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Introduce yourself -

When you're new to the neighborhood, be brave and go introduce yourself to your neighbors. You'll be surprised at the warm welcome you'll likely receive.

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Keep the friendliness lighthearted -

Your neighbor is someone you should be friendly to but that doesn't necessarily mean you have to be friends. It's better to keep things light-hearted and easy.

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Greet them -

This common courtesy can go a long way with you and your neighbors. Whenever you're arriving or leaving your home, a simple "hello" to any visible neighbors will show you care and are kind.

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Join your local neighborhood watch -

Joining a local volunteer group such as your neighborhood watch is an excellent way to meet your neighbors and keep the community safe.

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Don’t be a stickler for the details -

Everyone makes mistakes so remember to give your neighbors some grace. Maybe a neighbor's kid threw a party last weekend and it kept you awake, but try and let it go.

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Always show respect -

Being respectful to your neighbors will hopefully mean that they return the favor. For example, be mindful of playing loud music late at night.

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Own up and apologize when you need to -

Mistakes happen and at some point, you might upset a neighbor. Be the bigger person, acknowledge your errors, and apologize wholeheartedly. This speaks to your character and who you are as a neighbor.

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Be helpful when you can see it’s needed -

Being helpful is a simple and kind way to show you're a good and caring neighbor. Perhaps you see a neighbor struggling to get groceries in the house while you're out on a walk. If you can, stop and offer to help.

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Put them on your winter holiday card list -

During the holidays, remember your neighbors. Even if you're not super close, a nice little greeting card can go a long way. It doesn't need to be pricy to show your appreciation for them.

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Look after your home -

The outside of your home is an extension of you and who you are. Be sure to keep your lawn mowed and cleared of clutter to help neighbors feel at home in the neighborhood too.

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Encourage the kids to play together -

If you have kids around the same ages as your neighbors', encourage them to play or hang out together. It's a win-win in that they get new friends and you don't have to drive your kids to see them.

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Look out for them -

You and your neighbors are a team. Whether it's volunteering together or checking on an alarm going off at a nearby home, always look out for one another.

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Hold back on the neighborhood gossip -

It can be very easy to gossip amongst your neighborhood friends, but try not to. All it will do is reflect poorly on you and make others hesitant to trust you.

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Deal with issues kindly -

When problems or issues arise, don't react with a hot head. If need be, take a deep breath, reflect, and then respond with kindness and empathy.

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Give them space (mind your own business) -

It's important to mind your own business as a neighbor. If something private happened involving a neighbor, keep it to yourself. They will thank you and a relationship can be fostered.

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Arrange a neighborhood gathering once in a while -

Your neighbors are the people you live near and who could be in your life for many years to come. Make an effort to get to know them. Organize a small barbecue or drinks with them to mingle and chat.

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Don’t be “that person" -

"That person" is someone who always complains about anything and everything. You definitely don't want to be that neighbor. If something is annoying or bothering you, respectfully and calmly discuss it instead of constantly complaining. 

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Be open to chatting from time to time -

It can be tempting to hide behind a wall or avoid neighbors, but strive to be friendly and speak with them. An occasional conversation with them now and then will do you (and them) some good.

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Respect shared walls and common spaces -

If you and your neighbor share a wall or common space, be extremely mindful and respectful of this fact. Treat the shared wall or area with extra caution and pay attention to keeping it clean or quiet.

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Be mindful of parking spaces and avoid blocking others’ driveways -

If you have a car and share a parking space, be mindful of where (and how) you park. Never park too close to someone else's car or block them in. This can have very negative consequences both for your car and your relationship with one another.

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Maintain your yard to keep it visually appealing -

If you live somewhere where it snows, be sure to shovel your yard and the sidewalks around your home. Not only will it help keep your home looking good but it creates a safer area where others can walk. Your neighbors will thank you.

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Ensure your pets don’t disturb neighbors -

Pets can make for great friends but be sure you keep them on leashes or in enclosed yards. Not only could they get excited and injure someone, namely a child, but they could run away otherwise.

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Inform neighbors in advance of any planned home renovations or noisy projects -

If you need to do some work on your home or plan to have construction workers coming, be sure to tell your closest neighbors as a courtesy. The noise and banging of tools might be a nasty surprise if they are unaware.

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Dispose of trash properly and keep garbage areas tidy to avoid unpleasant smells -

Be the neighbor who correctly separates the recycling from the trash and keeps everything tidy. If you set the example, others are more likely to follow and you can avoid rodents and pests being attracted to the smell of trash.

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Be conscious of smoke or strong odors from cooking or barbecuing -

It can be tempting to have a barbecue or make a fire pit outdoors, but be mindful of the smell of smoke, the smoke itself, and how it might impact those around you.

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Limit the use of outdoor lighting at night to avoid light pollution -

Sometimes we might be tempted to buy floodlights or large, bright lights to deter thieves from targeting our homes. However, having these lights can annoy or disturb our neighbors and even keep them awake at night. You can protect your house without troubling others.

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Offer to share resources -

Be a good neighbor and offer to share things like gardening tools or produce you have grown. This sharing mentality will communicate to your neighbors that you're kind and willing to help when needed.

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Keep shared walkways or driveways clear and accessible for everyone -

If you see trash on a sidewalk or a hole in the street, be sure to do something about it. If it's trash, pick it up, and if it's something like a pothole, alert the city so someone can come fix it as soon as possible. Be an aware and mindful citizen and neighbor.

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Report any community hazards for neighborhood safety -

Hazards can range from a broken street lamp to unusual activity in the neighborhood late at night. Be on the lookout at all times and alert the appropriate authorities as needed.

Sources: (LifeviF) (Mohawk College)

See also: Do you live in one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world?

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