The successful aspect of my suburban neighborhood is a sense of community.
Although the idea of houses built within a few feet of each other is not always desired, the close proximity of the houses in the suburban addition I live in lends itself to a few nice attributes. The neighbors along our street and even the street perpendicular to mine are pretty in tune to each others schedules, what car each drives, and what pets each owns. These details might in fact be a detriment to a family's privacy at times, however we have been lucky to have trustful families living around us that are good citizens as well. Whether it's a dog that escapes its backyard, a strange truck has been parked outside of a house, or a tire is looking seriously low on air, a handful of good neighbors are a call or text away. Certainly it is not possible to depend on people living nearby that we don't know as well, but I have enjoyed the fact that one typically negative aspect of living in a tight suburban neighborhood has become a notable benefit of living on a small lot near others. My family and I have not lived in a home with many acres surrounding us, although we would love to one day, but I am curious to compare the differing social aspects with what we are used to.
Image Source:
"Houses in Suburban Neighborhood." Photo. visualphotos.com 10 Jan. 2012 http://www.visualphotos.com/image/2x3211868/houses_in_suburban_neighborhood.
That is great that you have nice neighbors that watch for one another, anymore it seems that no one gets to know who lives next to them. People are so caught up in their lives and technology that I think we forget the value of friendships and acquaintances that are just a doorstep away. A smaller lot probably helps cut down on the yard work too! What do you think would be the biggest adjustment for you if your family moved to a home with a couple of acres?
ReplyDeleteErica, i'm really interested in the actual distances between homes. Even beyond actual boundaries and adjacencies, what design features of either the neighborhood development itself, or the houses encourage "neighborly" neighbors? i am not doubting the sense of community your neighborhood has, but notice that you mention one becomes aware of these issues through a phone call or a text? do you all physically convene, gather, and share? if so where, how and when?
ReplyDelete...also, can you think of any specific programs/events that are ideal for communities to come together?
ReplyDeleteSpecifically, the homes are oriented facing each other along a fairly narrow street, and the distances between homes is around twenty feet, side to side. After further thought, it seems that the outdoor space (driveways, the street, or in the front and side yards) is primarily the catalyst for convening with neighbors during daily routine activities (checking the mail, kids playing out front). From a social aspect, the relationships we've formed with our neighbors didn't happen instantaneously, or even over six months. Having lived here three years, we have had ample short conversations to realize things we have in common. For instance, my husband goes fishing a few times a month with our neighbor that is twenty years his senior. They both love to fish, and we don't have a boat. Now my husband will see the boat is hooked up to our neighbors truck and no he'll probably be getting an invite to head out early the next morning! So, because of the orientation of the homes and the adequate outdoor space, relationships have been able to form.
ReplyDeleteRegarding specific programs or events, maybe a neighborhood cookout at a central home along the street, or even just having some sort of 'welcome wagon' routine to greet newcomers. On that note, the local elementary school, soccer and baseball fields, as well as the grocery store have a way of putting those in the community face to face. Those public places are things we all have in common.
typo: *know
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