Falling for your Community: Homeownership Beyond the House
It’s the season of love – happy Valentine’s day, y’all! Whether you’re an “I love love!” person, or a bit lower key, there is something undeniably sweet about taking a moment to appreciate the people you care about.
This Valentine’s day, I have been reflecting on what it means to love where you live. I realized that I love my home, not just because of my house, but because of the neighborhood I live in, the city I love, and the community I’ve built here. It’s about the house (of course!) but it’s about so much more too.
These days, it’s crucial to connect with our communities to get through this crazy world together – more than ever. That’s why this blog post is all about loving your community. I’ll break down the best ways to connect with your neighbors, your neighborhood, and even your city as a whole. Let’s do it!
Hey, Neighbor
I had this neighbor – we’ll call them Joe – who was the definition of neighborly. They would sit out in their front yard with their dog, saying hi to every passerby. They always had a good joke, a funny story, or even just a warm smile. I came to realize quickly that Joe knew everyone in the neighborhood, like truly, everyone. They grew up on the block and were fortunate enough to eventually own the home they grew up in! One time, I saw Joe, roughly ten houses down in someone’s front yard, helping them with yard work – that’s just the kind of person they are.
Now I am not saying you need to be Joe – introverts, have no fear. But there is something to be said for being a warm and steady presence for your neighbors. Even a simple wave, asking about their kids or fur-kids, or offering to help them carry that huge piece of furniture they found off Marketplace, can go a long way in showing up for the community on your block.
If you’re looking for a little more connection than that, here are some ideas:
Host a block party or dinner party: what better way to connect with others, than by providing a place for connection.
Host a resource drive: pick a cause, and let your neighbors know they can drop off resources any time (can make a flyer or post on Nextdoor). Whether it’s a food drive, clothing drive, or something similar, it’s a way to connect with your neighbors, and donate to your greater community.
Offer support: do you have a special skill you can offer? Perhaps you’re great at organizing, or love to plan. You could offer help to your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled neighbors, to see if you can make a difference close to home.
Whether you choose something from this list, or prefer the friendly wave, know that showing kindness to your neighbors can go a long way in making your house feel like home – and theirs too.
Local Spots
So you know how to connect with your neighbors, but what about your neighborhood? I’ve found that each neighborhood has its own special attributes, and cute quirks. People are typically attracted to a neighborhood for a reason, so in all likelihood, there’s folks out there beyond your block that would make great community connections too.
My favorite way to spend time in my neighborhood is by frequenting local spots – bonus points if it’s a hidden gem my neighbor told me about. I find that these spaces are filled with people who care about them, care about the neighborhood, and value a sense of community.
Here’s some examples:
The neighborhood dog park everyone loves
The family-owned restaurant that remembers everyone’s names
The cute thrift shop that always has the best finds
A local craft space to take classes and learn skills
Drag bingo at the friendly neighborhood dive bar
Truly, it’s as simple as getting out, appreciating all the wonderful spaces right around you, and connecting with the people that frequent them too.
City Sights
Connecting with your community in a big ‘ol city can feel a little … scary. There are so many people, so much to do, and so many ways to get involved. It’s a double-edged sword, but I am here to help guide you in the right direction.
Do What you Love
I am a big proponent of finding people you love, by doing what you love. Do you have a hobby you obsess over? Is there something you’ve always wanted to try? Chances are, if you care about something, others will too, so exploring your hobbies is a great way to interact with others around you.
Find Events you Care About
Living in a city means an infinite number of things to do. You might find joy getting really involved in one of our local sports teams, attending craft classes at a neighborhood spot, or even just making a weekly date of attending your local trivia.
Give Back to Your Community
One of the most meaningful ways to fall for your community is to give time or resources to causes you care about. We have countless organizations that are always looking for volunteers, hosting drives, and asking for support. My recommendation is to choose a cause that’s close to your heart, and find a way to get involved as consistently as you can.
Some examples:
Pick up a weekly shift at a food pantry
Help set up pride events for a queer organization
Take dogs on walks and hikes at a nearby shelter
Contributing to your community in this way is not just impactful, it’s truly fulfilling, and necessary to support the city you live in.
Final Thoughts
Falling for my community is what makes my house feel like home, and makes me love where I live. The idea is simple: be kind to those around you, get to know all the places and people that make up your neighborhood, and contribute in ways that make a real impact. In an era where we are often disconnected, scared, and feeling alone, it’s crucial to come together and find joy, love, and support for one another, and falling for your community is just that.
