'How to' Guide to Neighborhood Associations
What does it mean to be a good neighbor?
Being a good neighbor means living with others in a social community called a "neighborhood". People talking in their front yards, children playing on the sidewalk, people mowing lawns, and similar activities are all part of being neighbors. People are what make a neighborhood a living community rather than just a group of buildings.
A good neighbor is someone who is interested in the whole neighborhood. Their interest does not stop at the property line. They work with others to improve the neighborhood by serving on neighborhood groups and committees.
A good neighbor is someone who does not bother or disturb other neighbors by misusing or neglecting their property. They do not let their home become the neighborhood eyesore by littering yard spaces with old vehicles or other hard to store items. Essentially, they make an effort to improve the neighborhood by improving their own property.
A good neighbor is someone who respects the property of others. They do not park their car on others' lawns or in a way that blocks someone from backing out of their own driveway. They are aware of the rights of others, and they maintain a good neighborhood by not being a nuisance.
Why be a good neighbor?
Being a good neighbor helps make your neighborhood a better place to live. Neighborhoods with an active social life can make your home more desirable on the housing market. Here are some of the benefits:
- The comfort of knowing what is happening in your neighborhood; being in on the flow of information.
- The security of knowing you can rely on people for help; people who keep an eye on things and who will watch your property when you are gone.
- The personal pleasure that comes from being around people you like and are friends with.
- The identity of being part of a neighborhood group rather than just another resident.
What is a neighborhood leader?
A Neighborhood Leader is a good neighbor who is willing to devote their time, talents and resources to help make their neighborhood a better place to live. A neighborhood leader does not attempt to promote change alone, but employs a technique that includes the interests and employs a technique, which includes the interests and efforts of fellow neighborhood members in the effort.
When does a neighborhood need to develop a neighborhood association?
Various factors help a neighborhood to gain a sense of identity and feel a need to organize and develop a neighborhood association: For example:
- changes in adjacent land use for such things as the location of a new school, shopping center, library or roadway
- the need for neighborhood improvements such as additional street signage, or lights
- the need to control crime or other such disturbances
- common design or architectural themes, such as in a historic district
- or just the normal aging process of a neighborhood
Other Neighborhood Association Topics
- Part II - How to Organize a Neighborhood Association
- Part III - Maintaining Your Neighborhood Association
- Part IV - How Neighborhood Services Can Help
- What is the Difference Between a Neighborhood Association and a Homeowner's Association?
- Register Your Neighborhood Association Online