Do your neighbors keep to themselves? (Birmingham, Montgomery: house, neighborhoods, tenants)

[ghett61]

None of my former neighbors spoke to me until I was loading a moving truck and leaving. Then all of a sudden I met 5 of my neighbors and they were so sad to see me go.

[atrixwolfe]

that was my experience when I lived in Huntsville too. My neighbors are much more friendly up here in maine.

[Keeper]

I think it is that way in many areas. If you buy in a new subdivision it seems like it is easier since no one has made any friends there yet.

If you see them.. 'wave'.. I have a neighbor who hasn't spoken to me since I moved in except to yell at me when he thought my dogs were in his yard.
His wife is nice but he is a jerk

[jbour]

I believe neighbors do keep to themselves more these days.....the good old days of sitting in your frontyard and visiting are gone.....people are always on the move.

[jkratze1]

Originally Posted by ghett61

None of my former neighbors spoke to me until I was loading a moving truck and leaving. Then all of a sudden I met 5 of my neighbors and they were so sad to see me go.

This is too funny but true.

[Southlander]

It's a modern thing, I think. Subdivisions built without sidewalks...houses with no porches...air conditioning...central heat...when we lived in a historic neighborhood, folks were out and about all the time. Now we live in a subdivision where people drive into their garage, close the door, and never come out. A lawn service does their yard. Kids don't play outside - they're on the computer, doing homework, playing video games.

Plus, if you have family in the area, you probably spend time with them.

[cpg35223]

A lot depends on the neighborhood. Sidewalks help.

[Bette]

I always check out the Alabama forum but I live in Florida. When I grew up, my parents were very outgoing. People always came over. I thought that was normal.

When I got married and had a birthday party for one of our children, I invited everyone on the street not knowing that was not what people did. Anyway, it turned out to be really fun. Most of the families did have children and they all played together pretty much anyway.

We had a petting zoo at that one and ended up closing off the street so the kids could have pony rides - all the neighbors really met each other and after that, it kind of became an annual thing from house to house.

It just takes one to start it but I do admit, I am very naive and think the best of people.

[denofhc]

Our neighbors are very friendly. We know each other well. When one of us goes on vacation, we look out for each other's property. If something needs watering or the mail needs picked up, we can count on our neighbors. I believe this makes for an extremely safe neighborhood. Part of this is that we are well connected by sidewalks.

[writerwife]

Originally Posted by Bette

I always check out the Alabama forum but I live in Florida. When I grew up, my parents were very outgoing. People always came over. I thought that was normal.

When I got married and had a birthday party for one of our children, I invited everyone on the street not knowing that was not what people did. Anyway, it turned out to be really fun. Most of the families did have children and they all played together pretty much anyway.

We had a petting zoo at that one and ended up closing off the street so the kids could have pony rides - all the neighbors really met each other and after that, it kind of became an annual thing from house to house.

It just takes one to start it but I do admit, I am very naive and think the best of people.

We did the same in one place where we lived...one person flips burgers and everyone brought a dish.

I have no neighbors where I live now... nearest is 6/10's of a mile away but we've talked about doing sort of the same here in my area for the rural 'neighbors'. My husband and myself frequently take walks and anyone that's out comes out to talk to us. Sometimes we have a difficult time getting back to our walk. 3 of the folks along our route always call us over to their big gardens (2 are farmers) and load us up. One guy loaded us up so much he got his truck to drive us back home because we couldn't carry it all.
I really don't like the suburbs...subdivisions and the like. People for the most part really don't seem as friendly and everyone knows your business or is nosy. I think it's easier in a city or rural. We might not be able to walk to the fence and chat with a neighbor but I'll tell ya...if a strange car is seen in our driveway late... some of them will call to make sure all is okay.
But, when I did live in town, I'm the sort that even if I'm the one that moved in...I'll bake something and bring it to the neighbors and introduce myself and I'd have to say that when I do that, 98% of the time, they come out and sit on the porch for a chat (and bring out some tea or something) or invite me in (even if they only waved prior). I've made some very good friends that way.