Have you recently moved to or are you planning to move to a new housing community soon? A lot of things have changed or will change — including your neighbors. If you want to learn some great ways to know your new neighbors, use the following tips.
1. Introduce Yourself
What better way to discover more about your fellow neighbors than to simply go up and introduce yourself? You could do anything from simply greeting others to going around with cookies. The manner of your introduction depends on your comfort level, the mannerisms of the other neighbor, and the effort you’re willing to put in.
2. Have a Welcoming Entryway
If you’re not quite up to introducing yourself, at least let neighbors know that you happily welcome anyone who comes to your door. Things to include that will help a neighbor feel at home include:
- A large welcome mat or sign
- A pot or two of flowers
- A few rustic or floral decorations
- A wreath for a coming holiday or current season
- A couple of comfortable chairs or a cozy bench or porch swing
- A big porch light that you can turn on or turns on automatically
Not all of these are required to imbue a friendly look to your front porch. Just one or a couple can make a neighbor feel comfortable and wanted.
3. Learn Their Interests
Whether you’re speaking to a neighbor for the first time or slowly getting to know them, one way to have a successful conversation is to get to know the other’s interests. Not sure how to approach the subject? A few ideas to learn more about a person include:
- Simply asking them about their life, such as about family members, work, hobbies, or big life events
- Noticing things around them, such as interesting knick-knacks, photos, or books in their home
- Talking about a common situation you’re both in, such as doing grocery shopping, going to the local gym, or even walking around the complex
Any of these could be the icebreaker you need to learn more about your neighbor, find a friend, and expand your horizons.
4. Join a Local Club
Want to find neighbors interested in the same things as you? Discover what local clubs are around. Local clubs could include anything from sewing meetups to book club discussions.
Once you’ve found a club you’re interested in, you’ll automatically have a variety of people who usually share some common interests. You can either partake in a club’s getting-to-know-you portion or simply talk to the people around you. Topics might include your favorite character from a finished novel, a clever trick you know about quilting or sewing, or even the water conditions of local fishing holes.
Club discussions and simple conversation will often lead to long-lasting friendships and expanded neighbor circles.
5. Take Part in Community Events
Does your housing community have a clubhouse or host community events? Going to a weekly or monthly community event can help you get to know others. Whether you enjoy playing bingo, watching classic films, planning out a community garden, or putting on a play, you can get involved in the fun and camaraderie that community events can bring.
Community events are also a fun, natural way to bring everyone together and even put you in smaller groups to learn about neighbors who live both next door or down the street.
Find Friendly Housing With Us
When you want to find affordable, comfortable, and friendly housing, turn to Robert Cottingham Company. We provide quality, low-income housing for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and other applicable adults. Discover what great housing opportunities and friendly neighbors await you.
