By Grace Atwood
REXBURG 一 In a small town like Rexburg, community connection has always been important. But in today’s digital world, that connection isn’t just happening at church events or local meetups. Instead, it’s thriving in the many Facebook groups that seemingly serve as Rexburg’s virtual town square.
From Rexburg’s Go-To Babysitters to I Hate Life in Rexburg and You Will Too, these groups offer a space for locals to buy and sell, share advice, promote events and even debate the best local taco truck. Whether you’re looking for a lost pet, a used couch or a recommendation for a good mechanic, there’s a Facebook group for that, and many people are bound to answer.
Rexburg’s use of Facebook groups isn’t surprising, given its blend of college students, young families and longtime locals. With a population that fluctuates as students come and go, these online groups provide a consistent sense of connection.
While many join Facebook groups for practical reasons—buying secondhand items or finding roommates—the sense of camaraderie often goes deeper. Groups dedicated to parenting, local events and even sharing memes about Rexburg itself create a space where people can bond over shared experiences.
Curious about how impactful these groups are, I wanted to hear from the locals who rely on this way of connection. So I took to Facebook itself to see what they had to say about Rexburg’s unique Facebook community.
“The I ❤️Life in Rexburg page is well moderated and lots of people use it, so it’s become a true public square,” said daily Facebook user, David.
Fellow Facebook user Vivian concurred: “I appreciate being a part of [local Facebook groups] because I usually know what’s going on in the community… I have friends who are a part of it as well, so it’s an easy way to feel involved in a community.”
In many ways, these online spaces reflect the close-knit nature of Rexburg itself, offering support and conversation at the click of a button.
Of course, not all interactions are picture-perfect. Like any online space, Facebook groups come with their fair share of drama, misunderstandings and the occasional heated debate.
“I think it’s unique that a good majority of the community is LDS, so people understand common issues,” Vivian said. “But that can also be a little toxic because it does lack diversity in opinions in that way.”
Yet, even in the chaos, there’s something undeniably endearing about the way Rexburg residents rally around each other in times of need.
As social media continues to shape the way communities interact, Rexburg’s Facebook groups can remind us that digital spaces foster real-world connections. There’s no denying that these online groups have created a new kind of way of keeping in touch—one where connection, commerce, and community spirit are always just a post away.
Local Rexburg Community Facebook groups:
I Hate Life in Rexburg and You Will Too
Rexburg Mom and Kids Events/Services
(Please email emily@rexburgcommons.com to add to this list.)
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.