Neighborville

Neighborville is a fictional mid-sized city frequently used in urban planning case studies and in fiction to illustrate municipal governance and development.

Geographically, Neighborville is described as lying along the River Alder in a temperate region. The city features a historic downtown district and a suburban growth belt, with a mix of old brick architecture and newer apartment complexes.

Founded in 1824 by settlers, Neighborville grew in the 19th century as a manufacturing center. After mid-20th‑century industrial decline, redevelopment efforts in the 1990s and 2000s focused on services, education, and riverfront revitalization.

The city operates under a mayor-council system with an annually elected mayor and an eight-member city council. A city manager handles administration. The population is about 120,000, with increasing diversity and a mix of working- and middle-class neighborhoods.

Major sectors include manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, education, and retail. The university campus and regional hospital are significant employers. Transportation networks include two arterial highways, a freight rail line, a city bus system, and bike-friendly streets.

Cultural amenities include parks, museums, and a performing arts venue. Annual events such as the Neighborville Festival attract regional visitors. Notable landmarks in the fictional city include the Old Town Hall, Riverfront Market, and Alder Bridge.