How to properly meet the neighbors - etiquette

Question

My husband and I are buying our first home.  We close on the 19th and move in the 23rd.

I went by the house to take pictures of lawn one evening for our landscaper and spent about an hour talking to the 79 year old woman across the street who had been out MOWING HER LAWN... at 79 in 95 degree heat. I was impressed.

Anyway, what is the best way to go about meeting the rest of the neighbors now? Is it too forward to go knock on their doors once we have moved in? Is it their place to come over and introduce themselves? Should we send them a note inviting them to dinner?

I'd love to hear how any of you have gone about meeting the neighborhood! I'm a very social person, and while I understand that it IS important to keep a bit of a healthy distance in your relationship with the neighbors, I also want them to feel close enough to us to pick up the phone and call if they think they see something suspicious.

Sharon F · Accepted Answer

It's kind of tricky because you don't just want to knock on everyone's doors.  You just might not anticipate the type of greeting you get on the other side.  You also can't anticipate any current neighbors that are feuding.  I'd also be leary about inviting a bunch of strangers to my home.  Sad to say, but you don't know who to trust.  It might just be that sweet & kind 79 year old neighbor who swipes something out of your jewelry box or medicine cabinet!

Although I am in my home for close to 8 years now, I am still frequently meeting neighbors.  I take the dog for nightly walks with my son on his tricycle.  I'm outside weeding my lawn, when it's cool enough.  The last time we threw a garage sale I met a ton of neighbors.  I recently met a new neighbor a few houses away when my cat got out and she was hiding under his car.  

I might suggest that you become more visible on the outside of your home.  Put a nice lawnbench in the front and read the newspaper.  Wash your car in the evening, talk a walk around the block, do yardwork, host a garage sale, make sure you say hello to people and wave as often as possible.

Good luck to you in your new home!

Le · Answer

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How to properly meet the neighbors - etiquette
My husband and I are buying our first home.  We close on the 19th and move in the 23rd.

I went by the house to take pictures of lawn one evening for our landscaper and spent about an hour talking to the 79 year old woman across the street who had been out MOWING HER LAWN... at 79 in 95 degree...

ishowtt4beads · Answer

Well it seems to me like you may not have to do anything. The lady you spoke with for so long may already be doing it for you.  Once you get moved in and settled. Ask a few of the neighbors over for cocktails and an appetizer.  Then you can continue on from there. Or, who knows the neighborhood may have a block party where you'll be able to meet everyone. Congratulations on your new home.

Jill · Answer

My parents threw a "block" party, inviting neighbors all around the block over for a dinner party. We were so happy when they were all nice, wonderful people. Anyway, it was a blast, and I would recommend it.

Leafsfan29-Embrace the drought! · Answer

Congratulations on your home purchase.  It sounds like you've chosen a nice neighbourhood.

I moved two years ago, and many neighbours (I live in a slightly older part of town) came over and introduced themselves.  If they don't do in kind, it's quite fine to go and introduce yourself.  

When I moved in my neighbour warned me that we're usually one of the last parts of town that see plowing trucks when it snows (I live in the 'burbs of Toronto).

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How to properly meet the neighbors - etiquette

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