Moving soon. How to be a good new neighbor?

Question

We've lived in the country, totally "neighborless" for the past several years, and are getting ready to move to a gorgeous little neighborhood soon. I am thrilled to finally be getting neighbors, and I want to make a good first impression. What is the proper etiquette involved with meeting the neighbors?

While I wouldn't mind making the rounds to introduce myself, I'm afraid it might come across as being too pushy or "Stepford-like" (phony and unnatural)? Would it instead be better to wait for the neighbors to make the first move -- or just wait until we happen to run into each other while taking out the trash?

Any ideas are appreciated. Thank you!

Answer 1

you are new, so enjoy moving into your new home, get comfortable. if you ave decent neighbors then they will flock to you in no time to say hello. maybe even bring you a pie. if after a few days, you have had no visitors then mosey on over and introduce ourself to them. but dont let it go by, neighbors are important. they can be like family if you get to know them.

Answer 2

I'm not so sure about making the rounds, so to speak. Fine with the ones on the various sides of your house, less so with somebody at the end of the block.

You might want to think about making excuses to meet them. Anytime you think of a question about the area, see if it wouldn't be solved by asking somebody who's lived there longer than you.

You know: Do you know any good babysitters? What's the best pizza delivery around here? Etc, etc.

That making the rounds/not making the rounds probably differs wildly depending on where in the world you are, though, and then even from city to city. If 'gorgeous little neighbourhood' is a nice, self-contained, older thing in a smaller town, go around. If it's a newish suburb outside a major city -- nothing bad's likely to come of it, but it might be a little out of the ordinary.

Answer 3

Go ahead and make your rounds! I just moved to a new city a few years ago, and thats what I did. Not only will you be a good neighbor that way, but its probably good to know who is around you in case of emergency - that was my original motivation for doing it actually. I made sure to give everyone my business card with my home number on the back in case they needed to contact me due to a disaster or a crime or something of the sort. Most people were glad that I came by, and I ended up making a couple friends out of the deal too! I would certainly advise it - you've got nothing to lose.

And don't worry about being "phony..." most people are glad to have the burden of introductions lifted. Probably best stated in a sales seminar I recently attended, "Be the fat penguin, and break the ice!"

Answer 4

First off, always be friendly, but polite. Know when to stop talking if it seems to be uncomfortable to your neighbor. Try to offer to help your neighbor with their shopping, babysit their kids or whatever. Make new friends and have fun with them. Always be yourself, and you'll do great! Good luck!

Answer 5

Keep the old vehicles on blocks in the BACK yard, not out front. Keep your dog(s) from barking all night long. Don't let the smells of your meth lab get too odorous. Can't walk around nude anymore. Keep the music and noise down.

Answer 6

I offered to take out my neighbors trash.... but they didn't accept the offer. Maybe because I'm a nudist and they didn't approve of my free spiritness.

Answer 7

I would say bake some cookies & go for it! Just remember don't go inside of anyone's home you feel iffy about. I think it's wonderful & plan on doing the same the next time I move. Thanks for the tip :-)!!

Answer 8

if you want to introduce yourself go right ahead. lots of people do that.
i make chocolate chip cookies and bring some around.