Do you live in a safe neighborhood? A welcoming one? Like most homeowners (or renters for that matter), you probably would prefer to live in a community that makes you smile when you turn down your street, where your children can play unmolested and you know all your neighbors.

Unfortunately, this doesn't just come naturally anymore. Small town America has given way to urban sprawl, and the day of leaving your doors unlocked is past. In this era of the automatic garage door and outsourced lawn care, you might not recognize your neighbor if they made the evening news!

There are quite a few ways to be proactive, however. Try holding a block party just to get every acquainted. Think ahead, and discuss holding a neighborhood watch at a later time; you can have flyers ready made to send home with the guests. If you get to know each other's schedules and vehicles, you can cut down on possible crime in your area by reporting suspicious cars and activities. Consider forming a carpool for school drop off and pick-up, or parents can take turns waiting at the bus stop to ensure child safety.

Try to get concerned citizens to band with you to form a loosely organized committee. You don't necessarily have to go as far as a homeowners' association; just encourage everyone to participate as much as they can! Try to get several people teaming up and utilizing their strengths and skills to help lead different seasonal projects.

As the weather starts to warm, see if you can organize a spring clean up and get your neighborhood looking fresh. Repainting all the house numbers on the curbs and trimming tree branches back from the road helps enormously.
If the owners don't object, plant raised flower boxes on the corner lots. This will add color and brighten everyone's day.

When full blown summer arrives, consider a summer fiesta before the children go back to school. Get a permit to close the street off and rent a water slide - if local water regulations allow it. Turn on the sprinklers and every one can stay cool; shoes are optional - lots of lemonade is mandatory!

When fall blows in, hold a leaf raking and brush clearing day. Break out the grills and have hamburgers or hot dogs with chips and coolers of iced down drinks. Older neighbors will appreciate the helping hand! This is also a good time of year for a block sale. Use the money raised to fund other projects!

As the holidays approach, plan a theme for your block and help each other string lights and decorate. If the weather holds, pick a night to go caroling. Families with children too small for the activity can provide the hot chocolate or cider, and shut-ins will love a visit. Try to chip in together and pick a gift to surprise that elderly neighbor who lives alone.

A little co-operation can go a long way. Most people will appreciate the fact that they can count on their neighbors to look out for them, and are more than willing to return the favor! If you all work together, your neighborhood can not only be safe and welcoming, it will develop into a tightly knit community as well.

Learn more about this author, Grace Alexander.
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