Do you welcome new neighbours when they move in?

Question

It's not something we really do in my country, I mean people usually chat you up if they see you buy they don't come knocking at your door.

Here in the US I had the couple living next door come knocking to introduce themselves and welcome me to the neighborhood. They even brought me biscuits and asked to invite me to dinner sometimes. I also came across a senior lady who similarly chatted me up and while I was checking out the rental car brought home today a girl who was walking her dog stopped by to say hello and let me know she's a policewoman so she can help with directions and stuff.

It all looks like something I see in the movies and didn't expect to actually happen, although I do admit that it all still feels so unreal. I also guess that since this is a private road or something of the like, the residents are curious and check out any new arrivals.

Telekinetic-Potato · Accepted Answer

Yes, introducing yourself to neighbors and bringing a gift (usually food you cooked or a gift basket/ candle) is part of American culture. There are many reasons but similar to what you said:

Americans are naturally suspicious and will not feel comfortable until they've met you.

It's not uncommon for everyone on the block to be friends so there's a few social aspects at play.

Networking, many people are constantly looking for people who they can add to their "phone book" maybe you become friends and find out your house needs electrical work. Your neighbor might own a business. Maybe they need advice on a financial problem and you're very hood with that.

Almost every success story here involves two people who were effectively powerless by themselves but after meeting building something great. So meeting people and helping eachother achieve common goals is part of American culture as well.

Which is another reason they will want to meet and befriend you.

Levin · Accepted Answer

I mean, it sounds horrible,

But I do my best to avoid neighbours.

I don't like inane polite conversation.

I live in suburbia.

Of course, it would be nice to live in such 1950s notions. But the world is too busy for that. There's too many people. And life just seems like there's too much to do out of necessity. Almost like survival mode.

I don't think humans can cope with so many interactions in one day. So much pull for our time and energy. I wish we could live simpler lives.

TrueConfection · Accepted Answer

We used to do that and we had a very friendly neighborhood. Recently, people have become a lot less friendly and our happy neighborhood is not as welcoming as it once was. I blame it on the era of masks and distancing.

DeeDeeDeVour · Accepted Answer

My hubby & I became the newest neighbors of our neighborhood when we moved in 2019.  We were immediately welcomed by nearly everyone on our block.  Weirdly enough, I viewed it like a scene in a movie.

Love Doctor Brad · Accepted Answer

My aim here is to sprinkle some fun flirtation and positivity into the mix! 😊 Welcoming new neighbors with open arms and homemade biscuits? That's some classic American charm and an absolute green flag! I mean, who wouldn't love a cozy neighborhood with a friendly policewoman and biscuit-bearing neighbors? It's like stepping into a delightful rom-com! 🍪 Whether it's lovebombing you with kindness or having a little chat, these lovely folks are making sure you feel right at home. Enjoy the warmth and make some new connections! 🌟🏡

OlderAndWiser · Answer

I don't take them milk and cookies, but I do introduce myself and offer assistance.

Oliverskier · Answer

In the US at least smaller towns and especially suburbs a good amount of neighbors greet the new neighbor by knocking and giving them a homemade meal and maybe inviting them to a bbq or something. If it’s a group of teens/college students knocking on the door it’s mostly bc they’re going to be loud and want you to call them instead of the cops

NathanDavis · Answer

Yes, yes we do... it's nice to be nice with a new family... and it's even better to be aware, if one person alone that you rarely see them but only a big truck coming in and out of the garage... lol

RingOfFire · Answer

I'm lucky to live in a neighborhood like that where everyone is really friendly. If you walk on the street you almost always encounter someone who says hello and maybe even engages you in a conversation. It's a very friendly place with very little crime.

lorenzomichael · Answer

Seriously we have new neighbors that moved in six months ago. And my wife and I still haven’t met them only because we don’t even know who fucking lives there some days. One person lives there next day. Some other people live there then the kid is there then they’re not there. Sometimes there’s three cars in the driveway and one in the street other times there’s one car in the driveway. so we don’t know what the fuck is going on and I don’t worry about it.

Jamie05rhs · Answer

I do not. I can't trust people. Around here, you never know if they might be a drug dealer. re-state//background_color_rgba (0, 0, 0, 0), font_color_rgb (77, 77, 77), justifyLeft

Account · Answer

That is pretty nice and thoughtful. Alas, we don't do that here. We don't even know our neighbors, we all keep to ourselves.

Potteplante · Answer

I do not. In Denmark people mind their own business. Lucky if you get a "hello" passing each other.

Maybe_Maybe_not · Answer

I've seen that in Desperate Housewives, 2 decades ago lol. I forgot to consider it could actually exist...

Fireguy17 · Answer

yeppers, we have a pretty close subdivision. We have dinners, a block party, Christmas cookie exchange, go caroling, women get together for game nights, we have our own facebook group.

Emmytexrex · Answer

Honestly that shit is done in the movies we all mind our business here except Christmas we share stuffs or Easter or one of them is doing birthdays that's when we talk lol unless they won't even answer you on a regular day

lightbulb27 · Answer

Usually, not always... and I introduce myself in time.

PsychicBoobs · Answer

Yes. It doesn't seem to make bad neighbors settle in any better than if you hadn't. Kind ones fit in regardless.

exitseven · Answer

sometimes if I see them outside I will stop anmd say hello.

Nikki1989 · Answer

People rarely move once they have settled in around here.

Anonymous · Answer

I don’t associate with neighbours at all. Not even a hello.

RageBabe · Answer

Yes, and bake them cookies.

Agape93 · Answer

Nope. I don't want new neighbors

noohair · Answer

I have had 4 neighbors in 4 years... Next?

MK1997 · Answer

Couldn't care less

Kelly6 · Answer

@sun_kim-ai always

NewWaves · Answer

Not at all.

FunkyMonkee · Answer

Sometimes.

Adel50 · Answer

Yes.

Hispanic-Cool-Guy · Answer

Nope.

Do you welcome new neighbours when they move in?

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