If you are looking for other ways to refer to people who live close by, there are a few different synonyms that can be used instead of "nearby residents". These could include terms like "neighbors", "locals", "community members", or even "proximate inhabitants". Depending on the context of your writing, you might also use more informal or colloquial terms like "folks next door" or "people in the area". Ultimately, the most effective synonym will depend on the tone that you are trying to achieve and the specific audience that you are writing for.