Meeting New Neighbors

Welcome to the Neighborhood

New Neighbors

Gone are the days where everyone is excited for neighbors and that first doorbell ring with new faces and a fresh plate of cookies. When first moving in, neighbors used to come over and introduce themselves and their families, giving you that friendly welcome from the first day in your new home. Times have changed with real-life interaction, social media perceives that everyone is bold and willing to speak their mind, but that is not the case. Social media is changing the way real-life interactions occur and how neighbors/friends interact with each other. Meeting new neighbors is harder than ever. The consistent change of times and social media are not making it easier. 

Without that initial greeting, how are you supposed to get to know your new neighbors? Moving over the course of a couple of days, most neighbors are going to see something going on and will be curious. Maybe someone will stop by or say high, but most will watch from a distance. In the world today, no one wants to bother each other and keep their distance. When this is the case, putting the introduction on yourself is the most important. No one wants to seem annoying or intruding but you also don’t want to seem unfriendly. What is the best way to introduce yourself to your new neighbors?

Worry Only About the Closest Neighbors

Meeting everyone on the entire street can be a handful and keeping the initial greetings to the nearest neighbors are the most important. Everyone else on the street will be met over time throughout outdoor activities or greetings later on. Include the neighbors closest to you, if living in a house, the houses on either side and across the street and possibly behind you depending on where your house is located. Introducing yourself to these neighbors is key because they can be affected by you or you can be affected by them. If there are issues they will come from those neighbors nearest you. By establishing a greeting and understanding early on, if there were to be a conflict to arise it would be able to resolve better or faster because there is an established relationship to grow from. 

Opportune Time

Finding the right moment to introduce yourself can make a difference as well. When neighbors are outside and they aren’t in the middle of something that would be inconvenient to interrupt, then go an approach them with a friendly introduction. If they seem busy, and they do catch your attention throw a wave or smile at them to show you care and are open to meeting as well. Try to do everything outside casually for both neighbors to feel comfortable. If after a week or so and there still hasn’t been a good opportune time to meet your neighbors outside. When you feel comfortable go ahead and think about knocking on their door. 

Knocking on the Door

Going up and knocking on the door may be uncomfortable but it is important to meet your neighbors and just say hello. Take the time and plan it out just a little bit. So you don’t go up and have nothing to talk about. Introduce yourself, your family, and pets if any to give a little bit about you or your family. Ask about trash day or if there is a bulk garbage day. Or ask about a good place to eat if you are unfamiliar with the area. Be open and ask questions or offer anything you able to do. This gives off that you will assist if there is an issue for any of your neighbors. Breaking the ice is all it takes for neighbors to become more than just a familiar face.