how do you welcome new neighbours?

**forestdale** · 10-25-2005, 03:18 AM

The people next door moved out today after selling their home. I'm expecting new neighbours soon. The house is fairly small with a swimming pool so I'm guessing they'll be a youngish family.

I always like to take something with me when I introduce myself and welcome new neighbours but the last time I went, the people down the road looked at me like I was from outer space. lol. They've proved to be a horrible addition to our little lane and they don't talk to anyone.

How do you welcome new neighbours? I'm interested in ways to help people feel welcome in their new home.

**Darlene** · 10-25-2005, 07:28 AM

I used to come with cookies in hand, saying hello and offering to help them with any questions they may have about how to navigate the area, best grocery stores, schools and the like.

Where I live, we are the new kids & have been here 11+ years. No welcome wagon but I did seek out the neighbors to say hi and chat. Now my neighbor up the road gives me books & I give her garden produce and we've chatted over tea and cried over putting pets to sleep and more. They watched my children grow and were like grandparents to them.

Good neighbors are indeed a rare find and something to be cherished.

**pammy** · 10-25-2005, 08:44 AM

I noticed just this past weekend new neighbors with a U-Haul next door. They were gone in a jiffy and I hadn't noticed any vehicles there recently, so not sure when they will start living there. Was wondering myself how to be a good neighbor.

When we moved in a year ago only one person introduced themselves and was friendly, and now it is his house someone new is moving in to.

Last year when we moved in my hubby was outside working in the yard and noticed another neighbor and waved and said 'hello'. He got a stern look, no smile and a back turned to him. Not only was it rude, but it was repeated by the same persons husband a few hours later. Can't go on experience here, they were just downright rude!

Would love to hear others opinions and I don't want to be a rude neighbor myself, lol.

**forestdale** · 10-25-2005, 02:56 PM

Thanks Darlene and Pammy.

I thought about this last night and thought this might be a good idea. I'm going to make up an information sheet with the name, address and telephone number of the local doctor, dentist, school, craft store, supermarket, vet, lawn mower repair shop, organic green grocer etc. I thought it would be a good addition to a bag of homemade cookies.

I think it's a fine line between being a pest and being a good neighbour. For instance I would have loved someone to welcome me with those things, but if they arrived just as we were unpacking the first of our boxes, I would been a bit miffed. So, I think I'll wait a few days after they arrive and then wander over.

Do you have any thoughts on the right time to welcome?

**Darlene** · 10-25-2005, 03:04 PM

I try to wait til I see them outside or stop by on a weekend afternoon.

**Missy** · 10-25-2005, 03:35 PM

The list is a great idea, i like to make up a magnet too with local food delivery places, a variety. Chinese, Japanese, Pizza, sandwhiches, greek, etc. the magnet can go on their frige and when they are up later moving in and forget to cook....

In a basket i put my list (I got that idea from Martha stewart living, lol), the magnet, a hm loaf of cinnamon bread (also a martha stewart recipe that i add rasins to) and some tea to go along with it (cocoa too if they have kids).

I am sorry to say that this has never evolved into a longterm friendship. And weirdly enough, it has been the same house, new tenants i have been taking these welcome baskets to!

**canadian gardener** · 10-25-2005, 04:05 PM

I think something to eat, and the lists of useful info are wonderful.

If they are boorish swine, they won't understand at all and all you are out is a basket of muffins, or cookies, and a handwritten list.

If as most people are, they are generous themselves they will appreciate the thought and the kindness, and feel truly at home at last.

PS I'd like to be your neighbor too, the lucky ducks!

**AmyMCGS** · 10-25-2005, 07:24 PM

I go over with cookies and a note/card signed with my family's first AND last names. I figure if they're like me, they'll forget our names in the chaos of moving, so I always write them down for them.

All of my neighborhood was new last year (new houses), so, at Christmas I baked cookies and we delivered them door-to-door on our cul de sac. (Again, with notes attached with our full names to help everyone remember.) One lady only opened her door about two inches and said "yes?" really stern when we knocked.... until she saw our DD and a plate of cookies. Lol. Now she waves at us about half the time when we see her-- the other half of the time she turns away-- maybe if I bring more cookies this year she'll start waving all the time!?!

**forestdale** · 10-25-2005, 07:33 PM

Amy, thank you. I'll write down our name and phone number. They may need it if they're away from the house and need something.

We live in a small one lane, dead-end street with houses on only one side. Generally only the residents drive down. It's quite common to see 2 or 3 mums out there sitting under the trees on the side of the road, talking in the late fternoon, while their kids play and ride their bikes. It's a fairly friendly street and I'd like our end to stay that way. I see this as a good opportunity to show the new comers what a friendly place they live in and to introduce the concept of friendliness to people who have never known their neighbours.

I love your idea, thanks for sharing it.