Whether you have moved to a new neighborhood or are noticing new faces on your street, there is always an advantage of getting to know your neighbors. Creating a relationship and maintaining that relationship with your neighbor can perhaps build a long-term friendship and trust over time. It is always nice to have a neighbor or neighbors you can trust if and when you have an emergency or need a helping hand. You never know what a simple act of kindness or gesture can lead you to.

Start with a simple hello or a wave across the street.

When you don’t know someone or anything about them a hello or a wave can allow for the neighbor to feel comfortable and acknowledged. After a few encounters with this, they will notice you are friendly and welcoming and may even spark a conversation with you. Small talk is usually developed from this interaction and then it blossoms from there.

Deliver a house plant or baked goods.

There is nothing like moving into a new home and feeling welcomed right away. It is such a nice gesture to deliver a plant or baked goods to someone new to the area. This provides a sense of warmth, comfort, and reassurance that you made the right decision. Being new to an area or neighborhood can be intimidating and a small act of kindness can go a long way.

Get out of the house: Take walks with the dogs or children and start exploring.

When you get out and about you see so many faces. If you have a dog or children, you start running into the same faces that have the same common interests. When you share something in common it is a lot easier to spark conversation based on that. A conversation always has to start somewhere- look for the common interests around you, you never know where it can lead you.

Host a housewarming party.

For some this may be intimidating especially if they don’t know anyone in the neighborhood. However, some people love to go out of their comfort zone and really put themselves out there. In life, if you don’t push yourself and get out of your comfort zone you don’t learn or grow. Inviting people over for the first time can be really rewarding too- you never know if someone within your neighborhood is in the same boat. What better way to meet someone that is new here too!

Lend a hand.

If you see someone in your surrounding area struggling with something offer a helping hand. You never know what that person may be experiencing at the time and it always nice to show compassion and care. Even if they decline your help, know that what you did will leave an everlasting impression on them. They may even ask you for help the next time around!