Feel free to introduce yourself if you happen to bump into your neighbors as they’re moving in, but be considerate of their situation and keep it brief. People usually like having peace to clear their minds, so know it’s ok to not start a conversation everytime you see your neighbors. Sometimes, a smile and a wave are more than enough. Try simply saying hello, giving your name and saying, “I’ll stop by another time to talk when you aren’t busy. ”
Bringing a group of neighbors with you can limit the number of times different neighbors stop in to meet the new people in the neighborhood. If you participate in a neighborhood organization like a neighborhood watch, your group may want to go introduce yourselves.
If your new neighbor suggests that it isn’t a good time, respect their wishes and come back another time. Don’t take offense if your neighbors aren’t welcoming. It is difficult for some people to meet strangers. If your neighbor seems busy or uninterested in talking right now, you may want to ask when would be a better time. Try saying something like, “I can tell you’re busy. Is there a better time for me/us to stop by?”
Welcome committees can allow you to extend a positive gesture to new neighbors while sharing the work load and limiting how much each person has to do. You may want to ask your new neighbor if they would be interested in joining the committee in order to get to know the other members better.
Write a brief note that introduces yourself and identifies which house you live in. Try writing something simple like, “Welcome to the neighborhood from your new friends next door! Let us know if you need anything!”
You may want to include a note with a list of the ingredients in what you make so your neighbors can avoid anything they may be allergic to. Purchasing baked goods may not be as traditional, but is certainly still a nice gesture.
Local plumbers or electricians that can respond to emergency calls. Local law enforcement and fire services. Cable and satellite television providers. Internet service providers. Trash pickup or removal services.
If your town is known for its dairy farms, you may want to include some locally made cheese, for instance. Gift certificates are also a nice way to incorporate local specialties.
You can offer a simple list of local delivery places instead of a collection of menus.
Choose a bottle of wine that you enjoy, as it can also serve as a way to get to know each other if they invite you to share it. You may want to find a wine that pairs well with foods or snacks you have included in your welcome basket. You can find suggestions of what kinds of wine go well with certain snacks here: http://www. foodandwine. com/slideshows/15-rules-great-wine-and-food-pairings/3
Make sure to invite the rest of your neighbors to the block party so they all have a chance to meet the new neighbors. Block parties are also a great way for your new neighbor’s children to meet other neighborhood kids.
Bring your new neighbor to the meeting and introduce them to the group. Other groups you may want to invite your new neighbors to join may include book clubs or school-oriented groups like the PTA (if they have children).
If your new neighbors have children, you can suggest a babysitter you trust to them for them to be able to attend. Like a block party, throwing a cocktail party can alleviate the stress of having people over for your new neighbors while still allowing them to meet the neighborhood. Hosting a dinner party at your place is also a great low-key way to welcome the new neighbors. [5] X Research source
