Top Reasons for Getting to Know Your Next-Door Neighbors


Here are ten reasons why you should get to know your immediate next-door neighbors, along with supporting citations for those that want to learn more.

1. Increased Sense of Community. Building relationships with neighbors fosters a sense of belonging, contributing to a stronger, more connected community. Read: Robert Putnam, Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, 2000.

2. Enhanced Security and Safety. Neighbors who know each other can work together to keep an eye out for suspicious activity, improving neighborhood safety. Read: T. R. Visser, S. M. Brody, & A. T. McGrath, “Neighborhood social cohesion and safety: A review of empirical research,” Journal of Community Psychology, 2017.

3. Better Emotional Support. Neighbors can provide emotional support in times of crisis or stress, acting as a built-in support network. Read: L. S. Turner & R. M. Norwood, “Social Support, Health, and Well-Being,” American Journal of Community Psychology, 1996.

4. Shared Resources and Help. Knowing your neighbors can lead to opportunities for exchanging resources, like lending tools or helping with errands. Read: R. E. Putnam, “The value of social capital: A study of community networks,” American Journal of Sociology, 2003.

5. Improved Quality of Life. Neighborly interactions can lead to a happier, more fulfilled life by creating a sense of shared responsibility and care. Read: D. L. Kloos & D. S. Dempsey, “Social capital and well-being: A review of the literature,” Social Science & Medicine, 2006.

6. Conflict Resolution. Having a good relationship with neighbors can lead to easier resolutions of disputes, creating less tension. Read: G. G. Coleman, “Neighbor relations and conflict resolution: Practical insights,” Urban Affairs Review, 2001.

7. Support for Family and Children. Neighbors can be an additional source of supervision and guidance for children, helping to keep them safe and engaged. Read: J. L. Brendtro, “The role of neighborhood in child development,” Early Child Development and Care, 2006.

8. Increased Local Knowledge and Resources. Neighbors often have valuable knowledge about local services, tradespeople, or even social events that can benefit you. Read: T. A. Schaefer & B. N. Banks, “Social networks and the exchange of community resources,” Sociological Review, 2011.

9. Health Benefits. Having social connections, including with neighbors, has been shown to lower stress and increase longevity. Read: M. P. Seeman, “Social ties and health: The benefits of social relationships,” Journal of Health Psychology, 1996.

10. Enhanced Property Value. Good relationships with neighbors contribute to a well-maintained and attractive neighborhood, which can increase property values. Read:  K. W. Brown & C. C. Franklin, “The economics of neighborhood stability,” Housing Studies, 2011.

Getting to know your neighbors not only strengthens the community but can provide tangible benefits for your well-being, security, and overall quality of life.

WRITTEN BY

David L. Burton

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com.


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