Communities work better (crime rates are lower, kids are safer, people live longer) when neighbors respect and take time to get to know one another better.
Some of the common tenants of being a good neighbor are:
- Maintain your property and be respectful of other neighbor’s property
- Be mindful of your pets
- Follow community rules
- Keep the noise level down, especially at night and early morning
- Be friendly and approachable
- Try to avoid conflict with other neighbors
- Ask guests to park in your driveway or in front of your house
But there are many other neighborly things you can do to maintain a positive relationship with other neighbors that go a long way towards making your community safer and friendlier, while also enhancing the quality of your life.
- Introduce yourself to your neighbors and new neighbors. Share flowers or veggies from your garden with other neighbors.
- Volunteer to help neighbors with home projects. Offer advice based on experience. Seek their advice as well.
- Ask questions about the community, home services in the area, etc.
- Bring others together. Host a block party or dinner party or start a neighborhood book club, baking club, etc.
- Offer to water a neighbor’s plants or collect their mail if they’re going out of town
- Surprise your neighbors during the holidays or for a special occasion with a card or homemade gift.
All neighborhoods have their own distinct personalities. Some neighborhoods are very social while others are made up of people who prefer to stay to themselves.
When everyone makes an effort to be a good neighbor by following proper etiquette, everyone enjoys a sense of well-being, the neighborhood will be more appealing, and feel more content knowing that you and your neighbors will look out for each other and are available for help.