How to Introduce Yourself to Your New Neighbors

Finding a Good Opportunity to Meet Your Neighbors

Spend time outside. Spending time outside your home is a great way to run into your neighbors. It also gives the impression that you're enjoying the neighborhood and that you're open to meeting others who live there. Take a walk. This might sound simple, but you would be amazed at how many people you can meet by just going for a walk. Evenings between 5pm and 6pm when many people are returning from work is a great time to meet your neighbors. Wave a quick hello or walk over and introduce yourself. Read a book on your deck or porch, or relax out on a lawn chair or blanket in your front yard. If you're working on a watercolor or a crossword puzzle, you could take that outside, too. Wash your car out in your driveway. Take advantage of sunny days and instead of driving to a car wash, sparkle up your vehicle yourself. It creates opportunity to speak with your neighbors and introduce yourself. Do some gardening. You might find that there are other gardening enthusiasts right down the street. Share tips or ask gardening questions for an easy way to get a conversation going.

Have a party. A small get-together to celebrate a housewarming is a perfect time to throw a party for yourself. If you're still working on unpacking and decorating the inside of your home, a casual backyard picnic or barbecue is a great way to get to know your new neighbors. Make sure to invite close neighbors and those that you might see on a regular basis. You may want to introduce your family and friends to your new neighbors. Consider extending an invitation to relatives or close friends who may be frequently visiting your new home.

Say hello if the opportunity arises. If you happen to see one of your new neighbors in a neighborhood store or restaurant, go over and say hello. If you bank at the same financial institution or pick up your mail at the same post office, these are great opportunities to connect with your neighbors. You'd be surprised how much a simple hello and introduction can be appreciated.

Talking to Your Neighbors

Start a conversation. Rest assured that your new neighbors are at least as curious about you as you are about them! The best way to make a good first impression is to introduce yourself and start a conversation. By making the first move, you will reassure them that you want to be a good neighbor to them, so head on over and introduce yourself!

Be friendly. Be open and speak in a pleasant tone of voice. To break the ice, give your neighbors a compliment on the flowers in their yard, the color of their window shutters, or the kind of car in their driveway. When all else fails, comment on the weather!

Ask them some questions. A great way to encourage conversation is to ask simple questions. Without being invasive, ask your neighbors how they like the neighborhood, how long they've been in their home, what kind of work they do, etc. Once you start talking with your neighbors, don't try and force the conversation. You will find that sometimes you really connect with people right away. If so, just follow the natural flow of conversation. You might end up talking about things you didn't plan on!

Keep your visit short and low pressure. A short introduction just to exchange names and perhaps arrange a time later to meet for coffee or drinks would be a good idea. You don't want to go overboard and spend too much time during your first interaction.

Introduce your kids to the new neighbors. If you have kids, you know that they can be a great conversation starter! Take them along when you introduce yourself to your neighbors. You may find that they have children as well and you could set up a play date. This is a great way to make new friends both for yourself and for your kids. You can also use this as an opportunity to ask about community schools, play groups, parks, etc.

Bring sweets! Take over a plate of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies or brownies when you first approach your neighbors. Everyone loves dessert, don't they? This will show your new neighbors that you are both friendly and thoughtful. If you aren't selling anything and you're bringing delicious treats with you, your new neighbors won't turn you away!

Making Community Connections

Attend block parties. When you first move into a new neighborhood, it's a great time to establish your willingness to participate in local activities. If you're asked, let people know what you might be willing to do. Attending an occasional block party or neighborhood meeting will help you meet people and show them that you care about what's going on in the neighborhood.

Join Neighborhood Watch. A Neighborhood Watch program is a great opportunity to get to know others and show them that you want to be supportive of your community. It's also a way to prevent crime, reduce fear of criminal activity, and build pride in your neighborhood.

Join your local Community Clubhouse. If you have a Community Clubhouse in your area, it probably offers a variety of activities throughout the week. Social events and classes are a great way to connect with others in your neighborhood.

Join your Homeowners Association. If your neighborhood has a Homeowners Association (HOA), take time to learn about it. Consider volunteering or joining so you will know about rules and regulations that are effective in your neighborhood. Show up at some meetings to find out what it's all about. It's a great place to socialize and meet lots of your neighbors in one spot.

Join a community website. Check online for a community website or Facebook page to find out about local news and events. If your neighborhood doesn't have one, think about starting one yourself. You might be just the one to bring the neighborhood together!