We don't have a network for our (young) children. Because their aunt and grandmother live 1+ hour drive away. Things like that severely limit your freedom. If you can park the children at grandma's easily, or have grandma visit easily, it allows you to even get things done for which otherwise one would need to stay at home, or you'd have to take all children to the appt.
Luckily, we got really nice neighbors, but we try to not play that joker card until inevitable. Its not something to rely on on the long term. Family is reliable.
If you live near each other, you just need to make proper appointments. Something with scope & boundaries...
It is just feeling good about people who don't show their strugglers and their real themselves to you.
Speaking from experience here.