Some holidays celebrate big things. This one celebrates something small that adds up to everything: knowing the person next door. Every year, on September 28, National Good Neighbor Day comes around, and it’s a great way to show the community the value of friendship and neighborly love in an HOA.
Not sure what to do this National Good Neighbor Day? Here are some ideas from your good friends at Ghertner & Company.
What Is National Good Neighbor Day?
In the 1970s, Becky Mattson, a Montana resident, created Good Neighbor Day to emphasize the importance of building stronger communities through neighborhood relations.
The holiday originated in the early 1970s when Becky Mattson, a resident of Lakeside, Montana, established it to emphasize the importance of neighborly relations in building stronger communities. As Mattson looked around at the isolation of American society and diminished interaction among neighbors, she decided it was time to encourage kindness and stronger community bonds nationwide. Thus, the holiday was born and formally recognized in 1978 by President Jimmy Carter.
Nearly fifty years later, the message still holds up. Strong neighborhoods start with people who know each other’s names.
Why Strong Neighbor Relationships Matter
There are so many reasons to prioritize great relationships within your community. Here are some of the biggest reasons we love National Good Neighbor Day.
Community Safety
People who know their neighbors are more likely to notice something out of place, whether that’s an unfamiliar car or a package left too long on a porch. That informal awareness does real work that no security system fully replaces.
Increased Engagement
Residents who feel connected to their neighbors are more likely to attend HOA meetings, join committees, and show up for community events. A neighborhood full of familiar faces feels worth investing time in.
Better Quality of Life
A recent study found that approximately 57% of Americans admit to only knowing some of their neighbors. That’s a lot of missed connections. Communities that work against that trend tend to be happier places to live, plain and simple.
Simple Ways to Be a Good Neighbor
You don’t have to leave an elaborate gift package every year; there are several ways to be a good neighbor that don’t cost more than a little time and a smile!
Introduce Yourself
It sounds obvious, but it’s the step most people skip. A short conversation on move-in day or a knock on the door with a friendly hello can be the difference between a silent acquaintance and a neighbor you can rely on when something goes wrong.
Attend Community Events
Community events aren’t just for show! They’re there to bring people together and make connections. The next time you see an HOA social gathering, block party, or seasonal event, show up! Your presence might make someone’s day!
Respect Community Guidelines
All fun events aside, being a good neighbor and respecting rules around noise, parking, and property upkeep helps create safer, stronger communities. A neighborhood that is considerate is happy.
Volunteer
Offer to help a neighbor with a home project like raking leaves, cleaning gutters, or replacing fence pickets. Small acts of help build trust and goodwill that outlast the favor itself.
How HOAs Can Encourage Community Connections
Boards and community managers play a real role in whether a neighborhood feels connected or disconnected. A few ways to help that along:
Social Events
A fall block party, a holiday gathering, or a simple coffee meet-and-greet creates low-pressure opportunities for neighbors to meet.
Volunteer Opportunities
Working side by side can form connections that last. A scheduled community cleanup day or a neighborhood beautification project brings residents together around a shared goal.
Resident Communication Programs
Consistent, friendly communication through newsletters and online resident portals keeps the sense of community alive year-round, not just on holidays.
Ghertner & Company has helped Middle Tennessee communities build this kind of culture for more than 50 years. We firmly believe that strong communities don’t happen by accident. They happen through consistent effort, and our professional touch can make that effort easier to sustain.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Good Neighbor Day? National Good Neighbor Day is observed every year on September 28.
How can I be a better neighbor? Start with something simple. Introduce yourself if you haven’t already, attend a community event, or offer help with a small task like yard work. Consistency matters more than grand gestures.
Why is community engagement important? Engaged communities tend to be safer, more supportive, and more pleasant to live in. Residents who know and trust their neighbors are more likely to look out for one another and participate in shared community life.
How can HOAs strengthen neighborhood relationships? HOAs can host social events, organize volunteer opportunities, and maintain consistent communication with residents. These efforts give neighbors natural opportunities to connect and build a stronger sense of community over time.
Celebrate Your Good Neighbors with a Management Team Who Knows Community
Want to live in a neighborhood with fewer disputes and more people coming together to create the best association possible? Start by celebrating National Good Neighbor Day and working toward a tight-knit community with Ghertner & Company.
We believe strong communities start with strong relationships. Learn how professional community management can help foster resident engagement in your neighborhood. Contact us today!