Meeting the neighbors
Most of you know at least some of your neighbors at least a little bit. That's what you're telling me, anyway.
Just 12 percent of readers who took this week's poll said they didn't know any of their neighbors.
But an equally small percentage of you are on the other extreme, knowing most or all of your neighbors well. Nearly half of you "sort of" know some of your neighbors, which doesn't necessarily mean more than friendly waves as you head off to your respective workplaces. (This is the category I'm in, incidentally.)
Here's what I'd like to know: Is a neighborhood better -- a nicer place to live -- when the residents know and like each other? Does it matter to you whether you know your neighbors or not?
Those of you contemplating a move: Is "friendly neighborhood" anywhere on your priority list?
Categories: Neighborhood and neighbors
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Comments
Once upon a time... the families who lived in a given neighborhood had "3rd place" ties to one another. Some sort of social or cultural connection like the same religion if not a specific church, employment at the same (BIG!) company.. things like that and with successive generations staying fairly close to that hive.
Not so much anymore. And moreover because the reason to be there is far more self centered (not in a bad way.. it just is so) most families don't root themselves. Most will be gone and moved on within a few years as some other (self centered) reason will warrant that decision.
What rooting (and grouping) most families will do is going to be kid related. Friendships with other parents that are extensions from the (elementary age) PTA and rec council sports through high school extra-curricular activities that their kids are involved in.
The organizers of the neighborhood groups tend to be the anomalies in this... throwbacks (by choice or plain economics) to that time when people actually bought a house for life. And these folks will quickly get burned out on the whole organizing committee thing after the second cycle of the same process.
Until it snows... or the power goes out ;)
Posted by: MrRational | August 7, 2010 10:59 AM
It is sad that we don't know our neighbors anymore. I am as guilty as anyone. It just seems that we are busier than ever and we just don't seem to have the time to get out to meet the neighbors. It's a shame so I am going to make a concerted effort to do better so let's all do it together.
Posted by: Vera Bradley | August 8, 2010 10:26 AM
Maybe its just me. But i think that in many parts of Baltimore it would almost be impossible NOT to know your neighbors.
If you sit on your front stoop for more than an hour you will end up meeting someone.
Some of the younger professionals on my block were complaining that they didnt know anybody on the block. I asked them if they had ever bothered to introduce themselves to some of the older people on the block. Not only had they not. They seemed mystified by my question.
Im not particulary smart or attractive.And im defintly not wealthy. But i know almost everybody on my block.And at least 50-75 people in SouthEast Baltimore.
All you have to do is say "hi" to someone in Baltimore and you will get to know them[whether you want to or not]
Its not like theres a lack of ways to get to know your neighbors.
I tell newcomers to volunteer for cleanups at Patterson Park. Or just sweep the block up once in a while by themselves. People will come out and say hi.
Goodness knows how much weight i gain when i sweep my street. The older ladies bring out cake and sandwiches to me when they see me sweeping.
Posted by: Pete from Highlandtown | August 11, 2010 1:53 AM
MrRational, good point about the potential for burnout.
Pete, I love your SE Baltimore stories -- thank you for sharing! (I laughed out loud at, "All you have to do is say 'hi' to someone in Baltimore and you will get to know them[whether you want to or not].")
Posted by: Jamie Smith Hopkins | August 13, 2010 3:16 PM