How should you deal with problem neighbors? (transplants, house)

[DreamworksSKG]

I am wondering what is the best way to deal with problem neigbors?

Do you try to reconcile differences by inviting them over for a cookout or something?

Do you just ignore them or try to anyway?

Do you move???

thanks

[DreamworksSKG]

What I mean by problem neighbors is either neighbors who give you a hard time about things, or who you don't know you but always seem to have a problem with you in the neighborhood for one reason or another

[IDASpaceman]

Please provide an example of their ignorant behavior. Also, are they originally from Massachusetts or transplants?

[goyguy]

There's a couple on my block who sound like they fit that description. Sometimes they're pleasant as can be, other times watch out! A while back they dropped anonymous notes around the neighborhood signed "XYZ Street Improvement Association" that outlined petty complaints. One household hadn't brought its trash barrels in from the curb soon enough. I was criticized for letting my cat outside without tags and a collar (she's microchipped and known to all.) Etc etc. The husband went so far as to rip ivy from the fence across the street from their house because it was "unsightly." Last I heard, that neighbor had yet to back off threats of legal action.
This kind of people is attention-hungry. What's best to do is deny that which they crave. Nod along while thinking "Yeah, sure, whatever" regardless of what's being said. Realize that you're only one of their victims. (It was no mystery to anyone who'd dropped the "Improvement Association" notes. We all laughed about it and traded stories about the authors.) Since they've already decided to be adversarial, any "olive branch" attempt isn't going to change that. Be glad that the problem is of that kind, not shady comings and goings at their house at all hours or parties that go until sunrise.

[RageX]

Well I had nosiy neighbors before, if you just knock and politely ask them to lower the volume, they always have. I know I'd rather have someone ask me as a man to man courtesy than call the damn cops.

Now for slobs that's tougher, I mean you think dumping a bunch of your trash in their area would drive the point home but, they're such slobs they barely notice... haven't found a solution for them yet...