Baxton property management believes in good neighbourly relations

Moving to a new home in Hobart? Maybe not everyone will agree that having a good relationship with your neighbours is such a great idea. Some may think you don’t know what you’ll get; you might end up with someone becoming a nuisance, and imposing on your privacy. Baxton Property Management in Hobart knows a sense of community has many advantages that can make the principle of good neighbourliness worthwhile on several levels.

Studies show people who live as part of a community are healthier and happier. Not having personal ties with those around us can pose a risk to our health. It can lead to a sense of isolation which can cause depression, fear or anxiety.

In the past, a sense of community was a natural part of life in small towns and villages. Children are still social, and usually make friends with the kids next door really easily, so what happened to this natural ability?

Perhaps it is a culture that got lost in today’s fast-paced living, with people becoming so isolated they only look out for themselves. The stereotype of ‘keeping up with the Jones’ seems to have become the norm, replacing community spirit with a competitive approach and social interaction with digital friendships on social media.

Benefits of a sense of community

Simply getting to know your neighbours’ names and interests could lead to meaningful, life-long friendships, or, at the very least, to a sense of belonging. And even if it never develops past acquaintanceship into friendship, at least you are not complete strangers, and people look out for people they know.

People can help each other in so many ways, such as fetching kids from school, so saving time and costs. Running, walking, or exercising together, makes it easier for everyone involved to keep to a routine.

Knowing your neighbours makes it so much easier if a problem crops up. There used to be a saying that the strongest garden fence is a good neighbour. Should there be crime in your area, it’s easier to deal with it as a community, rather than an individual. And it is great to know your neighbor will keep an eye on your home when you are away, and you know you will do the same when they are not there.

Getting to know your neighbours

• When you move to a new neighborhood, introduce yourself. Start a conversation about what brought you to the area.
• Always greet people with a nod. A nod becomes a smile, and a smile becomes a chat. A chat could become a visit, and a visit could become a friendship.
• Consider organizing a street party, or a babysitter’s club. Attend a communal social event such as a dinner.
• When someone new moves in, remember what it felt like when you did, and make them feel welcome, rather than like they are entering a hostile environment. Offer advice on days the bins get taken out, or local facilities.
• Look out for ways you can help your neighbours, and build up a credit for the day you might be in need of help. Giving and receiving support, improves our wellbeing.
• You could get back to social media and start a local Facebook group, or join a next-door group on-line in your area. But the old fashioned face-to-face method of making friends is not as hard as it might seem, give it a smile!

Baxton Property Management has seen the great effects of people staying in the same place, having a good sense of community. Visit us on-line for any queries about properties.

Written and syndicated by

– Baxton Media.

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