Let’s be real, life is loud, busy, and sometimes a little isolating. Between the endless Slack notifications and the 24/7 hustle, our homes should be our sanctuary. But a sanctuary feels a lot better when you know the people on the other side of the wall. Your new best friend can be waiting on the other side.

When I moved into my Camden apartment home, I realized that being a "good neighbor" isn't just about following the rules. It's about building a vibe where everyone feels at home.

1) "Hello" – It’s a start, but an easy one to take.

You don't need to be best friends, but acknowledging a human being in the elevator goes a long way. A quick smile or a "How’s your day going?" can break the "stranger danger" tension and make everyone feel at ease. It is an easy start to get to know someone that you might soon see again. I mean, after all, you live in the same community as them.

2. Amenities- they are not just for you.

The amenities are basically our collective living room, that we all share. Whether I’m at the fitness center or the pool, I treat the space as if it were my home. Why? Because it is something we should all help take care of, which means cleaning up after myself and keeping the volume at a level that lets everyone else enjoy their "me time" too.

Photo Courtesy of Camden Addison in Addison, TX

3. Pet Parent Etiquette

As a pet-friendly community, we love our fur babies. But being a good neighbor means ensuring my pup isn’t the one making the hallway a mess or barking nonstop for a neighbor to hear all day. We know that dogs bark, but assisting you with knowing that you live by someone can help make sure we all enjoy our space.

Cleaning after your pet is the biggest thing that you can do to help maintain our shared spaces! Some communities have a pet station as well, so you can ensure bags are present, but realizing that we all walk around the community can help you ensure the grounds are well-maintained.

Photo Courtesy of Camden Greenville in Dallas, TX

4. Community over Competition

Instead of just co-existing, I try to lean into the lifestyle Camden offers. Whether it’s hitting up a food truck night or checking MyCamden for upcoming events, showing up is half the battle. You never know, your next best friend might be living in 4B.

Photo Courtesy of Camden South Capitol in Washington DC

Building a strong community starts with small gestures, like a simple "hello" and treating shared amenities and spaces with respect. By embracing the unique lifestyle and events offered, you can transform a shared living space into a true home where neighbors become friends.

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