Do you “Know Thy Neighbor”?

Do you know your neighbors?   Would they notice if something happened to you?  Is the lack of community creating a serious safety concern in our neighborhoods? 

I went to a Green building workshop two weeks ago sponsored by Seattle area’s Reach Returns and a hot topic in green building is constructing “cottage neighborhoods”.  These little neighborhoods are usually set off the street a bit and have many houses (6-8) sharing a common courtyard in the middle. 

The idea is that they have more greenspace, less concrete, and they create a sense of neighborhood and community that seems to be missing from most cities and towns these days.

The seminar got me thinking.  I barely know my neighbors.  Sure, I take their mail over if its misdelivered and I always wave hello when I see them, but I don’t know their personal histories, pet’s names or emergency contacts.  It feels like there is very little sense of community where I live. 

Is this lack of community distressing to you?  Does it create a safety concern in that its less likely your neighbors will notice if something happens to you, your family or your home?

How well do you know your neighbors?

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