With that in mind, here are a few simple ways of getting to know your neighbours.
We’re not saying you need to show up on your neighbour’s doorstep with a tray of homemade biscuits, but calling over to introduce yourself is a good start.
If the idea of introducing yourself in person isn’t for you, why not pop a handwritten note through their letterbox? You can introduce yourself indirectly and if you’re feeling up to it give them your number or invite them over for a cup of tea
The best way to get to know a place and the people that live there is on foot, especially if you have a dog. Dog walkers are well known for being friendly, and thanks to your furry friend, you have a great excuse to spark a conversation with any fellow dog lovers.
Local parks are great places to meet other local parents. Whilst your kids play on the swings, you can find out all the best places to get coffee (and which takeaways to check out)! A few trips to the park, and before you know it your calendar will be filling up with play dates.
Joining Facebook groups is a great way to get to know names and faces, as well as find out what’s going on in a new area before you even move.
Meetup is another fantastic way to meet local people. From salsa dancing and book clubs to pub quizzes, make new connections over things you love or things you’ve always dreamed of doing!
If you know a neighbour needs help with something, roll up your sleeves and get stuck in. That could be offering to take their bins out whilst they’re on holiday or collecting their parcels whilst they’re out at work. A little bit of kindness goes a long way.
Jump on Facebook, Eventbrite and community notice boards to find out what’s happening in the next few weeks. From farmers’ markets to funfairs, theatre to live music, you never know what might be passing through. And even if an event isn’t quite up your street, it’s worth going as you never know who you might meet.
Cafés are often the hubs of communities. So, grab your laptop, pull up a chair and make your nearest coffee shop your home-from-home office. Before you know it, you’ll be on first name terms with the baristas and other regulars.
Break the ice and throw a knees-up for the neighbours. You could host a casual drinks party or organise a potluck where everyone brings a dish to share. Or, if it’s summer, fire up the BBQ, have a few drinks and invite the whole street over to your new pad.
Recently, we asked a bunch of homeowners in our properties what their pet peeves were when it comes to their neighbours. So if you’re after any advice on how not to be a good neighbour, here’s some advice!
So, to summarise – be friendly, keep an eye out for each other and remember to be mindful of people’s differences. (Oh, and don’t take up all the parking spaces!)
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