How best to introduce yourself to new neighbor

Skiddaw1

We found it just happened by osmosis when we moved to our current house. We're in a village where most people know each other at least by sight and we got talking to our neighbours naturally. We're on regular visiting terms with several of them.

Slinky

It's worth knocking on the doors of your immediate neighbours before exchange, just to check they are people you want to live next door to! I'm sure a lot of 'neighbours from hell' grief would be avoided if we were all a bit braver about doing this sort of thing.

I did this before we bought this house. We needed to have some work done before we moved in, and I ended up leaving a key with a neighbour who was happy to help. I get her some of her shopping when I visit the supermarket, she looks after our cat if we are away for a short time.  The neighbours on the other side are hello/goodbye sorts, but not a problem.

twoLou

I’ve always found one of the hardest things about moving is leaving my neighbours - I’ve been incredibly fortunate in all the different properties I’ve lived in to have got on with them all.

I am lucky in finding it easy to chat to people, whoever they may be but know that others may find it difficult so I’m happy to break the ice. However it is obvious if someone would rather keep to themselves and I respect that.

I’ve always popped around to new neighbours that have moved in, introduced myself and said anything they’d like to know or need just let us know. When I’ve been the one moving to a different house if after a week the neighbours and I haven’t happened upon each other I usually just do as above without all the info stuff.
You never know after all, when you may need to ask about a fence or something and much easier if you have broken the ice long beforehand.

lookstraightahead

Skiddaw1 said:

We found it just happened by osmosis when we moved to our current house. We're in a village where most people know each other at least by sight and we got talking to our neighbours naturally. We're on regular visiting terms with several of them.

I think this too - just let nature take its course. Coming out of the house at the same time, parcels they've taken or you've taken etc. 

TripleH

When we lived in a block of flats we let our now middle 2 cats roam the corridor. We met people by walking out our front door and chatting to them as they played with our cats.

We met our current neighbour when we arrived early to a second viewing and they were just collecting their milk and another one when she came to find out why we were going in her garden (the estate agent who was her friend and who lived on our estate had asked her husband for permission).

YoungBlueEyes

I just had this last week.
Next door to me is an ex-rental, been empty a while now.
I was just nipping to the shop when our local EA emerged from next door followed by a woman. I stuck my hand out to introduce myself and welcome her to the neighbourhood. 
Turned out she was EA's wife and my new neighbour is her sister.
Everybody laughed but jeez I was embarrassed

zagubov

Brie said:

I like the suggestion of popping round to ask a question about the neighbourhood - maybe when the bins go out or something? Where's the nearest fish and chip place?

First place we moved in to I popped round to ask if they had a can opener I could borrow.  My OH had been sensible about ensuring we had dinner supplies but forgot about the opener and was whacking at the tin of potatoes with a screwdriver and hammer.  It was then 16 years of her looking after our cats when we were away and me popping over with spare banana loaf.

This is exactly right. If you need to get on with a stranger, the best way is to ask them for a small favour. Establishes you respect them and are not a threat.

Woolsery

After we moved in, we hired a man with a digger to do some clearance work in the back garden no one overlooks.

Suddenly, several people found reasons to introduce themselves. The feeblest excuse was, "Have you lost a duck? I've just seen one in my garden."

GaleSF63

There seems to be a theme here where those with cats/dogs get on well and look after each others pets. Thinking back that's exactly the same with me/us. I only remember one neighbour ever complaining - mildly, we got on fine, and could this have had something to do with it?

Scotbot

Sunsaru said:

I went a knocked on the doors of my immediate neighbours to introduce myself. Also bumped into other neighbours whilst decorating the house before moving in. I find doing that tends to make everyone more approachable in the future.

I do hope in real life you are less scary looking than your avatar!