Moving To A New Home? Be A Good Neighbor With These Tips

At Barrister, we deal with people moving to a new home all the time. And while much of our Homeowner Resources blog is dedicated to helping people with the ins and outs of building, designing, and living in their home, it’s also important to remember that your home exists inside of a larger world; that is, the world of your neighborhood. While building a custom home is our job, being a good neighbor is yours. So in this article, we’re going to look at a few ways to make sure you are always a good neighbor.

Why It Matters

Your home is your refuge from the busy world outside. Now, while we typically work with large, luxury properties in northern New Jersey, the truth is that whether you own a house in the suburbs or rent an apartment in a bustling urban center, it is important to feel comfortable in your home. One way to create a nurturing environment is to establish a good relationship with your neighbors. By building a network on your street or in your apartment building, you will help to define common guidelines, share goals, and make it a safe place to live.

If you are new to the neighborhood or simply have not had a chance to reach out to your neighbors, all it takes is one introduction to get the ball rolling. Start small by reaching out to one household at a time and reflect on how your actions can create a good example for the rest of your community. If you are unsure how to get to know your neighbors and make a positive change then consider the ideas below.

Just Say Hello

Do you remember how you made friends in elementary school? All it takes is a friendly wave and a greeting to start a conversation. Start by taking regular walks on your street so people can get to know you, or greet a neighbor in the laundry room. Most people are happy to introduce themselves and meet a new neighbor. You may be surprised at how easy it is once you get started. But you have to take that first step!

Lend a Helping Hand

Once you have made some introductions around your neighborhood, then get out there and help where you can. For instance, elderly residents may need assistance with taking out trash, or getting to the grocery store. Chip in, and help out!

Another way to be a good neighbor is to be aware of unwanted persons or potential criminal activity on the street. This does not mean being you should be a nosy neighbor, but you should keep an eye out for package thieves (also known as porch pirates!), vandals, and potential break-ins.

Lead By Example

One of the best ways to be a good neighbor is to consider how your actions affect the rest of the community. Allowing your dog to bark continuously or blaring loud music are not behaviors that will endear you to the neighborhood, so keep the golden rule in mind at all times. In addition, keeping your home’s exterior clean and free of trash and debris may win you a “Best Neighbor” award.

Dare to Care

Make your community a great place to live by starting a beautification project on your street. Start small by picking up garbage on your street, clearing leaves from sewer drains, or planting flowers. Ask your neighbors to participate and make it a fun event. Consider organizing a block party, painting a mural, or planting more trees on your street.

Be the Change

Once you have a network of friendly neighbors, take the next step by becoming a community leader on your block. Find resources in your area for neighborhood organizations, emergency response services and safety patrols. There are numerous opportunities to organize, lead and connect your neighbors.

Stewardship of your community is a key part of what it means to be neighborly. Take the time to be an active participant in your area and seek out key problems. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when it comes to solutions for building a cohesive neighborhood.

And when you’re ready to start thinking about a custom build, a rebuild, or a major renovation, reach out to Barrister Home Construction at (201) 891-7774.