"Won't You Be My Neighbor" was the classic theme song for Mister Roger's Neighborhood, where you learned all different things that dealt with being a good person. He showed you how to be kind to those you encounter in everyday life and also your actual neighbors with his interactions with Mr. Clemons and his puppet friends. 

It's amazing what can happen when you put a smile on your face when you come and go from your apartment, even throwing up a wave or saying hi can make someone else's day. 

Benefits of Being Neighborly

There are so many different things you gain when choosing to be neighborly or stepping out of your comfort zone to have a conversation with your neighbors. You get to experience the feeling of living within a community. It also gives you the ability to knock on your neighbor's door when you run out of a basic item and don't have time to run to the store. It lets you have conversations about upcoming events that are happening. It can make the tough conversations be slightly easier as well since you're dealing with an acquaintance or friend instead of a complete stranger. 

Taking the time to get to know your neighbors allows for another set of eyes to be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary when they pass by your apartment door or out in the parking lot near your car, etc.

No matter how you slice it, the benefits of being a good neighbor far outweigh any hindrances you may think of. Below is a fantastic list of simple ways you can be a better neighbor to those around you -- they're so simple you’ll wonder why you haven’t done them already!

36 Simple Ways You Can Be a Better Neighbor

Posted By: ApartmentTherapy.com

Written By: Anne Momber

Feeling nostalgic for those Wonder Years neighborhood vibes, or the cozy camaraderie of Friends-esque living situations? Or maybe you just don't know what to do about all those other people who also happen to live on your street.

Whether you're looking to create a local utopia, trying to up your good neighbor game, or simply hoping to defrost your neighborhood's atmosphere a bit, here are 36 ways to be a better neighbor – and maybe even help create a more engaged community in the process.

Common Courtesies

• Actually introduce yourself, especially if you're new to the neighborhood or building.
• Go one step beyond an introduction – give your neighbor your phone number. And, because we're not all geniuses at remembering names, write your name down alongside it.
• Make an effort to remember names yourself. Add them to your contacts list, write them down and stick them on your refrigerator, whatever it takes.
• Get to know the neighborhood (or at least your floor in the apartment complex) by actively engaging with people as you see them out and about.
• Go out of your way to be friendly, even if you aren't really friends. And remember you don't have to be close to your neighbors to be warm or sociable.

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Extra Neighborly Things To Keep In Mind

On-site laundry etiquette: While no one really sits in the laundry room anymore waiting for their load to be done, do set a timer for yourself. The typical washer cycle takes no more than 45 minutes and the dryer takes anywhere from 40 to 60 minutes. It’s important to remember that there may be someone waiting for your load to finish so don’t leave your clothes in there for more than 5 minutes once it's finished.

Respect the parking rules: Whether you're assigned a space when you get your apartment or you have to purchase it, each complex has their own system. Be kind and make sure that you or a visiting guest don’t park in someone else’s space.

Cooking smells can travel: If you're cooking food that holds a strong smell try opening a window while you cook. Not venting your kitchen area can have the smell traveling out into the hallway or through the walls allowing everyone to smell the yumminess of brownies or the grossness of day old steamed broccoli. Unless of course you plan on sharing those brownies, then by all means bake away!

By keeping these things in mind you can help improve your good neighbor status and make your living space just that much more enjoyable. To stay up to date on all things apartment related make sure to subscribe to our blog!

Looking for a New Chico or Redding Apartment?

You may be reading this blog thinking that your neighbors are about to change since you're looking for a new apartment. The good thing is being neighborly is something you can take with you wherever you go. More good news is that Hignell Rentals has many different Chico apartments and Redding apartments that may be the perfect fit for you!