Ok so a little background first- we live in the country on about 7 acres, with 1 neighbor w/about 9 acres however our houses face each other and we share a private driveway which is about a mile long. (get the visual! haha) Now the neighboring house has been for sale for years and just sold this month- since we have lived in this house there has been 2 sets of renters next door. The 1st set of renters were there before we moved in, and after we moved in they never made an attempt to introduce themselves - but since it was near the holidays I made my way over bearing Christmas gifts as a way to try to break the ice. (since we share the driveway and both houses are completely secluded from the main road, it makes it feel that I should at least know the people living next to me) but we never got to know them. They moved out and the next set moved in, and I went over to welcome them - We absolutely loved that family, but now the house has sold and so they have moved out- My question is, for the couple that have bought the house and will be a little more permanent there, I want to make sure I welcome them appropriately, so what do you think is appropriate for new neighbors? How would you prefer someone welcome you to your new home? I have more of an issue of not being friendly enough rather than the opposite of being a nosy,overbearing kind. We enjoy living here b/c of the privacy and peace and quiet- and really aren't trying to start block parties haha, but I want to make sure they feel comfortable here also. Thanks in advance (and YES I'm sure I'm over thinking this simple thing)- God Bless~
Awesome ideas ladies! Thank you all so much- it's hard to know how people feel most comfortable since we're all so unique, but just want to make sure I extend kindness in the non-pressuring (sp) kind of way- so thank you all! We've only moved twice including this one, and this kind of stuff has never really mattered to me, but just trying to be more aware now- so thanks!
Do you know if they are local or new to the area? If they are new to the area.
a map
phone book
some to-go delivery menus
a list of the phone/cable/trash companies available.
we have moved several times. I love it when the neighbor stops over for a minute when we are working in the yard or driveway. I batch of cookies is great too lol. However I do not like it when we are not able to enjoy our yard without neighbors being constantly in our face. One of the best things a neighbor ever did was to bring us a paper with things we needed to know.
garbage pick up day
cost of stickers
closest grocery store and number
closest vet
good place for oil change etc
best pizza in town.
those types of things.
Well it's Oct. so maybe pumpkin bread or pumpkin cookies... or even a pumpkin. I wish I had you as a neighbor :)
We've moved more times than I've liked and I really appreciate it when someone welcomes me to the neighborhood. It makes it less lonely FEELING. I may never speak with them again, but wave when we see each other. It makes me feel like if something happened I could probably count on them.
Living out in the country, I think it is vital to have met your neighbors and to exchange contact information. If anything for emergencies!
I would write out your contact information on a small card and try to catch them while they are outside. If you don't see them in a few days, knock on the door. Introduce yourself, offer your contact information in case they had questions about the area, utilities, snow removal, etc.and in case there ever was an emergency. Now you've broken the ice and it is beneficial to you both. You'll know soon enough whether or not if they will be on your Christmas list!
Good luck! (I just saw a house two doors down moving in and I thought I'd go over and ask if I could mow their lawn. I know what it's like to move into a place with a lawn that needs mowed and not have the time to do it. Maybe I'M over thinking it! lol)
A neighbor brought me fresh baked jalepeno cheese bread and some flowers. It was so thoughtful and welcoming. Another lady from church brought me fresh baked cookies with a little card that had her contact info on it.
I think you are right to want to get to know them, especially since you live out in the country, it's always safe to watch out for each other and have friendly ties.
all of our neighbors welcomed us when we moved here. It ranged from a simple greeting at the door, to some fresh produce....to one woman dragging a little red wagon full of fresh-cooked goodies which she had gathered at various homes!
& I'm very aware in today's world, offerings such as this are considered dangerous &/or taboo. But for me, it's the thought that counts! & honestly, it was 21 years ago....a small town....& it was very welcome. Still friends with all of these families.....
Sooo, here's my thoughts: a potted plant or a bouquet of flowers, a homemade cake/cookies, & a "coupon" for a homecooked meal. Give them your contact #s & let them set the date.....that way any further contact is at their leisure & discretion! Enjoy...I'm all for having good neighbors!
Catch them outside, stop by and give them a note with your name & phone number on it as an offer to yell if they need anything as they are moving in (hammer, screwdriver, etc.). That way you're not putting them on the spot by ringing the bell & catching them when they're really busy, eating dinner, etc.
I'd write the note & stick it in my car so the next time I was entering/exiting the driveway and saw them, I could drop it off.
I would prefer my neighbors not come and introduce themselves, but I have a feeling I'm in the minority. Just go over, and introduce yourself. I don't see why there needs to be any more then that. Perhaps it's just me, but I don't feel comfortable accepting baked goods from complete strangers. (And, I have food allergies.)
Personally, I DO NOT LIKE... someone popping up on my doorstep, ie: a neighbor, and then making all social. I really hate that.
Ugh.
I/we, like privacy.
Sure we know our neighbors, but we don't socialize. All the neighbors seem to like it that way. And are very private.
I would not want, someone to come knocking on my door, saying WELCOME! and putting a plate of brownies in my hands.
And THEN... after that, the other person/family will have an "obligation"... to then reciprocate back. Because then the cycle of "I wonder if they like us, I wonder if they liked my brownies, I wonder if they will wave to us next time, I wonder what they do, I wonder if they will thank us, I wonder..." will ensue.
And then that other person/neighbor, may not want to be obligated.
Cookies with a welcome card with your family's first names so they will know your names, but no other personal info such as phone #'s just yet ;) That's my opinion. :)
Just wanted to say, I wish you were my neighbor. :-)
