm story about Next Door, they have:

"about 3,700 neighborhoods on board in 48 states with a median of 600 to 700 members in each network. The service is adding 22 neighborhoods every day now." 

Next Door is an example of the growing number of companies focused on neighborhood enhancement and discovery.  Another example is Walkscore, which helps people discover walkable neighborhoods and live a walkable lifestyle.

Both firms are using Big Data to improve local communities and better connect us to our neighborhoods. This is one of the most exciting trends we've seen during the Big Data research we've been conducting over the last year.

We'll have more on this and other Big Data trends in the coming weeks.

Disclosure:  Emergent Research is an investor in Walkscore.  

Comments

[Rich Norton]

Wow, the new ideas of how to use data know no bounds. Thank you for sharing!