All of this has led to districts looking very different than they did just a few years ago – and becoming better places for locals and travellers alike. In others, it’s meant tackling problems like overtourism, inequality and air pollution. In some cases that’s meant overhauling street space: less driving, more walking, cycling and hanging out. City-dwellers have quit their corporate jobs to finally follow their joy, whether it’s opening that corner café or much-needed local LGBTQ+ bar, or just spending more time living slowly and spending more time (and money) in their local area.Īt the same time, local officials the world over have been re-establishing their neighbourhoods as places for people. But there’s also been a whole wave of new businesses opening, driven not just by increased footfall outside city centres, but also by the ‘great resignation’. It’s true that much-loved local shops, restaurants, bars and creative spaces have, sadly, shuttered for good.

And in many of the world’s greatest cities, the result has been a full-blown neighbourhood renaissance.

Although we haven’t been able to travel the world as freely as we once did, billions of us have been spending more time than ever closer to home. It’s been a rough few years for the world at large – but in many ways, a fantastic one for neighbourhoods.

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