Neighbors! How well do you know the people who live next door to you?

Question

With the way the world is today. It's been said that, knowing exactly who lives next door to you can be very important. While a lot of us want to stay off to ourselves with the thinking "i'll mind my business, if you mind yours" But with the new stats of how many rapists,child molesters and neighborhood crimes that go on these days. How important is it to you to know or get to know your neighbors? I had a close friend tell me a while back.. "well you and I live in an upscale neighborhood so we don't have to worry about that" and three weeks after she said that, a husband in her neighborhood (that she and her husband knew very well) killed his enitre family and then turned the gun on himself. These days no neighborhood is safe from violence. It just happens more frequently in some neighborhoods than others.

Answer 1

It is important to play it safe and be cautions even if one lives in an upscale neighborhood. Child molesters and murderers come in all socioeconomic levels.

Answer 2

People Who Live Next Door

Answer 3

Unfortunately, you never can know when someone will go off the deep end, no matter how well you think you know them. I'm sure that that man's wife had no idea that her husband would do what he did, otherwise I'm sure she would have found a way to get her & her kids out. But, sometimes sad stuff like that happens. All you can do it know as much as you can know, with the information that's available. I happen to know my neighbors, plus several others on my block, and we've only lived here just short of two years. I'm one of those who likes to share stuff with her neighbors, whether it's some new recipes or a bunch of extra flowers I had started and had no where to put. I like giving things to people to add a little something good to their day. I'm also the Avon lady, so I or my books get around. There's also a thing called the internet where we can keep track of pervs in our neighborhood. There'a a state website I go on, when looking up a new name, to see what kind of trouble they've had with the law. Though it's sad to do this, sometimes you have to protect yourself, especially if you have a job like mine and go into peoples' houses. Since I only know how to say karate, not do it, I need to find a way to protect myself, whenever I can. So, this website has enabled me to at least be informed of who's living in my neighborhood. And though I'm new to the neighborhood, I've lived in this county for many years, so I know quite a few people. But, you're right. We need to stay informed. And not just about our neighbors, but in everything. I've learned it's not smart to always take someone's word for something, and to do my own research, no matter what it's in regard to. Not everyone tells the whole story, whether by accident or on purpose. Things get left out. So finding out is a good thing. It makes you prepared and actually gives you confidence in dealing with whatever may come of it. <*)))><

Answer 4

I have actually gotten to know my neighbors as much as I want. Some are pretty weird but then again I live in So Cal. The weirdness is mostly their behavior towards adults. The vanity, pettiness, envy all that stuff. My kids hang out with other kids in the neighborhood but I know the parents having been at their homes while the kids played. I pick people who have a similar discipline style as mine & my husband's. We take turns have play dates at our houses or just hang out. I've taught my children the difference between people we know of, people we know personally and people they could go to if they needed help no matter what it would be. The majority of our neighbors are people we know of (casual aquaintances). There are 3 neighbors my kids can go to in case of an emergency or that I have no problem leaving my kids with. That's out of approximately 10 around uswith kids of their own. Bottom line is, if I would hang out with the parents my kids can hang out with their kids while I'm not there. I do believe it is important to know your neighbors. You need to know who you can trust whether it be to keep an eye on your house or your kids if only for a minute. We also have an informal neighborhood watch. If someone sees something suspicious they will question it. We pretty much take care of each other. It's your typical middle class neighborhood.

Answer 5

The world is literally cracking up for too many reason for me to list here. You can only do so much, because some people with put up a "front" to hide behind. You simply cannot know everything about some people. You're right, no neighborhood is 100% safe. And really, was it ever? Some areas are worse than others, but those of us trying to do the right thing must continue to do so and just be aware of our surroundings.

Answer 6

My neighbor on the left I know pretty well, we chat when we see them, I know their names and we keep an eye out for each other's homes. We also keep an eye out for the family owned cemetery behind our houses. (Kids wander back there and some of the headstones are from the 1800's so we want to protect them.) We know the family who owns the cemetery enough now to do this for them. The people across the street? We get together on a regular basis, we have keys to each other's houses, borrow eggs, sugar, etc. We watch each other's pets when out of town and look out for each other. The lady who moved in on the other side of us keeps to herself. She will say hi, but that's it.
Our little subdivision is very neighborly and friendly. As far as we know. I've been to familywatchdog.net and there are no convicted child molesters in the neighborhood. Hopefully, there won't be any. As far as violent crime, there's been none that I know of, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I'm in a suburb though.
I'm sorry about your friend's neighbor. That must have been quite a shock for all of you. It's very hard to deal with such a sudden senseless act of violence. Peace be with you.

Answer 7

What does neighborhood have to do with this. The problem is people, not just knowing your neighbors. How well do you know your co-workers, or people in your own family. If we start to think about how bad people are then we will all be living in fear. You will only know someone to the extent that they let you. My most important question to you is, how well do you know your husband, your children, your parents?, etc.... Sometimes the people who will hurt us, is the one closest to us. An example of this is your own example of that husband that killed his family....>>>>SAD

Answer 8

Good question! I would say I know my neighbors too well! I'm one of those nosey neighbors, which I don't mind. It helps me stay "in the know" about my surroundings. I don't think there is anything wrong with getting to know your neighbors. Sure, they can be annoying at times, but at least you know some of what they are about. Whatever one does, don't come live by me, because I will be in all your business! (For the sake of my neighborhood...of course!!)

=)

Answer 9

I live in an comdominium with a apartment setting for about 2 years and i still don't know any of my neighbor's i work 7 day's a week and think it is better i don't know who they are or what goes on with them. The condo does an background of the people who live there. no criminal background is allowed so i am comfortable and have been for 2 year's

Answer 10

I know one of my neighbors but not very well.I dont think he or his wife if a threat.I do have another set of neighbors that I know nothing about I have lived here almost 2 years and they havent even spoken when our paths cross,even if I speak first.I just keep a good eye on my children they dont go out unless I am with them.I also have a gun to protect my self and children in the house and I know how to use it.you can never be to carefull.