10 Ideas for Meeting Your Neighbors
by Cari Jenkins 
Homes can be the most isolating places. 
1. Pray for your neighborhood by walking through it.
The more you are out of your house, the more likely it will be that you actually meet the people around you.
2. If you see a neighbor outside, make up an excuse to go outside yourself.
Then strike up a conversation.
3. Take care of your property.
(By doing this, you will be subtly letting people know that you work and care for the quality of the neighborhood.)
4. Pick one neighbor you’d like to get to know and go to their house and introduce yourself.
Bring cookies, a gift card, or something to give them as a way to say hello and I’d like you to know I exist and I know that you do. Open the door to relationship.
5. Host a block dinner.
Put invitations on the front doors saying something like, “Neighborhood block dinner party. Come and get to know the people who live next door!” (This can be uncomfortable, so maybe invite a friend to host with you. Choose someone who is good with people and can help you host everyone.)
6. Pay attention to the needs of the neighborhood and creatively seek ways to meet the needs.
Invite your neighbors to do something collectively to help out. This will build a relationship and do good!
7. Use holidays as a conduit for relationship.
Write cards, make May Day baskets, bake cookies, give valentines and such, giving them to the neighbors around you. There is a natural opportunity to acknowledge the people around you, encourage them, and build a bridge for relationship.
8. If you have a back yard, during the summer, host back yard movie nights.
Invite your neighbors and build a tradition around movies.
9. Make your space available to others.
Create a space of hospitality and encouragement.
10. Be approachable yourself.
If you’re closed off, others will be, too.
I’ll expand on some of these ideas in posts to come. In the mean time, make it a goal to meet one of your neighbors before next week begins! Weekends are the best time for relationship building!
What have you found helpful when meeting and building relationships with your neighbors