by Laura Lee Winger

Created on: September 17, 2009   Last Updated: September 23, 2009

Just because your neighbors didn't initiate you into the neighborhood with a housewarming gift or plate of cookies doesn't mean they are unfriendly. Having relationships with your neighbors means a friend is just a few doors down. A friendly neighborhood also means a safer neighborhood, your neighbors can look out for you and your property, and familiarity of each other brings familiarity with common concerns and routines, in turn allowing you and your neighbors to recognize when something isn't right. It can be as simple as a neighbor recognizing that you usually keep your garage door closed, so if it's open for a long amount of time, perhaps they will be inclined to check on your or to close it for you if you're not home. The benefits of having a relationship with your neighbors are evident, but creating and fostering such relationships can be a challenge. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Make Yourself Available

One of the easiest, least confrontational ways to meet neighbors is to simply hang outside when they are likely to be coming or going. Pull weeds, trim trees and shrubs and spray for weeds or insects in the evening when people are coming home from work.

Big weekend projects are even better for this. If you're shoveling several tons of rock into your front yard, laying sod or painting the exterior of the house, neighbors will notice what you're doing. Often, they know what you're going through and may offer help, advice or tools. At the very least, they may give you some encouraging feedback, and you can start a relationship from there.

Certain holidays also bring people out of their houses. On Independence Day, for example, stay home and watch the fireworks from your front porch or driveway, and you're likely to see some neighbors either walking somewhere or watching from outside their homes. This is another great way to initiate a relationship. Walking your dog also may bring opportunities to meet neighbors.

The trick is not to force situations, but let them happen naturally by being busy during the times when your neighbors are most likely coming or going. The opposite works, too, almost as effectively. If you come home from work or check the mail at times when your neighbors are likely to be outside, you can initiate the contact by approaching them.

Collaboration is Key

Neighborhood garage sales offer a reason to initiate communication with your neighbors while potentially bringing them together for a joint effort. Send

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