How can I be a Good Neighbor?

Moving into a new home in a new neighborhood is an exiting prospect. Of course, you want to make sure that you become an accepted and valuable part of your new neighborhood. The easiest way to accomplish this is to make sure you conduct yourself as a good neighbor should. Here are a few tips to help you be the type of good neighbor that will quickly win over everyone in the neighborhood.

Perhaps one of the most important things you can do as a good neighbor is to keep your property neat, clean, and in good repair. People tend to take pride in the appearance of their street and take steps to keep everything fresh and inviting. By choosing to keep the exterior of the home in great shape, handling the landscaping and yardwork, and not allowing the yard to become cluttered, you will help to enhance the look and feel of the area. Your neighbors will very much appreciate this quality.

Second, take the overall appearance of the neighborhood seriously. When going for a walk, take along a small garbage sack. Should you come across candy wrappers or other debris that someone has obviously thrown out of a passing car, pick it up. This small act of civic responsibility will let your neighbors know that you care about the area and want to do your part to keep it up. You may even set an example for others.

If you have a dog, it is important to make sure they do not roam freely through the neighborhood. Put up a backyard fence, so your dog can enjoy the outdoors. On those occasions when you take your dog for a walk, take along a scooper and a small sack. Good neighbors do not allow their dogs or cats to leave calling cards on the lawns of the other residents in the community.

A good neighbor is also one who likes to help out in small ways. If a neighbor is going to be out of town, offer to collect mail, newspapers and in general keep an eye on their property while they are gone. If a neighbor suffers an illness, offer to run errands or do the grocery shopping during his or her convalescence. Demonstrate that you are there to help in any way that is acceptable, while still respecting the privacy of your neighbor. This will go a long way in helping to establish a good rapport with others in the neighborhood.

Being a good neighbor is more or less about considerate behavior. By following the basic rules of respecting others, taking care of what belongs to you, and taking pride in the appearance of the neighborhood in general, you will quickly establish yourself as the good neighbor that everyone appreciates.