{"id":2430,"date":"2018-07-12T09:06:18","date_gmt":"2018-07-12T16:06:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.storewithneighbor.com\/storage-blog\/?p=2430"},"modified":"2024-01-29T18:00:26","modified_gmt":"2024-01-30T01:00:26","slug":"better-neighbor-build-better-neighborhood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/better-neighbor-build-better-neighborhood\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Be a Better Neighbor and Build a Better Neighborhood"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Along with comparing square footage and choosing the right floor plan, one of the most important parts of buying a home is selecting the right neighborhood. We all strive to live in the perfect neighborhood, but that doesn’t have to mean manicured lawns and gated drives. The perfect neighborhood is one in which you have a feeling of belonging and identity–where there is a strong sense of community among neighbors.<\/p>\n

Before you jump on the internet and start looking for houses in ideal neighborhoods–where there will be long lines of neighbors waiting to help you unpack your moving truck and dropping off assortments of baked goods and fresh flowers–look around at your own neighborhood. Remember: the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, but it <\/span>is<\/span><\/i> greener where you water it. Your neighborhood might be a browning lawn that could use a little extra water, or it might be a wasteland of dead grass in desperate need of a full landscaping job. Either way, you have the power to turn your neighborhood into the perfect neighborhood. <\/span><\/p>\n

What is a Neighborhood?<\/h2>\n

A neighborhood is defined by both location and social structure. It includes the geographical constraint of a locality along with the social connectivity of a community. It’s the people of the community that give life and character to a neighborhood; otherwise, it would simply be a group of buildings<\/span><\/p>\n

What Makes a Neighborhood a Great Place to Live?<\/h3>\n

Some features that make a neighborhood great are based entirely on location, like being close to public transportation or having good walkability. More often than not, however, people are willing to commute a little farther and pass up being close to the city center in order to have lower crime rates and friendlier neighbors. <\/span><\/p>\n

You can check out this list of <\/span>top 12 neighborhood features<\/span><\/a> from Trulia, featured on Forbes, for more components that make a neighborhood truly great.<\/span><\/p>\n

18 Ways You Can Build a Better Neighborhood<\/h3>\n

Even if your neighborhood is lacking some of the features listed above, that doesn’t mean your community doesn’t have the potential to become great. It may not happen overnight, but a few well-intentioned projects could spark the beginning of a revolution in your area. Here is a list of 18 projects you can take on to start building a better neighborhood.<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Create your own <\/span>Little Free Library<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Plant a tree.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Pick up trash and litter.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Try <\/span>guerrilla gardening<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Fix up your front porch with potted plants.<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Turn alleys into <\/span>engaging public spaces<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. Walk more, and drive less.<\/span><\/li>\n
  8. Volunteer with local service organizations.<\/span><\/li>\n
  9. Use peer-to-peer storage, like Neighbor<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n
  10. Become a local tour guide with <\/span>Vayable<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n
  11. Host an outdoor movie night<\/span><\/li>\n
  12. Smile at everyone, including strangers.<\/span><\/li>\n
  13. Show up to zoning and development meetings.<\/span><\/li>\n
  14. Shop local.<\/span><\/li>\n
  15. Get involved with the community garden.<\/span><\/li>\n
  16. Vote.<\/span><\/li>\n
  17. Throw a barbeque or block party.<\/span><\/li>\n
  18. Start a <\/span>neighborhood organization<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    These little projects won’t turn your little Baltic Avenue into Park Place overnight, but they will make a difference. Not every problem can be solved with a free book stand, but you never know what kind of ripples you’ll create.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Can we pay you to store vehicles?<\/h2>\r\n <\/header>\r\n
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    List your unused space<\/h3>\r\n

    People are earning $1,000s per year from their garages and outdoor space.<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n

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    Approve your renters<\/h3>\r\n

    You're in control. Approve who rents and the hours of access.<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n

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    Get paid monthly<\/h3>\r\n

    Sit back and collect automatic payments each month.<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/section>\r\n