How to Go from Casual Hellos to Full-On Friendship

Moving is hard. Not only do you have to confront all your stuff, but you also have to leave the comforts of your previous neighborhood and start anew with brand new humans.

And making new friends as an adult isn’t easy. 

But you know what? The effort is soooo worth it. 

Why Making Friends With Your Neighbors Matters

If you think you don’t need to be friends with your neighbors because you have plenty of social support elsewhere, you might want to reconsider. 

• Especially in the Denver area, our neighbors can be quite diverse—from different ages, races, and backgrounds. Use this as an opportunity to take in new perspectives! 

• You’ll feel happier because connecting with your neighbors can give you a strong sense of community.

• Befriending your neighbors can also be a practical choice. From emergencies to local recommendations, your neighbors can save you time and effort. And you can do the same for them in return.

And in case you’re thinking, “But I moved in a loooooong time ago, so it’s too late to be friendly now” … no, it’s not. Just call out the elephant in the room: “Sorry it’s taken me so long to say hello!” Chances are, your neighbors are also kicking themselves for not making an effort, and they’ll be thrilled to pieces that you made the first move.

8 Tips for Making Friends with your New (or Old!) Neighbors

#1 Answer the doorbell!

OK, we know… actually answering the door when someone rings or knocks can be a nerve-wracking experience. But it can also be an opportunity—your neighbor may be coming over to introduce themselves, and you might get a pleasant porch chat out of the deal. Or, if you’re feeling brave, welcome them in for a beverage.

#2 Go for a walk.

Walking around your new community has lots of perks. You might find your new go-to restaurant, café, or boutique shop along the way. You could scope out communal spots, like the favorite local park.

And, of course, you may just meet some new people! Be sure to wave, say hi, or stop for a quick chat with anyone you stumble across. This can be a great way to meet people all over the neighborhood.

#3 Let your pooch do the work.

While you’re out, bring the fur babies along! Animals have a way about them, helping break the ice in almost any situation. So whether you’re just moseying around the neighborhood or checking out the dog park, you’re sure to meet some folks with a common interest in your furry friends.

#4 Join neighborhood social media groups.

Social media can be a tricky field to navigate. But when used the right way, it can be an excellent tool for connecting with your local community. Search for local groups on Facebook, or join a neighborhood-specific app like Nextdoor. There are plenty of ways to connect on and offline! 

#5 Have a yard sale!

If you didn’t confront all your stuff before your move, you might need to get rid of some things afterward. After all, not everything will fit your new home—aesthetically or practically. So, if you’re finding yourself overwhelmed by piles upon piles of clothes, furniture, and home goods, try having a yard sale! This is a great invitation for neighbors to stop by, chat, and even buy something. Then, the next time you see them, follow up: “Hey neighbor, how’s that bakeware working out for you?”

#6 Throw a housewarming party.

Once you’ve met a couple of neighbors, particularly if you have similar interests, it’s time for a party! Shoot for a weekend evening and invite anyone you’d like—both those you’ve met and those you haven’t yet. From light refreshments to a full-on meal, any party is a great way to meet and greet.

#7 Ask for their number.

So, you’ve had a great chat with a new neighbor. The last thing you want to do is to cut that relationship short! Offering your phone number is a great way to continue building connections with your neighbors. And it can be a practical choice should the need for help arise.

#8 Be a great neighbor.

The best way to meet people is to be a great neighbor yourself! Waving at your neighbors, flashing your best smile, abiding by HOA guidelines, and shoveling the neighbor’s driveway are all ways to show goodwill to the others in your neighborhood. 

It’s all about building relationships.

We know how meaningful building relationships is. That’s why we’d love to get to know you! Book a Discovery Meeting today so we can hang out!