Getting along with your neighbors makes your community a better place to live! Whether you're out of eggs to bake some brownies that you need for tomorrow or if you just need someone to pick up a few groceries for you while they're out, here are 6 simple tips on how to become the best neighbor on the block.
Introduce yourself! If the first interaction goes well, consider establishing ongoing communication with your neighbors. If anything, you can both agree to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity in the neighborhood or have an open dialogue if any issues arise. Think about hosting a (socially distant) block party or having a bonfire in your backyard and inviting neighbors to join you for s’mores.
Noise travels way farther than you'd think. Make sure not to play loud music past quiet hours and bring your barking dog inside (especially at night when people are trying to sleep).
These days, most neighborhoods have a Facebook group for neighbors to join. They're great places to meet people with similar interests, sell items, and recommend local repair or maintenance services. Many people abuse these groups and use them as a place to complain about neighbors. Remember that online comments can snowball out of control and it's always better to talk in person or direct message a neighbor instead of doing so publicly on social media.
Make sure you always pick up after your pets, especially if they do their business in front of a neighbor's house. Yes, you might be on the sidewalk or technically on public land, but you'll be much more liked in your neighborhood for keeping it clean.
If you have and use a leaf blower in the fall or a snow blower during winter and your neighbors don't, spend an extra few minutes clearing your neighbor's driveway. It will save them time doing it manually and they'll definitely be grateful.
If you find out your next-door neighbors are going out of town, offer to watch over their house. You could simply keep and eye on it or go as far as offering to water their plants or feeding pets. They'll generally return the favor in the future!