Sometimes moving to a new location can be hard on your social life. Making new friends isn’t always easy when you’re an adult. It’s important to get to know your neighbors, because you may find new lifelong friends. You survived the move with our tips and checklist; now enjoy your new home and neighborhood.
Meeting the neighbors can be a challenge, especially if you are somewhat introverted. However, the neighbors are probably just as shy to approach you as you are to approach them.
Perhaps you or your neighbor will need someone to water plants, keep an eye on the home, or feed the fur babies while the people on vacation. Or maybe you want to meet the family whose kids are the same age as yours.
There are plenty of reasons why it’s beneficial to get to know the people who surround you. Here are three tactics to get to know your new neighbors.
Say “welcome to the neighborhood” or “I’m new in the neighborhood” with a fresh-baked loaf of bread, fresh flowers, or a batch of homemade brownies. If you’re the one welcoming your new neighbors who just moved in, you might want to also consider a thoughtful housewarming gift.
Don’t be reserved. Go over and introduce yourself, and offer your assistance if they ever need anything from you. Sometimes just a smile can warm up a person’s heart.
If your neighbors aren’t home, and you are more of the shy type who’s apprehensive of approaching them, try leaving the gift by the door with a note. Most likely, they will come over and thank you personally for the gift.
One of the easiest ways to start a conversation with a new neighbor with kids or fur babies is to ask about them. Parents love talking about their kids and critters.
If your neighbors don’t have kids, they may have fur babies. A lot of dog owners find themselves making casual conversation with other pup lovers when their furry friends greet each other.
Use these opportunities to learn your neighbors names. You can also use this opportunity to ask about local dog parks or vets in the area. Our dog, BeBe, is a frequent visitor to our job sites, and is a great reason to start a conversation.
If you’ve recently moved into a large apartment community, many of them have monthly meetups for residents. This is an opportunity to get to know people. If you’ve moved in the summer months, be on the lookout for neighborhood block parties.
Meeting your new neighbors doesn’t have to be a daunting or complicated task. Use these tips to help you break the ice and say hi. Chances are they are eager to meet you as well.
Becoming part of the neighborhood in your new home can make life easier, happier, and more friendly. These three tips are just the bare basics – we’d love to hear how you’re making connections in your new neighborhood. Tell us in the comments!