Are neighborly neighborhoods dead? I don’t think so, but they do seem to be scarce jewels. What makes a neighborly neighborhood and do you want to create your own? A neighborly neighborhood consists of 3 or more families (the more the merrier!) who go out of their way to help one another out without expecting the same in return. Although, it is very nice to return their favors. It starts when a new family moves into the neighborhood. You bring them fresh baked cookies, I won’t tell if they came pre-made as dough. Then it continues with you inviting them over for a cookout or dinner. After that, in most Miss Manners classes they will tell you it is their turn to reciprocate. It is hard to understand, but many people have not grown up in such nice neighborhoods, and don’t know the protocol! So don’t feel bad if they don’t rush to invite you over. Instead, invite them AND the other friendly neighbors over. It can be a social gathering with wines and snacks, a game day with the kids with backyard games, or a cook out fun for the whole family. Ask others to bring a dish to pass so the burden doesn’t fall solely on you. After this, the new neighbors will understand what it means to be in a close-knit community and will likely start to reciprocate after. Being neighborly goes beyond a warm welcome. It’s helping out a family with the yard work if they go away on a long vacation, watching pets if there’s an emergency, it’s making soup or offering to watch their kids if someone is sick. Can it be time intensive? Yes. But wouldn’t you rather live in a neighborhood where it seems others genuinely care about you? Wouldn’t you rather live someplace where you know who you are living next to, what they are like, what they like, and having life-lasting friendships? I say yes. How do you create a neighborly neighborhood if many of you have lived there for several years? Throw a block party! Or a BBQ as the weather warms up. Make up fun invitations or flyers and go door-to-door introducing yourself and giving them an invitation. Include an email and phone number so people can RSVP with you. Create some fun get-to-know-you games, outdoor yard games like bags, washers, ladder golf, or bocce ball. As the party winds down, send everyone home with some goodies. Follow-up about a week later and say thank you to everyone who attended, and a “Hope to see you next time” to those who couldn’t make it. At the initial gathering talk about groups you would like to start. Maybe a book club, or art gallery walk, a Mommy and Me playgroup, a baking course and bring in a professional, or a cooking course. Don’t have it be self-serving through Pampered Chef or other such parties, at least at the beginning. From here you will find new people to talk with who don’t live far from you and who share some common interests.
About the Author: Kelly Young, GRI
- Author's website: www.sellmyhomeincoloradosprings.com
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Kelly is an Associate Broker with Red Rock Realty. She has over 12 years experience in Real Estate in the Colorado Springs and Front Range region of Colorado. She represents buyers and sellers of real estate buying homes, land for sale, mountain getaways. Specific areas include: Black Forest, Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Divide, Falcon, Downtown, Manitou Springs, Monument, Old Colorado City, Westside, Woodmen Hills and Woodland Park. You can reach her at 719-226-0126 or by clicking "email the author" above.
