5 Ways We Cultivate Community In Our Neighborhood
We heard the jingle from a distance, and immediately I knew. The ice cream truck.
My mind flashed to memories of being a kid, chasing the truck down while holding tight just the right amount of change to buy a popsicle. A line of running kids would form along the way — everyone rushing out of their houses to catch the day’s delight. Weaving in and out of yards, following the music, anticipating the truck’s next turn so we could catch it at the right corner. Orangesicles were usually my first pick, but I’d trade in a Firecracker occasionally, too. The neighborhood kids and I — the friends who I spent every long, hot day of summer with — would then sit on the curb and eat our popsicles before they melted in the sun.
Ah, the neighborhood ice cream truck. There’s something about it that embodies the goodness and innocence of summer as a child. So when we heard it on our street recently, I think I was more excited than the girls! We hopped up, chased it down, and sat down in the sun to eat our treats before they melted.
At that moment, I realized something important. The neighborhood we live in has started to feel like a community.
Just like when I grew up, as we ran toward the truck, neighbors waved and some joined in on the chase. We knew every name behind the houses we passed. I felt comfortable with my kids running barefoot on our street. A sense of “We’ve all got each other’s backs” is there.
Community. THIS is why we moved here. THIS is why we bought our house. The ways it manifests now and in the future will be some of the important elements of my children’s lives. Riding the bus to school while sitting next to the kids on their street. Going to the local playground and being greeted by familiar faces. Stopping to say hi to those sitting on their front porches during our daily walks. And, yes, chasing down ice cream trucks on hot summer days. It’s been so important for Doug and I to have a sense of community in our neighborhood; it’s made our house feel more like a home, it’s helped us all to feel more secure in our surroundings, and I know that it’s helped our children feel a sense of belonging.
All this got me thinking — At what point did we become a part of this community? Sure, you move in and there you are! But to belong to a community means more than that. It takes time and effort. With that in mind, I thought it’d be fun to share the ways that we actively have cultivated community in our neighborhood since moving. After all, physically living there isn’t enough; you’ve got to show up to establish and form relationships with the people in your proximity.
But first, let’s chat about neighborhoods for a second!
The people surrounding you are immensely important in a community, and so are all the details that surround the houses! In an ideal world, all our communities would have diverse individuals who bring valued, varied perspectives. Nearby parks and recreation opportunities would be available to all. Importantly, quality housing would be affordable and attainable. These are the goals of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s Neighborhood Enhancement Program (NEP)!
The NEP reinforces MSHDA’s mission to serve the people of Michigan by partnering to provide quality housing that is affordable, a cornerstone of diverse, thriving communities. It also reinforces the vision to make Michigan a place where all people have quality affordable housing as a foundation to reach their full potential. How does it do that? By granting funding to local branches of government and organizations for activities directly tied to stabilization and enhancement of Michigan neighborhoods! Essentially, there are three eligible neighborhood components: 1) Beautification; 2) Neighborhood Public Amenity Enhancements; and 3) Housing Enhancements to owner-occupied single-family homes. If you’re interested in learning more, swing by this link!
Alright, let’s dive into community cultivation, shall we? Here’s what’s worked for us as newbies in our neighborhood!
5 Ways We Cultivate Community In Our Neighborhood
We Practice What We Preach
It’s so important for us to raise our kids to be friendly, kind, accepting individuals. It’s one thing to talk about ways to do that, but in my opinion, it’s most important to show it. Be the example. So for us and in our neighborhood, that starts with saying a simple, “Hello!” When we’re on walks and people are outside, we stop and say “Hi”. We introduce ourselves, tell them where we live, and heck, talk about the weather. This has led to knowing most of the people on our street and becoming friendly with them, which is the first step in forming great relationships. As time goes on and we get to know our neighbors more, being “friendly” has turned into actual friendships, which is so invaluable!
Work Together With Our Neighbors
Inevitably, issues pop up. In the short time we’ve lived here, we’ve actually had a lot happen! Once, our pipe burst and flooded our neighbor’s yard. Another time, a neighbor didn’t realize how to properly drain their pool and flooded ours. Right now, we’re dealing with a massive tree that died and, we’ll have to get it removed. Things pop up, and it’s important to work together on issues.
Remaining flexible, apologizing when necessary, and working toward proactive solutions is always the mindset we try to keep at the top of mind when issues arise. That mindset has (hopefully!) led to a positive relationship where we trust each other and know we have one another’s best interests at heart.
Exchange Contact Information
This seems relatively small, but it’s actually quite big! When we’re at the local playground and meet a nice family, we exchange contact information. It’s always nice for the kids to meet friends that are local (and who will inevitably go to their school!) and it’s nice for us, too! I’ve ended up texting many of the moms I’ve exchanged information with for future playdates, and it’s made some of these long summer days so much more manageable. I can already tell that some of them will be people that we’ll be friends with for years and years!
Do Small Favors “Just Because”
There are a few neighbors we have who are particularly wonderful, and we love to surprise them with little ways to make them smile. We’ll walk their dog on occasion. Recently, we dropped off bags of herbs from our garden. Often, we’ll take in their garbage cans for them. During the winter, Doug shoveled their sidewalks so, they didn’t need to worry about it. And our neighbors do little things in return, too! For example, on my birthday, my neighbor left a package of goodies. How sweet is that?!
Little acts of kindness are fun to do and feel wonderful to receive. They have helped to cultivate closer bonds with those around us!
Remain Open-Minded
I have to say, though we’re eager to establish close relationships with those in our neighborhood, that feeling isn’t always reciprocated. Some people simply like to be left alone, and that’s okay!
For those people, we respect what they’ve communicated as their boundaries while remaining open to whatever relationship they’re comfortable with. We let them take the lead. We’re still friendly of course but do try to give them space. I think approaching every person’s unique preferences with an open mind is always the best way to go. Especially when living on the same street, it’s important for everyone to feel comfortable!
What ways do you cultivate community in your neighborhood? Do you find value in close relationships with those in your proximity? Let’s chat in the comments below!
Remember, the MSHDA has an amazing Neighborhood Enhancement Program that is here to help! Be sure to swing by this link to learn more and to take advantage of all the services they offer.
PS – 4 Lessons Learned From Our Fixer Upper + Helpful Financial Planning Tips For Homeowners
*This post was sponsored by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. However, as always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that partner with Isn’t That Charming!
