“Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.”
-from the theme for “Cheers,” written by Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo
Perhaps that’s what we all want: a place where everybody knows our name.
Or maybe not.
When I was growing up in the 1950s and ‘60s, most of the houses my dad built were on large lots outside the city limits. In those days everyone wanted to put as much space as they could afford between themselves and the next-door neighbor. Or maybe they just wanted a big yard.
In recent years, the trend has reversed to some extent. Smaller properties closer in and neighborhoods that are not only quiet but also friendly have become more popular.
Ten years ago, I was looking for a new house closer to my mother, daughter and sister. I found a real estate agent who showed me several houses with substantial yards and then some condos with no yards at all. I couldn’t decide which way to go until one day I stumbled upon the perfect neighborhood: lovely, spacious grounds and thirty-six houses, each with its own small personal yard.
What I didn’t immediately realize and would come to treasure after I moved in was how friendly the neighborhood was. It really was a place “where everybody knows your name.”
Summer Party
Each year, the neighbors gather in the clubhouse for two parties: one for Christmas; the other in July. Those of us on the Social Committee dust off our artistic and geometric skills so we can decorate the room and fit enough chairs and tables into the limited space.
We barbecued hamburgers at previous parties, but this year we changed it up. And who could complain with a potluck like this?!
The Social Committee is also in charge of cleaning-up, a task that requires some sensitivity in deciding when to start clearing the tables and folding up the chairs. Have you ever noticed that there are two kinds of people at parties: the ones who are eager to clean things up as soon as they’ve finished their last bite of cake and those who want to linger? The Marthas and the Marys. The ones who are most concerned about being helpful … who like to work. And those who want everyone to remember that the purpose of a party is to spend time together and talk. Besides, they might want a second piece of cake… so don’t take that fork.
Somehow it all works out. After all, we’re a friendly neighborhood.
Do you live in a friendly neighborhood?
Do you value quiet and privacy more than friendliness?
At parties and family gatherings, can you guess who will start cleaning up too fast and who will still be talking when everyone else is ready to leave?
If you enjoyed this post and haven’t yet subscribed, please leave your email address at the top of the page (right-hand side). If you do, you’ll receive an email reminder when I publish my next post.
Our neighborhood is quite poor. When two retired teachers with six kids have the nicest house on the block, you know that neighborhood is NOT well-to-do! LOL. Sometimes we make good friends in the two behind-the-larger-house rentals that are adjacent to our backyard, but sometimes not so much. We try to be friendly, but it’s hard when people are always moving in and out.
Your potluck looks FAB!
Our street (100 villas) has two potlucks a month from October to April. And the entire neighborhood (700 homes) has two events a month during the same period. So lots of chances to get together.
During the summer, many head north so we have fewer gatherings ~ Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.
Water Aerobics meets year round, twice a week. That’s my favorite since it’s exercise, outside, with lots of laughs.
Sounds great! Especially the Water Aerobics. That’s one of the many benefits of living in sunny Florida.
Many thanks for the link you sent me, Nicki. 🙂 Too much to do today, but I’ll be back!
Nicki,
Your neighbourhood is lovely. We have nice neighbours, but never have such a community spirit as yours.
People seem to be too busy. However in my parents-in-law’s little village, they hold a scarecrow festival each year, and during the Royal wedding of William and Kate, they had a great street party too.
I wrote a few posts about the Pirbright Scarecrow Festival on my community website. I hope you like the scarecrows.
You’re right. When people are too busy, it’s harder to get together. The majority of my neighbors are retired, so they have more time.
The photos from the Pirbright Scarecrow Festival are amazing! I’ve never seen such imaginative scarecrows.
Our estate is quite friendly in that we all nod and smile when we pass each other, and keep an eye out for older neighbours. That”s enough, really 🙂
It’s a little like flying. Sometimes it’s pleasant to talk to the person in the seat next to you; and sometimes you want to be left alone so you can read or rest.