A Few Simple Rules for Being a Good Neighbour
When you lived in an apartment complex, it was common to see neighbours come and go. If you had a neighbour you didn’t particularly like, you’d just hope that you didn’t run into him and that he’d decide to leave once his lease was up. Even in older neighbourhoods, people tend to move after the kids grow up or when they get a better job in the opposite end of the city. There can be many changes.
People buying brand-new homes, though, are planning to stay in their homes for a long time in many cases. When you move into a new community, you want to develop good relationships with your neighbours. You don’t necessarily have to spend your weekends hanging out together, but it’s always nice to know that a helping hand is nearby.
Introduce Yourself
Good relationships start with an introduction. It used to be common for residents to welcome a new 
neighbour with a basket of muffins, but this rarely happens anymore. You may need to make the first move. Make a point of going to the houses on either side of you. If the weather’s nice, smile and chat with the people walking by. Talk to the neighbours at the playground in your community. If you’re open and approachable, you’re likely to make some new friends.
Get a Feel for Your Neighbourhood and Participate
Different neighbourhoods have different personalities. Some are communities for families, where it's all about togetherness. Here, it's common for kids to gather in a friend’s yard and for everyone to come out for the annual block party. Others might have an active neighbourhood group that plans formal activities for families. Others might just be places where people mostly keep to themselves. You probably chose your neighbourhood because you liked the “feel,” and now it’s time to take an active role in that scene.
Watch Your Noise Levels
Nobody wants a noisy neighbour. You have the right to enjoy your home, but you don’t want your noise to bother your neighbours. If you want to listen to the radio while gardening, for instance, consider using headphones rather than blasting it from the kitchen window. If your neighbour has a newborn, schedule your barbeque for later in the afternoon so it doesn’t interfere with nap time. These little things make a big difference in how people perceive you.
Despite this, some neighbourhoods may be bustling with more activity, while others are quieter. This is why it's a good idea to visit a neighbourhood you're interested in before moving there, so you can assess and make these considerations to choose your suitable community.
Keep Your Property Looking Good
It’s also important to keep your home looking its best. This means making sure the landscaping always looks neat and tidy, the front yard isn’t cluttered with toys, and your home isn’t constantly overrun with parked cars blocking the road. An ugly home can drive property values down, and nobody wants that. If you don’t have time to keep up with these necessary tasks, hire a professional to do it for you.
Keep an Eye on Others’ Property
Neighbours watch out for each other, so pay attention to your surroundings. If you see an unusual car checking out a house while the owners are on vacation, report it to the police. Call the fire department if you see smoke. Your neighbours will hopefully do the same for you.
Work Together to Resolve Problems
Things aren’t always smooth sailing, but nobody wants to get the police or the neighbourhood association involved if it’s not necessary. If you have a problem with your neighbour, talk to them about it. These types of things are unlikely to be included in new community guidelines, but sometimes, all it takes is an honest conversation. Often, people simply aren’t aware they’re doing something that could upset other people. If you’re making a reasonable request, they’ll probably change their behaviour.
Treat Others as You’d Want to Be Treated
The real key to being a good neighbour is the Golden Rule. Treat others the way you want them to treat you. It’s fine to have a backyard party, but if you think you’d be bothered by the noise if it was your neighbour’s party, it’s time to turn down the music. Carry a pooper scooper on your dog’s walk because you wouldn’t want someone leaving a mess in your yard. Drive safely through the neighbourhood because you would want others to do so as well. You can never go wrong by being thoughtful and kind.
Being a good neighbour is always the right thing to do. There aren’t any hard-and-fast rules for how to do this, but as long as you focus on staying friendly and helping others whenever you can, you should be in good shape.
Take a look at which communities Broadview Homes builds in, stop by for a visit, and you're sure to discover a friendly place to live.
