[yeni]

This is a quote from another thread that I wanted more opinions on, but didn't want to hijack that thread.

Quote:

Personally, I never bothered with the neighbors. I always have my own life, and they theirs.

When we moved to our neighborhood, we tried to get to know our neighbors. We went around to the houses nearest to ours and introduced ourselves, made it a point to chat with anyone who was out, usually take goodies around at the holidays... But we rarely see our neighbors outside. Nobody on our street attends the annual neighborhood party and usually only about a dozen people attend neighborhood meetings. It just doesn't feel like we live in a community and I HATE that. Is there anything we can do?

I read in a magazine about someone who hosted a soup night on Fridays. They'd cook up a huge quantity of soup and invite friends, neighbors, etc. I've considered trying something like that when we get back to the "soup weather" time of year, but I honestly don't think any of the neighbors would come.

 

[EmsMom]

One thing that I can guarantee about neighbors: if SOMEone doesn't try to create the community, it rarely creates itself. I live in a close knit community, but it is very clear that there are two or three people who regularly, over the years, put the effort in to draw people together. A project is often a great place to start. Does your road need paving or sidewalks (you can work up a petition to take to town hall)? Maybe a little playground? How about a street wide yard sale? Not everybody will be interested. Many no one will be interested the first time. But when they keep seeing you, they may start to become more friendly over time. Good luck!