Being a good neighbor contributes to the success of any community, whether it takes the form of keeping your yard neat and tidy or simply not breaking the law. That said, good neighbors are even more important in manufactured home communities, given that units are situated closer together than in traditional housing developments. One messy yard, one unleashed dog can have a tremendously negative impact on dozens of residents.
Given that, it’s important that manufactured homeowners take the initiative in getting to know their neighbors and support the community’s overall well-being. Here are a few simple steps you can take to ensure you are contributing in a meaningful way to your community’s quality of life.
Offer More Than ‘Welcome’: Got a new neighbor? While a welcome basket is always, you know, welcome, take it a step further by including a “need-to-know” checklist. This can include information regarding trash day and suggestions on the nearest grocery stores, restaurants and parks. Include business cards and sample products from favorite businesses and provide contact information for that great babysitter or handyman. And deliver the basket in person to make that first contact even more valuable.
Follow the Rules: Manufactured home communities generally have established rules in place designed to enhance the quality of life for all residents. Take time to study these regulations regarding such topics as parking restrictions, unit maintenance and quiet hours so that you are fully aware of what’s required and won’t be caught by surprise. There’s no better way to avoid future conflict with your neighbors.Maintain Your Curb Appeal: Decades of research confirms the negative impact one unkempt home can have on property values. Suffice it to say, you do not want to be that homeowner, so it is vitally important to keep your place shipshape by replanting flower beds, clearing gutters, power washing your unit and just generally doing all you can to contribute to the community’s visual appeal.
Pause Before You Party: You might be a party animal, and that’s fine as long as you don’t intrude or impose on your neighbors. An occasional late-night blast might be forgiven, but all-night parties every weekend can make you a rude neighbor. Also be respectful by ensuring your guests aren’t blocking any neighbors’ driveways, making excessive noise or engaging in any other action you yourself would not want to be a victim of.
Handle Conflict Peacefully: If an issue does arise, handling conflicts in a peaceful manner is crucial to maintaining a good relationship with neighbors. Your best bet is to meet face to face and discuss the issue in person — it’s easy for messages to get misinterpreted when trying to resolve a question through text or email. In fact, that can make a simple problem become a much bigger one.
At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.
