7 Ways to Build Community in Your Neighborhood

One of the only certain things for a military family is uncertainty. A military family member who takes the time to build community in their neighborhood leaves that community better than they found it. Building a sense of community is an essential part of military life, especially when other family members may be hundreds or thousands of miles away. Strong communities are a place where your family can feel safe and supported and thrive.

Throughout your life as a military family, you will likely live in several neighborhoods and watch neighbors come and go. I can sympathize having made seven moves in the past nine years. Each time I hear the words, “I got orders,” mixed emotions swirl through my mind.

Here are seven tips to help you build a sense of community in your neighborhood:

1. Coordinate a neighborhood potluck or block party.

It’s important to know your neighbors, so what better way to break the ice than a casual, laid-back party? If you don’t have time to plan the party yourself, try to get everyone involved in the planning process. Check out perfectpotluck.com to help organize the dishes. Consider planning activities and games for neighbors of all ages, and suggest everyone bring a few printouts of their recipes for a recipe swap. Don’t forget to share contact information. And before everyone leaves, plan the next party! Don’t feel limited to your home, either.

2. Organize a meal team.

Neighbors come and go, get sick, have babies, lose loved ones, and face other trying situations. One way to show community support is to provide a meal for a neighbor during hectic or trying times. To assist with scheduling meals, there are several resources available, including Take Them a Meal, to help show neighbors you care.

3. Establish a Bunco or game night.

Bunco is all the rage right now. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to play—no skill is involved, and you can learn in less than a minute. If Bunco isn’t your thing, lawn games like pickle ball, corn hole, bocce ball, and ladder golf are fun ways to get the competitive juices flowing. If child care is a challenge, have all the parents with kids chip in for a sitter or take kid-sitting shifts. Neighborhood game nights are a great way to get everyone together, and you can’t beat the commute.

4. Pay it forward.

A great way to keep your neighbors guessing and having fun is to pay it forward. You can begin a quarterly tradition of leaving a themed basket on someone’s porch with instructions to pay it forward to another neighbor. This does not have to be an expensive act of kindness—the dollar store is a great place to start. You can find a bunch of ideas to get started on Pinterest. Don’t forget to leave some type of sign for the door, showing the house has been gifted, so others are included in the fun.

5. Create a Little Free Library.

Got books? If you have a great collection of books just sitting around the house, start a Little Free Library. These “boxes full of books” are popping up everywhere, and it’s an inspiring way for neighbors to share literature. The idea is simple: take a book and leave a book. Cookbooks, magazines, children’s books—the possibilities are endless. My children and I love visiting the one in our community. We never know what we will find. Check with your housing community or Homeowners’ Association concerning any regulations related to starting one.

6. Find common ground.

We all have something in common, whether that is kids, pets, cars, hobbies, or sports. Discovering what you have in common with your neighbors is a great way to start building a community. If you’re struggling to meet new people, get involved on your installation or in your community. Look for book clubs, intramural sports teams, play groups, mom groups, or anything dealing with your interests—you’ll meet like-minded people there.

7. Attend events in your community.

Local and installation organizations often host events. To stay up-to-date on events in your community, visit local area websites and Facebook pages. If you live on an installation, check out your housing community’s online calendar or newsletter to find out about events in your community.

These are a few ideas to get you started on the path to building strong communities. What are some ways you have built communities within your neighborhood? Share your ideas below.