BlockBeacon
— Written 2025 —
A peer-powered NYC rental discovery tool.
Tips, reviews, and transparency for newcomers — from real neighbors.
MY ROLE
As the solo PM and researcher, I led concept development, market validation, early design sprints, and community interviews. I helped shape the initial MVP scope, wrote the PRD, and coordinated with our contract devs and UX partner.
The goal: build a fast, trust-first site to help people feel confident renting in NYC.
PRODUCT
BlockBeacon is a social-driven NYC neighborhood guide built to empower renters. Instead of relying on outdated broker listings, users can explore real reviews and tips from locals — covering noise, landlord behavior, hidden gems, and safety.
Visitors can explore by borough, building, or street. Locals can contribute anonymously and "pay it forward" to help the next wave of renters. A map-based interface keeps it intuitive and browsable.
INSIGHT
NYC’s rental market is a black box — especially for newcomers. But locals know what it’s really like to live at that address. We believed giving them a voice could create networked trust, ease moving anxiety, and cut through shady listings.
Early testers loved the idea of helping others dodge bad landlords or find vibrant blocks. We leaned into lightweight contribution and reward systems.
FEATURES
- Search by building, street, or borough
- Contribute anonymous reviews (good + bad)
- Browse interactive map with real photos and flags
- Bookmark neighborhoods and follow local contributors
- Upvote helpful tips or landlord red flags
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Renting is emotional. Transparency helps users feel in control.
- Early community-building is critical. We seeded the app by hand with real stories from Reddit and subleases groups.
- Trust-first UX (moderation, anonymity, kindness cues) boosted post volume.
- Success came from giving people a reason to contribute, not just browse.