Maybe you've recently moved into a new home, and you feel it's time to make some new friends. Or perhaps a new family moved in just across the way. Whenever one moves to a new neighborhood, settling in can be challenging. So how do you ensure that you'll be a good neighbor, wherever you are?
How To Be A Good Neighbor
Try Your Hand At Curb Appeal
Key to being a good neighbor when it comes to your house in general? Curb appeal. Unless you live in an otherwise spacious and rural area, your house is probably in close proximity to other homes in the neighborhood. Keeping your lawn and garden trimmed neatly, your windows sparkly clean and your exterior power washed on the reg is essential. If you live in an apartment or condo complex with a porch or patio, keep that space neat, tidy and attractive. There might be a particular look that is expected or a homeowner's association that has specific standards that you need to meet. Keeping the exterior of your home looking attractive at all times is indeed neighborly.
Use Your Indoor Voices
Being a good neighbor is being respectful of those around you. If you have a large family or young children, chances are you aren’t going to be as quiet as the little old lady across the street. And if you live in a shared space such as an apartment building, townhouse or condominium, any noise you make will be amplified by 100% (I may be exaggerating, but you catch my drift). To be a good neighbor in a shared space, be considerate. Take your shoes off at the door, and use your indoor voice. Be respectful of others by not walking with a heavy foot or speaking loudly during off / evening hours (generally 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.).
Be Nice
This really should go without saying, but we're going to say it anyway: don't be a jerk to your neighbors.
If, for example, you're not a morning person but still have to be up at the crack of dawn in order to walk the dog, grab the paper and get your day going, don't be grumpy to any neighbors you might run into. A simple nod, smile and wave is all you need to get both of you off on the right foot for the day.
Same holds true for any end-of-day run ins with neighbors. Just because your day was long and frustrating doesn't mean you get to take it out on them (or anyone, for that matter). Again a simple smile and wave will suffice; and if chatty Cathy is, well, chatty, it won't hurt to tell a little white lie: "Chatty Cathy, I'd love to chat but I'm expected to join a conference call right now *wave cell phone*. Can we pick this up another time?"
Being a good neighbor is being respectful of those around you. If you have a large family or young children, chances are you aren’t going to be as quiet as the little old lady across the street. And if you live in a shared space such as an apartment building, townhouse or condominium, any noise you make will be amplified by 100% (I may be exaggerating, but you catch my drift). To be a good neighbor in a shared space, be considerate. Take your shoes off at the door, and use your indoor voice. Be respectful of others by not walking with a heavy foot or speaking loudly during off / evening hours (generally 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.).
Be Nice
This really should go without saying, but we're going to say it anyway: don't be a jerk to your neighbors.
If, for example, you're not a morning person but still have to be up at the crack of dawn in order to walk the dog, grab the paper and get your day going, don't be grumpy to any neighbors you might run into. A simple nod, smile and wave is all you need to get both of you off on the right foot for the day.
Same holds true for any end-of-day run ins with neighbors. Just because your day was long and frustrating doesn't mean you get to take it out on them (or anyone, for that matter). Again a simple smile and wave will suffice; and if chatty Cathy is, well, chatty, it won't hurt to tell a little white lie: "Chatty Cathy, I'd love to chat but I'm expected to join a conference call right now *wave cell phone*. Can we pick this up another time?"
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Be Sociable
If you're throwing a backyard barbeque for guests, keep your neighbors in mind. If you can--invite them over, and make them feel at home. There's nothing like extending an invite to your new neighbors when you're having a cookout--afterall, who can resist the smell of barbeque wafting through the neighborhood? Secondly, be considerate. If your party will be large and loud, print up some small postcards and tuck them into your immediate neighbor's door to let them know you're about to raise the roof, and when they can expect your party to end. Thirdly--and most importantly--respect noise ordinances in general. There's nothing worse than being the new neighbor on the block who selfishly and knowingly violates the local noise ordinance. That's definitely NOT being a good neighbor, that's for sure.
Be Mindful Of Your Pets
If you have a noisy dog, make sure you introduce him or her (or them!) to your neighbors as soon as possible. This will help to limit the amount of barking Fido is likely to do whenever he spots them out and about. Assuming you have a well-behaved, friendly breed, accomplishing a meet and greet doesn't have to be formal or uncomfortable: simply take doggo for a walk when your neighbors are out and about and let them get acquainted. Be sure to ask from a distance if it's OK for you to do so: unfortunately, not everyone is pet-friendly.
If you're throwing a backyard barbeque for guests, keep your neighbors in mind. If you can--invite them over, and make them feel at home. There's nothing like extending an invite to your new neighbors when you're having a cookout--afterall, who can resist the smell of barbeque wafting through the neighborhood? Secondly, be considerate. If your party will be large and loud, print up some small postcards and tuck them into your immediate neighbor's door to let them know you're about to raise the roof, and when they can expect your party to end. Thirdly--and most importantly--respect noise ordinances in general. There's nothing worse than being the new neighbor on the block who selfishly and knowingly violates the local noise ordinance. That's definitely NOT being a good neighbor, that's for sure.
Be Mindful Of Your Pets
If you have a noisy dog, make sure you introduce him or her (or them!) to your neighbors as soon as possible. This will help to limit the amount of barking Fido is likely to do whenever he spots them out and about. Assuming you have a well-behaved, friendly breed, accomplishing a meet and greet doesn't have to be formal or uncomfortable: simply take doggo for a walk when your neighbors are out and about and let them get acquainted. Be sure to ask from a distance if it's OK for you to do so: unfortunately, not everyone is pet-friendly.
oh hai, neighbor!
We hope you find these tips on being a good neighbor helpful! Sometimes all it takes is a wave and a nod, but we're not opposed to you bringing us a basket of muffins or a pie, either!
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