How to Meet Neighbors

You spent weeks picking out the perfect apartment. You figured out how to lug your new couch up two flights of stairs. Your cable and Internet are hooked up and the boxes are all unpacked. Suddenly there's a knock on the door. Is it a new neighbor wanting to welcome you to town Not likely. If you want to meet neighbors, you're going to have to make things happen.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Get out of the house! The chance of you meeting neighbors over a pint of ice cream is highly unlikely. So you will have to get out of your house and start being seen. Walk the dog, take your kids for a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood and plant flowers in the front yard. The more you're outside, the higher your chances are of catching one your neighbors outside as well.
2. Throw a party. Give yourself a housewarming party and invite everyone over for a meet and greet.
3. Stock your pantry by taking a trip to the local market. Everyone has to eat, so grocery shopping is a great way to meet your neighbors.
4. Run out of sugar. The idea seems a little cliché, but it really does work. Knock on the door next door and ask to borrow a cookie ingredient or a screwdriver so that you can finish hanging your curtains.
5. Join a gym or a church. This is a great way to meet neighbors, since you will already share a common interest.
6. Hang out at the local coffee house or dog park. You will begin to recognize people and will soon be able to strike up a conversation.

Tips & Warnings

• Before approaching a new neighbor, do a quick assessment of the situation. If they're running around the neighborhood frantically looking for a dog or yelling at their children, it's best to try again another day.