Living next door to someone doesn’t make you a neighbor. It makes you the stranger next door! One of the great opportunities we have in our Jacksonville communities is the chance to build real, meaningful relationships with the people who live closest to us. For example, a simple wave across the yard or a quick chat while walking the dog can turn that stranger into someone who watches out for your home when you’re away.

While I understand the desire for privacy, I think it’s important we realize that regular, helpful communication with our neighbors makes us both safer and paves a smooth road for difficult conversations we might face in the future. In Florida neighborhoods, where storms and power outages can hit suddenly, a friendly connection means your neighbor might check on your property during a hurricane or alert you to a suspicious vehicle lingering nearby.

It doesn’t take much to start off the right way. Consider leaving a nice note in their mailbox when you first move in, a small “thank you” gift like a potted plant for looking out for the neighborhood, or even a homemade batch of cookies as an “olive branch” act that builds rapport quickly. These small gestures show goodwill and set a positive tone from day one.

Small gestures such as a nice note about their beautiful landscaping, an invitation to a neighborhood potluck, or joining an “all hands on deck” community improvement project like a cleanup day allow us to get to know our neighbors. This is vital when you consider the people around you are the most likely to spot smoke in a fire, clue you in to suspicious activity, or share vital local information like upcoming road closures or school events.

What’s more, if you build a positive base with your neighbors, when the time comes to have a difficult conversation such as a nuisance dog barking late at night, kids running amok through yards, or intrusive lighting shining into bedrooms, you’ll have a buffer of mutual respect and goodwill to draw on. Starting from a place of friendship makes those talks far easier and more productive.

If your opening conversation with a neighbor is a complaint, you’re setting yourself up for a long, antagonistic relationship. Who wants to live next to that?

We think a civil community depends upon our connection to our neighbors. We all benefit when we depend on and trust one another!

Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 HanleyHomeTeam.com