River Point Community Connects through Nextdoor.com

River Pointe, named for its location, is a quiet residential neighborhood northeast of where the Braden River and Manatee River meet. The 200 or so, houses that were developed in the 1990s, were built to capture the magic of the surrounding water. Many of River Pointe’s residents are on water of some kind, from saltwater canals that wind through the community, offering boating residents access to the Manatee River, to inland lakes. It is a unique place to live in Bradenton, Florida.

The several fresh water lakes and ponds are teaming with Florida wildlife, like bass, bluegill, tilapia, catfish, turtles, frogs, egrets, great blue heron, roseate spoonbills, a variety of ducks, sand hill cranes, hawks, doves, redheaded woodpeckers and more. It has even been said that the private boating lake has a few monsters, speculated to be tarpon and/or snook that have adapted to the fresh water. Some have claimed they have seen an alligator, but those sightings are rare. The private lake has a lock that boaters use to lift and transport boats up from the freshwater to the saltwater canal that leads out to the Manatee.

This quaint neighborhood of winding roads and inlets is home to a variety of residents, from families with children, young and older DINKS (double income no kids), a healthy working class that drive to their jobs as far away as Tampa and St. Pete, and others that work from home, plus active retirees, both full and part-time residents. Most residents can be seen walking, running and biking, with or without dogs, through the winding streets, especially in the evening hours.

Socializing is abundant because this is a real neighborhood where people watch out for one another, wave and say hello, talk to one another, help each other with tasks, borrow and lend tools. It’s a place where friends are made, where there are frequent get togethers for meals, groups who to watch sports together, and the occasional pocket neighborhood street party that flows from house to house, with something always happening outside in the street or cul-de-sac.

The two entrances off State Road 64 (Manatee Avenue) are at 41st Street East and 39th Street East. They have the colorful River Pointe signs posted at each entrance, which are surrounded by a variety of trees and shrubs, giving you a glimpse into what you will see when you enter the community rich with mature landscaping.

Residents of River Pointe are proud of their community, their homes, their yards and there is always someone outside doing something. It is a neighborhood where well-manicured yards can be spotted at every turn, making it a true gem for those that have discovered this treasure.

Some neighbors are unsung heroes, like Tom, a resident and St. Pete police officer who is often spotted helping those that can’t help themselves. This neighborhood is home to many police officers, many more than can be seen by the vehicles parked overnight. There is something that makes you feel safe when you live in a neighborhood where police officers live. Maybe there is a reason they all chose to live here.

Although there is no clubhouse or community pool, most homes have private swimming pools and there are also an abundance of private fishing opportunities, both fresh and saltwater. There is a small community park with a picnic table near the private boat ramp and dock, and often times you will find River Pointe residents picnicking, children playing, boaters coming in or going out or a few fishermen catching a little, or even big, something.

What has made this neighborhood even more special over the past year or so is Nextdoor.com, a free private social network that connects neighbors to neighbors. River Pointe residents can sign up to link together. To participate in Nextdoor.com, you must live in the neighborhood and be invited to join. All homes have received invitations, and over 100 in River Pointe are now participating, even renters are encouraged to join in.

Nextdoor.com also links the River Pointe neighbors with 7 other nearby neighborhoods. In total, over 1,125 participants are connected, and the network grows every day. These are neighbors and neighborhoods in close proximity to one another who are communicating and sharing with one another.

Communities across the country have been using Nextdoor.com to get to know their neighbors, keep in touch, sell items to other neighbors, report neighborhood activities, find animals, find lost items, recommend vendors, restaurants, merchants and so much more.

For Halloween, participants could sign up to let others with children know they would be available for a trick or treat on October 31. There is a holiday cheer map that identifies holiday light displays and other holiday plans. The posting offers a map, where people can post their address or an address of another location they think is impressive enough for others to see for that evening drive to get in the spirit.

An event calendar is available for planned bus trips to see sporting events, concerts or whatever someone wants to organize. HOA board meeting minutes can be posted for residents to view.

People post items they want to sell in the classified section and there is a section for free items, things residents no longer want, and are willing to give to someone, like bricks, furniture or even a refrigerator. Photos can be posted of items for sale and profiles can also include photos of participants. The nice part is that each participant can choose the level of information they want to receive. For those that don’t want automated updates, they can visit the website or use the mobile app to catch up as they choose.

Recently a group of Nextdoor.com participants coordinated a re-roofing plan so they could get a group rate on re-roofing with a local roofing contractor, which was probably a savings for the residents and the contractor.

Even a home was posted for sale recently and sold in 2 weeks and homes are posted for rent through the website.

Using Nextdoor.com, a group of residents organized the first annual community-wide River Pointe garage sale, which will take place on Saturday, December 5, 2015 from 8 to 3. There is no requirement to sign up to participate. There will be signs placed at the two River Pointe entrances on State Road 63 at 39th and 41st Streets. Anyone having a sale is encouraged to place signs within the neighborhood to direct the shoppers to their location. That simple.

It appears the ideas for using Nextdoor.com as a communication tool is only limited by the creativity of the participants.