For CB radio, due to the way the radio wave propagate. There is a blind zone. Hence the CB may link up with another CB unit 50 miles away. But cannot link up those CB within a 2 miles radius.
Most FMRS radio are low wattage unit, operating on UHF frequency. The low wattage reduce the operating range of the radio unit. Being UHF device, requires line of sight to connect. So if there is any trees or tall building, it will not be able to link up another unit further down the street.
So look for a walkie talkie unit that has at least 5 watt of power and operates on VHF frequency. Such an unit would be more effective within 2 ~5 miles range.
Actually, it depends on your antennas - You can optimize your antenna system (and antennas are a system) for longer range communications (skip) or for short range comms
The issue you are talking about is often refered to as "the dreaded doughnut" - 2 Miles is usually NOT an issue, as you are within what is called 'ground wave' communications, then you have NOTHING just beyond that, and then you have signal again - so, in a doughnut pattern you have no comms
The way around this is with what is called a "Near Vertical Incidence System" - basically, you mount your antenna horizontally (or use a horizontal dipole) LOW to the ground - on a 40m or 80m it's typically in the range of 4-6 ft off the ground, and it tends to raise the 'take off angle' of you signal to near vertical, where your signal reflects off the ionosphere, and bounces back down - the exact OPPOSITE of what you want for working distant contacts, but perfect for close (in Ham terms, this becomes a 0-200 or so mile antenna system)
BTW, it is a BIG reason you actually WANT that nice 1/2 wave whip tied down like you see on Military vehicles - it's NOT only for clearance under things, but it actually makes the radio work BETTER in the doughnut - The military has thought about this
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