8 Ways to Meet Your New Neighbors

Perhaps you are like this Grand Rapids real estate agent, lucky to have accumulated some cherished friends over the years, both on Facebook and in your own neighborhood. When you move to a new neighborhood, meeting the neighbors is one way to begin feeling like part of a community rather than a stranger in your own back yard.

In the past, when you moved to a new neighborhood, you would likely be on the receiving end of a series of visits and small housewarming gifts from the neighbors. That’s still the case in some places. However, if you don’t receive a visit from each neighbor, there are some tried and true ways to meet your new neighbors and get off on the right foot.

1. Take a walk. Whether you have a dog or could just use a little exercise, taking a walk around the neighborhood is an easy excuse to introduce yourself to your neighbors as they relax outdoors, work in their yards, or take walks of their own.
2. Spend some time in your own front yard, whether gardening, sprucing up, or sipping lemonade. Wave as neighbors pass by, and speak to anyone who passes close enough.
3. Go to a neighborhood meeting, whether it’s a block club or a political meeting. Even if you don’t consider yourself a joiner, you are likely to find others who care about your area, and perhaps share other interests as well.
4. Host a cocktail party. This can be an informal BYO event with a few appetizers, and simple handwritten invitations. This time of year, you can set up a table on a front porch or in the front yard, and let the neighbors serve themselves.
5. Have a yard sale. In West Michigan, yard sales draw all kinds of people – from dedicated shoppers to neighbors who were just looking for a convenient time to introduce themselves to you.
6. Offer help, or ask for help. Shovel a neighbor’s driveway or bring them the mail that landed in your box by mistake. Ask for a referral for a contractor. Small favors are seldom seen as an imposition, and they are the basis for valuable ongoing relationships.
7. Become a regular. Go to the same coffee shop, library, or neighborhood restaurant consistently. You’ll see the same faces over and over, and eventually your “hi” may turn into a conversation.
8. Take the first step and knock on your neighbors’ doors to introduce yourself. Often neighbors are shy, they don’t know the protocol, or they feel like you’re too busy to be bothered with an unexpected visit. You could take the opportunity to ask about local services like trash pickup or internet, and feel free to leave them your phone number or business card.

A good neighbor can keep an eye on your place, lend you tools and equipment, and help out in an emergency. Some can become what you prize most about your new home. As you think about your next home, you can look forward to meeting your new neighbors. Contact The Sprich Group to get the process started.

Photo: Natalia Wilson ( some rights reserved )