Moving to a new home can bring with it a mix of emotions, especially if you are moving to a whole new city. Ensuring healthy relationships with your neighbors is a staple to feeling comfortable in your community. Our homes are more than just the physical space where we keep all of our things. They are the buildings and neighborhoods we inhabit, full of people who we share this larger definition of home with.
We have probably all lived in places where you have met all of your neighbors, and places where you have never once said a word to the people who live next door. Chances are you felt more settled in the homes where you also knew the people around you. Having a friend – or at least a friendly face – nearby goes a long way toward establishing feelings of home and community after moving.
Once you buy a new home and get settled in, you can start meeting your neighbors and building a community. The tips below should you give you a good jumping off point.
How to Introduce Yourself to Neighbors
The easiest way to meet new neighbors is simply to walk up to them and introduce yourself. Hopefully, your new neighbor will be happy to strike up a conversation with you.
1. Spend Time Outside
You might be surprised just how many neighbors you can meet by simply spending time outside in your new neighborhood. After all, you are not likely to meet your new neighbors if you spend all of your time in your house, so make sure that you spend time outside too. Walking the dog or taking your child on a walk is a great way to meet other dog owners or parents in the community. Talking about each other’s dogs or children is an instant conversation starter.
Make a point to do something outdoors every day. Hanging out on your front porch or taking a walk around the neighborhood can make it easy to strike up a conversation with another neighbor who is spending time in their yard. Gardening or beautifying the outside of your home will give you the chance for your new neighbors to come and introduce themselves. Over time, those neighbors you chat with when you are outside can become your friends.
2. Smile and Say Hello
This is sometimes all that it takes; it is as simple as that.
Meeting your neighbors does not have to include your introduction or a full conversation. Instead of thinking about throwing a housewarming party as soon as you unpack and create order in your home, just smile and wave to your neighbors when you see them. It will break the ice for future introductions and the neighbors will pick up your intention. Sometimes, that is all it takes for a good first impression.
If you want to talk, and you think the feeling is mutual, start the conversation. Let them know that you have moved in and let the conversation flow naturally. Remember, you will be able to pick up where you left off the next time you see them.
3. Offer Help
There is no better way to make a good impression on your new neighbors than to offer a helping hand. If you see that your neighbor needs help, offer some. They might need a tool that you can provide, or an extra pair of hands to carry something. This way, you will establish yourself as a person who is willing to help.
Those acts of kindness can help you make friends and show your new neighbors that you want to build a community. And of course, this is a great opportunity to talk to your neighbor and get to know them.
4. Ask For Help or Advice
You might think that it’s not the best thing to ask for help from people you do not know. But remember that people love to help other people. It is built into our nature. You don’t have to ask them to help you carry your sofa to your apartment, but you can ask to borrow a tool you need to assemble your furniture. When you stop by your new neighbor’s home to introduce yourself, ask them for advice on local activities or community events that you can be involved in. Asking for advice from a new neighbor is a great way to start a conversation.
As you explore the new community, consider asking a neighbor about their favorite local restaurants or coffee shops. You can also ask for recommendations for local service providers for everything from plumbing to the best place gym in town. Showing eagerness to learn about your new neighborhood will help your neighbors to feel at ease talking. This conversation will also give your neighbors the opportunity to tell you about events that happen in the local community.
5. Visit Nearby Public Areas
If you do not see many of your neighbors out in their yard or driveway, try meeting them in other areas of the community. Perhaps they relax at the community dog park or pool or exercise at the local gym. Visit typical meeting spots and you will likely make new friends there. You could also join a local club, group, sports team, or service organization.
6. Turn to Your Pets Or Kids
Kids and pets can be a great way to connect with others. If there are neighborhood kids the same age as yours, you can meet other parents while giving your kids the opportunity to make friends. Children can often make neighborhood friends faster than adults can. Inviting your children’s friends over to your house gives you the opportunity to meet their parents. If you have young children, you could even start a weekly play group where parents and children meet together to socialize and play.
And if you have a dog, you may quickly connect with other dog owners while you are out on your daily walks or at the dog park. Finding these things in common can help create a connection and even help your pets acclimate to the new neighborhood.
7. Host a Housewarming Party Or A Block Party
Nothing brings neighbors together like a party. If you are determined to get to know your new neighbors, consider throwing a housewarming party and inviting them to stop by for coffee or a meal.
You could even work with community members to organize a block party. It doesn’t just benefit you — it gives all your neighbors the chance to meet and get to know one another. A housewarming party does not need to be complicated. Typically, you will give a tour of your new home to your guests. If your house is not put together yet, you could also hold a party on your porch or deck. Barbecue food, play music, and let the kids play in the yard.
8. Attend Neighborhood Events
Perhaps your neighborhood already has an established community with regular block parties and events. Attending these events is a good way to show your neighbors you want to be part of the community. You could even join your neighborhood association group.
9. Attend Community Events
Community events are one of the most fun ways to meet your new neighbors and find out what your local community is passionate about. Look up events in your area, stop by local businesses and take note of events listed on their bulletin boards.
Communities often hold regular local events such as farmers’ markets and festivals. Becoming involved in the community by attending local events is one of the easiest ways to get to know your new neighbors.
Find the Right Agent
The day will come when your new neighborhood no longer seems so novel and you have settled in to life in the community. Take the time in the beginning to go the extra step and immerse yourself in where you live, and you will feel a deeper connection and appreciation as the days, months, and years add up. A move to a new neighborhood is an opportunity to explore the world with a fresh set of eyes, so make the most of it and get out there. You will always be glad that you did.
Windermere’s community of real estate professionals is our greatest asset. We have experts in all areas of real estate, from your typical starter home to condos, luxury properties, and new construction. While residential real estate is the mainstay of our business, Windermere also has offices and associates who specialize in property management, commercial real estate, and relocation services. To further facilitate the home buying process, Windermere has affiliated partners in certain regions to provide mortgage, title, and escrow services.
Call us today with any questions or concerns. Our professional Real Estate Agents will help you through this exciting process. (951) 369-8002