The days of bringing baked goods to new neighbors are in the past. Now, breaking the ice can be downright intimidating, especially in an apartment community. Everyone wants to have a strong relationship with their neighbors. Who else can you rely on to watch over your home when you’re out for the weekend? Good neighbors make our lives easier, and it helps everyone feel like part of a community.

Whether you’ve been in your apartment community for years or you’re just moving in, you might need some extra help finding the best way to introduce yourself. Yes, it can be awkward at first, but there are easy ways to make it less intimidating. Are you ready to make a change and turn your neighbors into people you feel confident running into in the hallways?

Smile Often

This is the easiest way to meet people, but also the most often overlooked. How often do you walk between your apartment and your car looking at nothing other than your phone screen? Put that phone away and be aware of your surroundings. Not only is this a great habit to get into in everyday life, but it gives you the chance to meet people.

Smile as you pass people in the hallway. Introduce yourself, and let them know where you live. You don’t have to take up any more time than that, but your neighbor will remember your friendly hello going forward. This is how you start breaking down those walls.

Connect Online

This is the digital age, so it’s no wonder neighbors have taken to social media. With the NextDoor app, you can be sure you’re only seeing posts for the people immediately near you. While connecting online isn’t a substitute for real-life interaction, it is a great way to put names to faces. If you have any questions or ideas for the community, this can be a great space to ask.

Go to Events

Neighborhood events are the perfect chance to actually meet people. Not only do they sometimes involve free food (yum!), but you’re likely to run into someone new. Be active at these events, and ask the community if you can bring baked goods or a food dish to share. Food will always make people eager to talk to you. These events are designed to bring the community together. Don’t keep putting off Friday Night Socials and holiday feasts.

Be Respectful

Finally, one of the best ways to meet your neighbors on the right terms is to be a good member of the community. Every apartment community has a set of rules, most of which are for the peace and respect of everyone who lives there. Nobody likes the neighbor who blasts music until 2 am or the person who always leaves trash outside their door.

The same goes for your property manager. Many property managers also live on-site, and this is a great way to get to know them when you see them out during the day or at events. However, never impose your questions or concerns on a property manager after hours when they’re no longer on duty.

Another common problem is renting your apartment through Airbnb when you’re not in town. This might seem like a good way to make extra cash, but it exposes your community to unknown tenants. Your property managers might be alerted through a service like Rentbelly, so it’s never worth the risk.

Following the rules might not get you very far on its own, but without it, you’ll have the hardest time making a good impression on your neighbors. The more you can learn to respect the rules, the more pleasant your community will be as a whole. As long as you smile, put yourself out there, and are an asset to the community, your neighbors will welcome you.

The post Ways to Introduce Yourself to Your Apartment Neighbors appeared first on Cottages of Anderson Blog.

Cottages of Anderson is a Buckingham Foundation owned property, which is the philanthropic partner of Buckingham Companies. Buckingham Foundation owns four properties that offer clean, safe, affordable housing, as well as, programs and services for their residents. Buckingham Foundation continues to grow its grant giving capacity to support affordable housing opportunities for families in need, to encourage participation in arts and culture initiatives and to invest in local communities.

As part of the renovation project, amenity space, including the leasing center and clubhouse, and 120 units were renovated by the Buckingham Capital Expenditures team. Renovations include:

* New black appliances in all apartment homes

* Updated lighting throughout the amenity space and apartment homes

* All new HVAC systems (air conditioning and furnaces)

* New water heaters in each apartment home

* Kitchens and bathrooms cosmetic updates

* New Roofs throughout the community

* Concrete repairs throughout the community

* Vinyl siding repaired and updated

* Clubhouse remodeled

* Remodeled leasing center

* New playground

* New technology was added throughout the community areas

* New game room

* New gutters throughout the community

* New landscaping

* Complete mill and repair of asphalt

* New permanent and wayfinding signage created

“Buckingham Foundation’s mission is to not only provide affordable housing but also educational opportunities for our residents, focusing on financial responsibility and career enhancement. The renovations made at Cottages of Anderson will enhance the quality of life for our residents, and positively impact the Anderson community,” says Theresa Rhodes, executive director of Buckingham Foundation.

Buckingham Foundation has provided over $2M in grants to over 250 nonprofits in the Indianapolis and Nashville communities throughout the past 11 years. With a mission to create positive change in the areas of affordable housing, community & economic development and arts & culture, Buckingham Foundation can make this impact thanks to the generous donors and business supporters, such as First Financial Bank, the partner on the renovation project.

“The Summer Open House is the perfect opportunity to showcase the hard work that’s been completed at Cottages of Anderson these past few months,” shares Scott Sladek, COO of Buckingham Companies. “We are grateful for our team members, residents and the Anderson community.” 

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