neighborhood; vicinity; surrounding area
Refers to the area around a specific place; used both as a standalone noun and as a suffix (e.g., 駅付近).
Is there a post office in this neighborhood?
駅付近で待ち合わせましょう。
Let's meet near the station.
I heard there was an accident near the station.
The police are searching the surrounding area.
I live near my office.
付近 is used for the immediate vicinity of a specific location (like an address or landmark), while 近隣 more often refers to neighboring areas or residents in general.
付近 is a formal, written-style word for 'the vicinity,' in contrast to the casual, conversational そこら辺.