How to Get Along With Neighbors

Getting along with neighbors takes common sense. Think of how you get along with friends and family, then apply those principles with your neighbors. Creating good neighbors has many benefits. The best reason to get along is to enjoy friendship at some level.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Keep your yard and house or apartment patio neat. No one likes a yard full of weeds, a house needing paint or buildings in disrepair. Think property value.

2. Control your pets. Have a fence or leash for a dog. When the pet barks every time a neighbor goes outside, bring the dog in.

3. Get to know your neighbors in a friendly manner. This means talking and sharing something about yourself.

4. Build trust by being a good neighbor. Set the standard by offering help with projects or sharing a cookout.

5. Invite the neighbors inside your house or apartment. Even a short visit builds bonds.

6. Give your neighbors a head's up when you plan to build something on your property.

7. Lower the volume on radios, parties and arguments with other family members, especially at night.

Tips & Warnings

• It's easier to discuss problems with someone you know and respect. In many neighborhoods, people move in, raise a family and move out in retirement years. Neighbors are stuck with each other, so make the best of it.
• Yard problems create barriers. In areas where the leaves fall, keep up on bagging, burning or regularly preparing for curbside pickup. Cut back shrubs and low-hanging branches that might interfere with your neighbor's property.
• If you're planning an outside party with many people, give an open invitation to neighbors living close by. Even if they can't make it, they'll tolerate much more noise because of the invitation.
• Never talk badly about another neighbor. It might get back to them.
• Avoid running lawn mowers or other machinery early in the morning.
• Don't let your kids show disrespect to a neighbor.