How to Meet Your New Neighbors for the First Time

Moving into a new community is always exciting; however, you might find the idea of meeting new neighbors to be a bit anxiety-producing. While it's not always easy to be the new family on the block, it can be fun to make friends and introduce yourself to the rest of the community.

Here are several ways in which you might get better acquainted with your neighbors.

Go Door to Door
Knocking on doors when you know your neighbors are home is a good way to introduce yourself to your community. A quick introduction and perhaps an invitation over to dinner is a great way to make a positive impression on the other homeowners on your block.

Host a Housewarming Party
Most families have a housewarming party to which they invite family and friends to celebrate their move. Typically, hors d-oeuvres and drinks are served while guests mingle and play party games. This informal atmosphere is a wonderful time to invite some of your new neighbors over to your home. Because there will be other individuals attending, they can make new friends and socialize with other people from the community while meeting your family.

If you do not feel comfortable having new people into your home, perhaps you can hold your party at the community club house. In the summertime, you might consider hosting a pool party or, if you live in a golf community, having a get together at the course's club house. Whatever you choose, aim to create an environment in which your family and your guests are comfortable.

Get Involved In Your Kids' Activities
From the Parent Teacher Association to volunteering at the school library, you can meet other parents by pitching in at your kids' educational institution. If you work during the day and cannot volunteer with these activities, try becoming active in their extra-curricular interests. For example, volunteer to help with the carpool to soccer or chaperone a trip to a dance meet.

Find an Interest Group or Club in Which to Become Active
Oftentimes, residents of a community will create groups that you can join. These groups may get together to pursue common interests, such as golfing, tennis, dining, or reading. In fact, if you have a local bookstore or pro shop you can probably find information regarding book clubs and sporting groups that have formed in your area. By making the move to join your neighbors in their pursuits, you will signal that you are interested in getting to know them and that you are ready to become a part of their social group.

One of the most difficult aspects of moving to a new community is making friends. Meeting your neighbors may seem overwhelming, and it might prove challenging to find a time to stop by and say hello when they are home. It's important that you stay patient and remember that the odds are in favor of all of your neighbors being as busy as you are! As such, don't get discouraged if meeting the members of your community takes a bit of time. By following these tips, you can increase the speed of the process and discover some new interests along the way. The point of joining groups and meeting new friends is to enjoy yourself, so make sure that you put that goal at the center of your efforts to meet your new neighbors for the first time.