The ultimate goal is to live in peace and harmony, and even though that’s not always possible, you can at least do whatever it takes to prevent hostilities and long-lasting hard feelings. Follow these tips on how to be a good neighbor.
- Noise.
No one expects you to be quiet as a mouse, but you should also respect certain basic rules when it comes to making too much noise.- Mowing the lawn at 7:00 on a Saturday morning will not endear you to your neighbors. Wait until at least 9:00 a.m.
- Sitting outside on a pleasant night with your spouse or friend is wonderful, but if your house is on a small lot, and the neighbor’s bedroom window is
close , it’s rude to hold a long conversation on the back porch past 10 p.m. Take it inside so your neighbor can sleep. - Avoid all unnecessary noise from any source from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. This includes revving car engines, children riding scooters, loud voices, and whatever else may wake someone from a sound sleep.
- Observe and respect your neighbor’s personal space.
- Be mindful if you borrow anything. Return the item immediately after using it. If you break the item, pay to fix it or replace it.
- Don’t be the neighborhood gossip.
- If you have an issue with a neighbor, go directly to that person and discuss it in an adult manner. Don’t call the cops unless you are threatened.
- Not everyone is a dog or cat lover, so show responsibility for your pets. Keep them off the neighbor’s lawn and pick up after them.
- Remember your neighbors during the holidays with a card or small homemade gift and don’t expect anything in return. Enjoy the act of giving.
- If you and a neighbor have a misunderstanding, make an extra effort to make things right by shaking hands and at least being on friendly terms. You don’t have to hang out. A simple wave as you pull into the driveway is sufficient.
- Your neighborhood has a homeowners association, know the rules and follow them.
- Curb Appeal – A good neighbor is one who maintains the exterior of the house and lawn to the same level as the rest of the neighborhood.
- Mow the lawn. During the dry months, we do understand when some lawns get a little brown. Please try to be understanding during these times.
- Remove mold from the exterior walls and paint when necessary.
- Make sure that trees, shrubs, and other elements don’t creep into your neighbor’s yard. This includes tree limbs, spreading shrubs, and weeds.
- Remove all bicycles, toys and trash/recycling cans from the front yard at the end of the day.
- Having a party? Let your neighbors know.
- Ask your guests to park in the driveway or in front of your house. And please ask them not to park in the swales.
- Make sure they don’t block someone else’s driveway.
- Obey noise ordinance laws. If a neighbor calls or comes over and asks you to pipe down, be friendly and apologize. Then quiet down.
- Let your neighbors know about your party or invite the neighbors to your big parties. Doing so shows friendliness on your part, and they’ll have a much better feeling about you than if they weren’t invited and had to listen to the sound of your guests having fun.
- Welcome New Neighbors – Neighbors can make a new family feel welcome by stopping by for a friendly introduction. This enriches the lives of new neighbors as well as those who have lived there for a while. Ideas to welcome new neighbors include:
- Introduce yourself as soon as you can.
- Deliver meals and/or treats.
- Hand-deliver a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers from your garden.
- Offer to have the new neighbors’ children over while the moving van is unloading the furniture.
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