Introduce Yourself to the Neighbors

Unless you’re an extrovert, meeting your new neighbors can be intimidating. After all, you don’t want to say the wrong thing or make a bad first impression. But getting to know the people who live in your new neighborhood doesn’t have to be a panic attack-inducing ordeal. It can be as simple as a wave and as much fun as a block party. Here are 12 tips for getting to know your neighbors after a move.

Wave and smile

The next time you see your neighbor, wave—and smile. Make eye contact, and say, “Hello.” It seems like such an obvious thing to do, but these simple acts let people know you’re friendly and open to getting to know them. The key is to progress to a casual exchange, like “I see you’re a Packers fan,” and eventually an invitation to come over and watch a game. Otherwise, three years from now you might still be on waving terms only.

Knock on the door

You may need to get up a little nerve for this one, but if you’ve already exchanged a few waves, it shouldn’t be too uncomfortable. Simply head next door or across the street, knock on the door, and introduce yourself. It doesn’t have to be any more elaborate than, “I’m John. I just moved in and wanted to say hi.”

Just be sensitive when it comes to timing. Don’t show up at dinnertime or early on a Saturday morning. Instead, try a weekend afternoon when you see your neighbor’s car in the driveway.

Bring goodies next door

If knocking on your neighbor’s door feels too awkward, give yourself a reason for being there. Bake cookies, cupcakes or a loaf of bread, then offer the goodies to your neighbor. Or, bring homemade jam or fruit from the trees in your new backyard. After delivering the edibles, you can make your exit whenever it feels natural.

Tip: Bring the treats in a plastic container that you don’t mind if your neighbor keeps. Chances are, even if you insist he doesn’t have to, he’ll probably return the container to you a few days later. This second visit will give you the opportunity to get to know him even better.

Ask for advice

Another way to get to know your new neighbors is to ask them for their advice. Need to hire a landscaper? Head next door to ask your neighbor who he uses. Not sure where to go for a really good pizza? Your neighbor might know. Even if he doesn’t, it’s a good opportunity to introduce yourself and spark a conversation.

Instead of advice, you can also ask for help. Can’t find your screwdriver on move in day? Knock on your neighbor’s door and ask if you can borrow his. Then, return it the same day and in the same condition you received it.

Offer help

After you get settled, watch for opportunities to be neighborly. If you notice a banner in the yard announcing the birth of a new baby, make a gift of onsies or newborn diapers. See someone working on their car? Ask what the problem is and volunteer to help with the repair, assuming you know how.

It doesn’t have to be anything monumental. The next time your neighbor is struggling to get her groceries in the house, you can lend a hand. Your efforts will be appreciated, and it will give you the chance to break the ice.

Take a walk

Walking is more than good exercise; it gives you an opportunity to meet your neighbors and get to know your neighborhood a little better, too. Plan a leisurely route, taking the time to say hello to people in their yards and driveways. To encourage conversation, be prepared to ask about the project they’re working on in the garage or comment on their dog. Before you continue, make sure to share your name and let your neighbor know where you live.

Go outside

You don’t have to leave your front yard to apply the same principle. Instead of venturing out yourself, let people come to you. Sit on the porch, tend to the yard or play with the kids. When someone comes along, wave and say hello. It helps if you have a routine, so neighbors know you’ll be outside at a specific time if they want to connect with you.

Even if you don’t get outside on a regular basis, take advantage of holidays like Halloween or the 4th of July. Set up lawn chairs at the edge of the driveway on Halloween, and pass out candy, making a point to introduce yourself to neighborhood parents. On 4th of July, watch the neighborhood parade, if you have one, or share hand-held sparklers with others celebrating after dark.

Head to the bus stop

If you have school-aged children who ride the bus, walk them to the bus stop the first few days. You’ll likely encounter other parents—especially the first few days of the school year—who can answer questions about the school and the neighborhood.

Or, make your way to the neighborhood park or swimming pool. You’ll meet even more parents, and your kids will have the opportunity to make some new friends, too. If they do, consider setting up a play date.

Let your dog make friends for you

Most dogs love to meet new people, but your dog doesn’t actually have to approach anyone for you to initiate a conversation. Just take him for a walk (on a leash, of course), and more often than not, someone will ask his name, breed or age at some point. Keep the conversation going with questions about local veterinarians and dog parks.

Not everyone is a dog lover, though, so watch for signs that your neighbor is uncomfortable or afraid. And whatever you do, pick up after your dog’s messes.

Attend neighborhood meetings

Whether you’ve moved into a neighborhood with a homeowners’ association or one with an active community watch, get involved. Attend neighborhood-related meetings, block parties and the gathering next door, if you’re invited. The more often you make an appearance, the more opportunities you’ll have to connect with your neighbors.

If you’re an introvert, attending neighborhood meetings and gatherings may be the best way for you to meet your neighbors since others in attendance will likely be trying to meet their neighbors, too. That takes a lot of the pressure off you and, should you start to feel uncomfortable, you can usually slip away.

Host a housewarming party

Housewarming parties are great way to get to know your neighbors—if you invite them. At the very least, add your immediate neighbors to your guest list, and then make a point to spend time talking to each one, asking about them personally. Find out where they’re from, where they work and even what they think you should be watching next on Netflix.

Another perk of inviting neighbors? If you give them a tour of your house, you can ask them how they decorated a room you are having trouble with.

Invite them over for dinner

Once you’ve broken the ice with a neighbor, get to know him better by inviting him over for dinner. It doesn’t have to be fancy. In fact, casual will probably be more comfortable for the both of you. Be sure to ask about allergies and dietary restrictions before planning the menu, and go with something simple so you’re not stressed out with the meal’s preparation.

If having just one person or couple over feels uncomfortable, invite another. Just limit your dinner party to an intimate number. Still uncomfortable? You can always invite your neighbor over on an evening when your friend will be attending as well.

Getting to know your new neighbors isn’t something that happens immediately. It takes time to build relationships. However, if you make the effort, you’ll reap the rewards in no time.