Where neighbors share a sense of community, residents are more likely to feel safe and secure and have a lower fear of crime than where there is no sense of community. People living in connected neighborhoods feel healthier and are happier about their lives and are more likely to vote and recycle and to help others by volunteering and donating blood. For these reasons and many more, being a good neighbor and connecting with others on your block not only makes the neighborhood better but also helps you personally.
Neighborliness is not a special talent – it is a decision! Anyone can be a good neighbor – it just takes a little initiative, and the rewards make it worthwhile. Neighborhoods with a higher sense of community enjoy a higher quality of life. So do it for yourself and your family.
Wouldn’t it be great if you knew all, or even some, of your neighbors a little better?
Finding the courage to make new connections is not easy for everyone. But you and your neighbors will discover that it becomes easier after the first step.
Try the following:
- Find an excuse to walk around the block with your pet or children to make yourself visible.
- Say hello to everyone you meet on your block.
- Give your neighbors a compliment: “Your lawn/garden looks nice.”
- Take your backyard project to the front yard. Work on your bike or lawnmower on your porch or sidewalk. That way you can say “hi” to neighbors.
- If you’ve lived on your block for some time, take the first step toward newcomers. Take new neighbors a plant or small gift, bake them some cookies or help them unload their car, and welcome them to the neighborhood.
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