Moving some of your outdoor activities from the backyard to the front porch, such as enjoying your morning coffee, provides opportunities to meet the neighbors.
Ron Medvesk, Arizona Daily Star
Rosie Romero exclusive to the Arizona Daily Star
What are your thoughts on including the front porch in a remodeling project?
Answer: The front porch provides opportunities for people to meet and connect with their neighbors, and they often develop close lifelong friendships.
Spending more time outside in front of the house will improve communication between you and your neighbors. Keeping the lines of communication open through personal contact is an important part of being a good neighbor. It’s hard to do this from your own backyard or inside your home.
Move some of your outdoor activities from the backyard to the front porch, like enjoying your morning coffee or enjoying happy hour. Wave and say “hello” to your neighbors outside for a walk. Over time, you will become familiar with everyone’s walking schedules.
“I find that people like to welcome their neighbors as they walk especially when there are pets involved,” says Rochelle Horn, designer/sales consultant at Rosie Right – Design. Builds. Reshape.
Invite a neighbor over for a cup of fresh Arizona sun tea. Find out what they do for a living, what their schedules are, and who lives in the house. Share your information too. Knowing this kind of information can build a strong, healthy neighborhood.
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