The Story Behind Living North Phoenix: From a Facebook Group to a Go-To Source for North Phoenix Things to Do
If you’ve ever Googled North Phoenix things to do, chances are you’ve stumbled across Living North Phoenix—a local Facebook Group that turned into a full-blown movement.
Heck, we are in a heavyweight fight with Expedia to take back the #1 spot for “North Phoenix things to do.” And we will.
But what started this whole thing? How did a simple idea grow into a community of 36,000+ neighbors, a weekly newsletter with thousands of subscribers, a top-notch website, a private Business Networking Group, real-world events like Valleypalooza and so much more.
Let’s rewind.
It Started With a Simple Post…
In a city as spread out as Phoenix, neighborhoods can sometimes feel more like islands. I created the Living North Phoenix Facebook group to change that—just a place for people to ask for recommendations, share updates, and connect with their neighbors.
In fact, it was because I was so tired of my Nextdoor group I created, wanted some Indian restaurant recommendations and dudes to play basketball with.
The first 100 members? Friends, past clients, and probably a few people I begged. Yes, I did beg. And by begging, I mean joining lame Yard Sell Groups where someone was selling something like a dryer, and they could do it in our Group for free. True community, right?
In fact, I used some of my real estate prospecting principles for the Group. We couldn’t run ads at that time to Groups so I was “pounding the pavement.” I didn’t know that many people.
But what I wanted–always, and I mean always, was a respectful Community, an engaging Community and one where we would celebrate Community and support local.
But over time, something real started happening: the community took on a life of its own. A movement was happening without the movement label.
Turning Comments Into Community
People weren’t just commenting—they were helping. A grandmother embarrassed to ask the Group publicly for Christmas donations for her family, a dog that found a new home (a real estate client interestingly enough), an insurance business owner starting to see a big uptick in their business. The feed became a steady stream of hyper-local content, referrals, and real conversations.
We weren’t just talking about things to do—we were doing them together.
And then…COVID hit–destroying the offline presence we were just gaining momentum on. But I was determined to keep it going online. And I did.
Building a Brand Around Real Connection
The group kept growing. Over time, we launched:
- A twice-weekly newsletter full of things to do, real estate updates, and local business spotlights.
- A North Phoenix business directory with hundreds of professionals.
- Community events like Valleypalooza, our massive, one-of-a-kind family-friendly festival.
What was once just a feed of local community posts turned into a local media brand that gives small businesses visibility, promotes community voices, and supports real estate clients along the way.
A movement that is literally reshaping North Phoenix from Fountain Hills to Peoria (yes we include non Phoenix cities).
The Heart Behind Living North Phoenix
Behind all the content, graphics, and community spotlights is a guy who just wanted to bring people together—and maybe help a few folks buy or sell a home while we’re at it.
I’m a husband, a Dad, a Realtor, a Chicago transplant, someone who deeply loves helping people, and the unofficial “Mayor of North Phoenix.” LNP has grown with my family and business, and now it’s a way to leave a lasting impact on the community that’s supported me for 25+ years.
Where We’re Headed Next
We’re just getting started. The vision moving forward:
- Expanding our events, including our new Valleypalooza Splash Edition this summer. (and other surprise ones 😉 )
- Growing our “Local Lens Contributor Team” to showcase diverse voices. (we have brought in our first Intern and CANNOT wait for them to share their life experiences.
- Offering more tools, blogs, and resources for people searching for North Phoenix things to do, places to live, and ways to get involved.
- Being involved with the City on a deeper level so your voice can be heard, you can be aware of important updates, what is available to you and everything in between.
- Supporting seniors, new parents, business owners, and well…everyone..
I am super honored and proud to be a Local First Arizona Member and working with the wonderful individuals there to support our local Businesses.
Want to Be Part of It?
You can:
- Join our Facebook group
- Subscribe to the Living North Phoenix newsletter
- Check out our business directory
- Or just say hi at one of our events
Whether you’re new to the area or a local legend, we are for you.
And if you’re ever looking for real estate guidance and want to buy a home in North Phoenix, sell a home in North Phoenix, looking for a killer taco spot, or the best things to do… you know where to find me.
Yours in Community
Blair aka The North Phoenix Mayor