Luckily, I currently live in a neighborhood where I am friends with the majority of my neighbors. Although, I’ve also experienced living in a home where I didn’t once speak a word to the people living next door. I learned from that experience it’s important to know the individuals in your neighborhood because your home is more than just a space where you keep all of your belongings. It’s a feeling generated by the collection of others, for better or for worse, surrounding you – creating the atmosphere of home and security. So the real question is: How to meet your neighbors and establish this sense of community?
And…. why would you want to anyway? A study from Nextdoor.com surveyed over two thousands home owners and it was revealed that 67% felt safer in their home when knowing at least one of their neighbors.
Besides the fact knowing your neighbors can be a lot of fun statistics show it can have a large impact on the cut back of crimes. Neighbors are more likely to intervein when suspicious activity is noticed around your home and the sharing of information creates awareness. It also makes it much easier to address any issues which may arise on your property or to ask for that last half cup of sugar you need to finish your cookie recipe.
Whether you just moved into the neighborhood or you are trying to venture out of the house and connect: be sure to use a genuine approach. You don’t have to show up to someone’s door with an extravagant cooked meal in order to in introduce yourself. Just try to organically establish friendly rapport so a true connection can follow.
As relationships with neighbors start to form you might be surprised to find out how much you have in common. Some of the best friends I’ve gained over the years started off as my neighbor.
Regardless of whether you create lifelong friends or not – knowing your neighbor on a by name basis has several perks. One of the largest being the feeling you can easily reach out to each other in times of need.
The list below includes five ideas I’ve used myself to meet my neighbors but in addition could be used to strength the neighborly bond that may already be in place.
1. Smile and Wave or Say Hello
This seems like the most obvious answer right?! But in all reality our personal lives are busy! Often times we are running out the door late to somewhere or trying to wrangle the kids into the car. We are lost in our own world not realizing our neighbor is standing right outside and the simple gesture of a wave through the car window as you back down the driveway goes a long way.
Developing a relationship with your neighbor is less about having things in common (even though it’s fab when that happens) and more about just being plain ole’ friendly to each other. If you’ve never met the neighbor this is one of the best ways to show you are inviting/friendly/open. And it will usually facilitate an easy opening to your first physical conversation.
2. Bake Something
Or if you are like me purchase a yummy snack and pop a bow on top 😆
The saying goes “the fastest way to the heart is through the stomach” and I know this is true for me!
The next time you are whipping up a batch of your favorite treat make double! Drop the extras off on a disposable plate on some the neighbors door step with a little notecard saying: Hello Neighbor!
A great way to sign anything left for neighbors is to put your name but also your house number!
3. Host A Wine Night
There is nothing like a little bit of vino to help reduce stress and ease the anxiety of talking to strangers! Purchase a cheese board from Costco or local grocery store and set up a collapsible table. This helps to create an inviting space. Set up either in your backyard or front yard and you’ll have yourself a great way to gather together and meet all at once.
Often times neighbors are wanting to meet you just as much as you’d like to meet them but they aren’t sure how to approach it.
Creating a simple invite on the computer takes no time at all. You can include your phone number on it which can help for future occasions which might come up.
Ask everyone to bring their favorite bottle of wine and it will be a fun and inexpensive gathering which I can bet will be recreated in the future!
4. Schedule A Kid Play Date or Furry Friend Dog Park Date
Making friends as an adult can be challenging, especially if you are a parent to little ones. I personally find my life schedule revolves around nap times or feeding times and partaking in activities not involving the kids has little space in my schedule. Which in turn, means meeting women with similar interests to spark a new friendship doesn’t happen as much as I’d like.
BUT – An awesome way to fix this situation is to schedule a play date with your children and the new neighborhood kids. While the children run around at the park you and the parent/neighbor will have a moment to chat and get to know each other.
Using kids or your pet as an ice breaker is a great way to introduce yourself to neighbors!
5. Host A Block Party
This idea can take a bit of time for planning and coordination, but if you are able to get a few neighbors involved in the process it’s so worth it!
Create a simple invite on the computer, print it out and stick onto all the neighbors doors.
Include a cell number for RSVP’s. Ask everyone to bring a dish to share, have a cooler with some cold drinks and any fun yard games. Nothing like a bit of corn hole competition to get the laughs and conversations rolling.
Kids and adults alike will be entertained and everyone loves a good party. Bringing everyone together in an open setting like a street is a great way to have introductions be casual and not forced.
Regardless of the approach you choose to take on how to meet your neighbors, be sure to listen to them. If you have a cell phone jot down their names and house number in a Note Section on the phone to help your memory for the future. I used this tip when we moved into our new home and it was a life saver! There is nothing worse than having to ask for a name refresher from your neighbor for the 5th time.
Also, be sure to keep note of any life milestones coming up like birthdays or vacations or the birth of a child.
Because remember: It’s the little things that matter most when it comes to creating a thoughtful and meaningful neighborly relationship.