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 Comm...

  The resources shared on this blog in the post named " Literature Review and Neighboring " provides a wide variety of books, articles, and studies that focus on the importance of building relationships with neighbors and creating a strong sense of community.  In today's fast-paced and often disconnected world, the idea of neighboring is crucial for creating a more caring and connected communities. I hope this literature review is helpful, although not exhaustive. My goal is to highlight some of my favorite resources in this field of study.  My first exposure to the subject of neighboring was the book, The Art of Neighboring by Dave Runyon and Jay Pathak. This book introduces the idea that neighboring doesn't have to be difficult. Instead, it can be about simple, everyday actions, such as greeting a neighbor, offering help, or just being available. The authors emphasize that many people feel disconnected or lonely in their neighborhoods, and by taking small steps, ...