Being neighborly: The basics

Published on May 01, 2024

From public safety to property issues, City staff continuously encounter situations that could benefit from a simple conversation between neighbors. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, our employees have noticed that relationships between neighbors have significantly declined. Many people don’t even know the names of the family who live next door, let alone their contact information. And that makes dealing with common concerns difficult.

There are countless ways residents can benefit by talking with their neighbor. In the next several issues of TownTalk, our “Being Neighborly” series will highlight timely tips and ideas for working with — or, at times, dealing with — the people who live next door to you.

Getting started

• Introduce yourself to your neighbors. Make an effort to say hello the next time you’re both outside, or bring over a treat.

• Is your neighbor’s schedule much different from yours? Johnson County Health & Environment designed these “Hello, Neighbor!” cards, which you can print and fill out. You could also just leave a note with your name, address, contact information and a greeting.

Work together on household projects 

• You can partner up with a neighbor on big household items like tree removal, gutter cleaning or exterior repairs to potentially save money.

• Talk about trees with damaged branches or those that may be close to your roof or over your fence before they fall onto your property. If your neighbor’s tree or limbs fall into your yard, it’s your responsibility to pick it up.

• You can share tools or lawn equipment. After last summer’s severe storms, it was great to see neighbors sharing costly tools like chainsaws.

• A neighbor’s referral can be the best way to find a trustworthy repair company or contractor. Ask your neighbor if they recommend their roofer, plumber or other tradesperson.

When you’re away from home

• Tell a trusted neighbor when you’re going out of town or when you’re expecting someone at the house (like a contractor or house sitter) when you won’t be home.

• When your age-appropriate kids are left home alone, it’s good for them to know which neighbors they could call or go to if needed. It can also be helpful to identify a neighbor they could evacuate to in an emergency like a fire or carbon monoxide alarm. Make sure that neighbor has all your contact information too.

Check on each other

• If you have elderly neighbors, learn their patterns. If you don’t see them coming and going as usual, check on them or call their family if you have their contact information. If you don’t and are concerned, call the police and have them do a “check the welfare.”

• We often hear from residents who are upset that their neighbor’s yard hasn’t been mowed or raked of leaves, or their trash cans have been left out for several days. If you have property maintenance concerns that are out of the ordinary, check on your neighbor to make sure they’re okay and don’t need assistance before calling the City.