How to be a Neighbor in the 21st Century
For the most part, it would seem the concept of being a good neighbor has changed over the years. What’s considered commonplace today, may not be the same as it was two decades ago.
Each neighborhood (and its residents) has its own personality and charm. What may seem to be the norm in one community, may not prove likewise in another. Regardless of all these different personalities, there still remains a basic set of tips that we can all follow to try and be good neighbors.
Let’s get started with some common items we should all follow:
- Communicate
- Be Nice on Social Media
- Keep that Exterior Sharp!
- Be Respectful
- Keep that Leash on!
Let’s Communicate with Each other
Unless you live on a 20-acre farm, you are probably going to have neighbors close by, and the best way to get to know one another is to communicate! When you move into a new home, you should make it a habit to introduce yourself and get to know your neighbors. Communication is key. For example, if you decide, at one point, to make a change to the exterior of your residence that could potentially affect your neighbors’ view or landscaping (such as removing a tree or erecting or modifying a fence), you should speak with your neighbor and inform them of the change, so they don’t feel caught off guard or surprised. In fact, they may be able to provide insight or useful advice for your upcoming changes.
Be Nice on Social Media
Welcome to the new age. It seems as though every neighborhood has a group chat site or Facebook page these days. But these online spaces should always be moderated and kept civil. They can be a great asset for neighbors to recommend local restaurants, update residents on community events, or even find a preferred and recommended vendor. What you shouldn’t use these sites for, however, is as an outlet to constantly complain about neighbors or post snarky comments. This sort of commentary can cause a rift among neighbors.
Keep that Exterior Sharp
As a homeowner, we all know how tiresome it can be to maintain your home. From pressure washing to landscaping, it may seem like the work you put in outside never ends. But, try and remember this, the exterior of your home is what neighbors see every day. It’s also what prospective buyers see when they drive through your community. By putting some time and effort into your home, you are raising the standards in your community, making look nicer every day, and maintaining your property’s value.
Here’s a tip: When you bring in your recycling and trash cans, bring in your neighbor’s bins, too. If your neighbor is elderly, consider mowing their lawn or raking their leaves. Kindness goes a long way!
Be Respectful
Living in a community means living in a shared space. We should always be respectful of our neighbors’ space, and hope they are respectful of ours. For example, if you’re planning on having a party that may extend into the evening, you should inform your neighbors, especially if you think they could be affected by any noise coming from your home. When renovating your home, try and do so during hours that are respectful to your neighbors. Do you really need to use that nail gun at 11 pm!? We are all neighbors and enjoy the same common areas, so let’s be respectful of each other and keep it a welcoming community!
Keep that Leash on
Pets are a great addition to any home but can sometimes be a nuisance to others. Being a courteous neighbor means ensuring your pets are trained and can behave properly around others. Unless you have a fenced-in backyard, your dogs will most likely be “doing their business” in a common area of the community. Be a responsible pet owner and a good neighbor at the same time by ALWAYS picking up after your pet.
Let’s all come together and be good neighbors. This will lead to a community & home that no one will ever want to leave.
