It doesn’t take more than a quick Google search to determine that Miamians are not the friendliest people. Some message boards say we are rude and unapologetic (not sure about what exactly) while others accuse us of being cliquish and flat-out arrogant. Fine, so we don’t get the most glowing reviews as a population, but that doesn’t mean we’re not open to change.
A new app called OneRoof is setting out to do just that by helping us get to know our neighbors. The app, created by New Yorkers Selin Sonmez and Nikolaos Georgantas during the pandemic, aims to help build virtual communities within apartment buildings.
Unlike NextDoor, where your one nosey neighbor gossips and complains, or Bumble BFF, where the expectation to actually become friends is unnervingly high, OneRoof hinges its success on proximity. The concept is to facilitate connections between like-minded people in your own building and build trust among those around you, which seems reasonable enough for haughty Miamians to get behind.
If you’re anything like app cocreater Sonmez, who lived in NYC for 10 years and never met any of her neighbors, you’ll appreciate the ease of connection. Once you've downloaded OneRoof, you’ll be able to organize happy hours, barter items, get someone to walk your dog, find someone to feed your cat and so on. The most active individuals in buildings can also join something called the Super Neighbor Club and gain access to more exclusive events through the app.
“We designed OneRoof to connect neighbors with common interests, and create fun and resourceful resident communities to have a healthier and more connected urban living," says Sonmez.
OneRoof is available in New York and now Miami, with more cities planned in the very near future. The app is available both iOS and Android, and is free to download. After all, true friendship is priceless.