They say that charity starts in the home and extends outward. Well, the closest thing to your home is the home right next to you. Being a conscious, respectful neighbor is one of the most generous things one can do!

In a garden style apartment community, the term “community” cannot be overstated. Your connection to your neighbors feels much stronger as you live nearby and interact with them in your day-to-day apartment living. Here are a few ways that one can be a good, endearing neighbor.

Be Respectful

It is important that, as neighbors, we don’t hold anything back and represent ourselves well, and do not jeopardize the peace and comfort of our fellow community mates. When walking into your building or onto your floor, open the door for your fellow neighbors, especially when their hands are full. Remember to respect both your neighbor’s space and privacy. Ensure that you aren’t eavesdropping on conversations and refrain from gossip, in person or online.

Be Neighborly

One key sign of the vibe of a neighborhood is the simple friendliness and courtesies we extend to one another on a daily basis. When you start your morning and see your neighbors leaving for work, a simple “hello” or a smile and wave from the driveway or parking lot can sometimes be enough to help kickstart anyone’s day!

Be the type of neighbor that you’d like to have! If you are having a gathering or get-together, it's nice let your neighbors know, so they're aware there may be a slight increase in noise on the day of the event. Be a real mensch and invite them over for some fun.

Be Proactive

In a garden style apartment community, it is especially important to try and tackle issues before they arise for the sake and upkeep of the entire property. If you are in a community that has doorstep trash pickup, do your best not to overload your trash or recycling, as it can hinder the aesthetic of your community and even attract pests due to the smell and lingering waste. That said, it is also important to treat any potential pest problems as soon as they arise to prevent them from spreading to the home of your fellow neighbor as well. If you have children or roommates, discuss with them the importance of being a friendly neighbor and stress the importance of good manners and respecting the privacy and space of those around you to be an upstanding member of the community.

photo courtesy of Camden Spring Creek

Be Mindful

With so much going on in everyone's everyday life, it is easy to overlook certain things that may cause others discomfort or an inconvenience without realizing it. This is especially true when it comes to the shared spaces in a community. If you are someone who has pets, be a responsible pet owner and keep them from encroaching upon both the property and personal space of your neighbors. Though we are sure you have the most wonderful, friendly pet, not everyone is comfortable with animals they are unfamiliar with. Always keeping your dog on a leash in common areas and always picking up and disposing of your pet’s waste is an invaluable act of a good neighbor. Always ask before you approach a fellow neighbor to greet either their pets or their children.

Photo courtesy of Camden Midtown Atlanta

In short, your neighbors and the community in which you live can have a huge impact on your quality of life. Living in a community where people are considerate and respectful ensures that everyone can enjoy a serene, peaceful life in their home to the fullest. This, however, means that you yourself must be the change you want to see. Lead by example and be the neighbor that you'd like to have.

If you are interested in a garden style apartment community, please check out these amazing Camden communities that will provide just the vibe that you are looking for! Camden Fallsgrove, Camden Stockbridge, Camden Landsdowne.