As face-to-face connection makes a steady return, neighborhoods reimagine how people gather and build community. In 2025, DIY third places are gaining traction in neighborhoods across the country, redefining how people come together. These casual, hyper-local spaces are emerging as alternatives to traditional gathering spots, offering community without the commute.
These spaces feel spontaneous but carry the intention to make connections easier, more frequent and more human. Their rise signals a shift toward everyday intimacy, where community is built into the rhythm of daily life instead of something added on top of it.
What 3rd places really mean
Sociologist Ray Oldenburg introduced the idea of third places in his 1989 book “The Great Good Place.” He argued that alongside home and work, people need a third space — one that supports informal, everyday interaction. These are the places where public life happens organically, where neighbors connect, relationships develop and conversation flows outside structured routines.
A report by Albert Shanker Institute states that third places for adults often include familiar spots like cafes with cupcakes, parks, gyms or anywhere that invites casual interaction around shared interests. For kids, they might be after-school programs, sports practices, public libraries or skateparks — spaces where they can explore, play and connect without the structure of home or school.
At its core, third places act like social glue, holding communities together by making room for everyday human connection. They provide space for people to show up as themselves, without the pressure of productivity or performance. In doing so, they foster trust, familiarity and the kind of low-stakes interactions that build social cohesion over time.
Why we need 3rd places
In an era shaped by digital communication, remote work and increasingly busy schedules, third places fill a crucial gap. As daily life feels increasingly impersonal, these spaces shrink the world down to a more human scale. They’re where people feel seen in a world that often overlooks the importance of everyday connection and belonging.
A Taylor & Francis article highlights how third places, such as cafes, parks and community centers, play a significant role in social and emotional well-being. These informal gathering spots help people feel a sense of belonging where they can be themselves. Casual conversations over BBQ wings in this setting let people share feelings and process experiences, offering a new perspective on daily life.
Third places also bring life and energy to entire communities. They function like the bulletin boards of the neighborhood, places where people learn what’s happening around them. These are the spaces that tie people together, whether they’re shopping local, voting or gathering around shared causes.
The role of third places in civic life isn’t new. Insights from The Good Trade reveal that, in the 18th century and earlier, people met in coffeehouses to share news, debate ideas and learn from one another. These spots were even called penny universities because anyone, regardless of status or background, could join the conversation for the cost of a cup of coffee. In that way, third places have long offered a level playing field where participation matters more than credentials.
Embracing the trend
DIY third places grow out of what’s already there — your porch, your curb or your corner of the block. With a little intention and a touch of creativity, everyday spaces can quietly transform into something that invites conversation, care and community.
Start small and keep it simple
A DIY third place doesn’t have to be big or polished to be effective. It might start with a pair of lawn chairs and a cooler of iced tea, or just an open invitation to linger a while. A well-placed bench under a tree, a string of lights across the porch or a chalkboard sign with a friendly message can all signal that this is a space where neighbors are welcome.
Let the space evolve naturally
One of the most powerful things about DIY third places is how they grow. What starts as a quiet afternoon on the porch might become a weekly card game, books from travel swap or a shared garden project. The more flexible and open the environment, the more it invites organic participation. Over time, these spaces take on a rhythm of their own, shaped by the people who show up.
Focus on consistency, not perfection
What makes a third place stick is its frequency. A simple ritual, like hosting neighbors for coffee every Saturday morning or putting out a crate of books on the first Sunday of each month, creates a dependable touchpoint. People start to anticipate these moments, and that consistency builds trust. It tells neighbors that someone will be here, and you’re welcome.
A quiet revolution on the block
In a time when big solutions often feel out of reach, these small, neighborhood-rooted third places offer something grounded and real. They remind people that connection doesn’t require a formal event or a fancy venue — just a bit of effort and a willingness to show up. Community, it turns out, might just be waiting outside the front door.
Zuzana Paar is the creator of Sustainable Life Ideas, a lifestyle blog dedicated to simple, intentional and eco-friendly living. With a global perspective shaped by years abroad, she shares everyday tips, thoughtful routines and creative ways to live more sustainably — without the overwhelm.