Searching for businesses, services, or attractions “near me” has become second nature in our digital age. But have you ever stopped to think about other ways to convey that same idea?
Sometimes “near me” doesn’t quite cut it when you’re looking for something a bit more specific. Maybe you want a lunch spot not just near you, but within walking distance. Or you need an emergency plumber not just nearby but in your neighborhood, or your zip code.
In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of fresh phrases and location-based search terms to help you find exactly what you’re looking for, exactly where you want it. From “around the corner” to “a stone’s throw away”, we’ll cover colloquial expressions as well as precise geographic search modifiers to level up your local search game.
Whether you’re a business owner looking to optimize local SEO or just someone tired of the same old “near me” results, read on for creative new ways to phrase your proximity preferences.
What to Say Instead of “Near Me”
Here are 10 alternative ways to say “near me”:
- Close by
- In close proximity
- Nearby
- Within walking distance
- Just around the corner
- In my vicinity
- A stone’s throw away
- Adjacent to me
- In my neighborhood
- Next to me
1. Close by
“Close by” suggests something is in immediate proximity, often within a short walking or driving distance.
This phrase is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, implying that something is not just near, but very easily accessible.
Usage example:
- Can you recommend a café close by the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History for a quick lunch?
2. In close proximity
“In close proximity” indicates that something is near in terms of distance, often used in more formal or technical descriptions.
It is precise and often used in professional or academic contexts to describe geographical closeness without implying accessibility.
Usage example:
- The hotel is in close proximity to the Toronto CN Tower, making it an ideal stay for tourists.
3. Nearby
“Nearby” is a casual and common way to refer to something being close.
It’s versatile, applicable to various contexts, and implies a relaxed proximity, not necessarily immediate but close enough for convenience.
Usage example:
- Is there a grocery store nearby Disneyland Park that we could walk to?
4. Within walking distance
“Within walking distance” implies that a location is close enough to reach by walking from a particular starting point.
This phrase is useful for visitors or residents without transport, emphasizing ease and accessibility.
Usage example:
- There’s a great pizza place within walking distance of the Golden Gate Bridge if you’re up for a quick bite.
5. Just around the corner
“Just around the corner” suggests something is almost immediately accessible, often just out of sight but very close.
It conveys an informal tone and is often used to reassure someone of the minimal effort needed to reach a destination.
Usage example:
- You’ll find the best handmade chocolates just around the corner from Central Park Zoo.
6. In my vicinity
“In my vicinity” refers to the area around a person’s current location. It is a formal way to describe nearby surroundings and is often used in written communications or more formal dialogues.
Usage example:
- Are there any highly-rated seafood restaurants in my vicinity near the Miami Beach Boardwalk?
7. A stone’s throw away
“A stone’s throw away” is an idiomatic expression meaning very close, typically within a very short distance that one could metaphorically throw a stone.
It’s casual and often used to emphasize the surprising closeness of something.
Usage example:
- There’s a cozy little bookstore a stone’s throw away from the Louvre Museum in Paris.
8. Adjacent to me
“Adjacent to me” indicates that something is directly next to or beside a person’s location.
This phrase is quite formal and specific, often used in legal, real estate, or detailed descriptive contexts.
Usage example:
- There’s a bus stop adjacent to me, right outside the gates of the San Diego Zoo.
9. In my neighborhood
“In my neighborhood” points to something located in the same general area as a person’s home or current location, implying a communal or residential closeness. It’s personal and often used to give a sense of community and locality.
Usage example:
- If you’re looking for artisan coffee, there’s an excellent café in my neighborhood near the Sydney Opera House.
10. Next to me
“Next to me” literally means right beside one’s current position. It’s very direct and often used in both casual conversation and when giving precise, easy-to-follow directions.
Usage example:
- You’ll find an excellent sushi bar next to me on the main street, not far from the Seattle Space Needle.