20 Reasons You Need to Get to Know Your Neighbors

A survey from Nextdoor, the social networking site for neighborhoods, found that when people knew their neighbors, they felt more secure in their homes. That's reason enough to introduce yourself. But so is the fact that knowing your neighbors means you have extra sets of eyes on your place when you're not home.

You'll also have extra adults looking out for your kids. Maybe they're not official babysitters, but they'll see what's going on.

Your neighbor may also be more inclined to help you carry in heavy things, load up your truck or power-wash your house.

Neighbors might even be the first and last faces you see each day. It's so much nicer when you get a friendly smile and hello.

It's a cliché, but ever need to borrow a cup of sugar? An egg? Maybe some coffee? It's much easier to ask if you're already on good terms. You might even be able to text them and they'll run it over to you.

Putting a hold on mail isn't that tough, but what if you forget and you're out of town? You know your neighbor, so text her and ask if she'll do it. She will.

If you know some of your neighbors, then you have someone to gossip with about anything and everything. Why is that car always parked there? What went down last night with the police? Why does she wear high heels to mow the lawn?

If you know your neighbors, you might score a coveted invite to their amazing parties. It's better to be a guest than the neighbor complaining about all the noise.

If you know your neighbors, they're less likely to complain about your loud parties, too. Especially if you invite them! (That's one great reason to get to know them.)

Your neighbors know the best plumbers, schools, restaurants, babysitters. Get to know them so you can have all their recommendations. In fact, that's a great way to get to know a neighbor: Next time you see them, ask for the name of their roofer.

If you're going out of town, your neighbor might be willing to watch your pet. Or come over and feed your cat and clean his litter box. Favors: that's why you need to know your neighbors. (You'll do favors for them, too.)

Your neighbor's chicken noodle or matzo ball soup might be what you need to finally kick a cold or recover from the food. Neighbors are also great about meal trains when you've lost a loved one.

Do your neighbors have a pool? A boat? Season tickets to your favorite sports team? We're not advocating using people, but it doesn't hurt to know people with these things.

You might get rides to the store once in awhile if you know your neighbors, since they'll know you don't have a car.

You can work together with neighbors to improve your neighborhood. Maybe you'd like to get roundabouts installed instead of four-way stops. Or a traffic light. Or a school crossing guard. Whatever it is, you'll be stronger as a team.

Neighbors who garden are the best neighbors there are. They'll bring you fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruits. They'll ask for nothing in return. Get to know these neighbors.

Already late to work and need a jump? That's not the time to be introducing yourself to your neighbors. If you already know each other, they'll be pulling out the jumper cables before you even have to ask.

Your neighbor knows your line of work, your skills and talents, and the fact that you're not crazy. What better endorsement for job opportunities, business ventures or even political offices? Knowing your neighbors could change your life.

Your neighbor knows the trash schedule and whether you forgot, again, to get your trash out. If you know your neighbor, they'll get your back time and again. They might even bring in your trash cans when you're out of town.

Once you know your neighbor, you can schedule pickup games of basketball in your driveway. Or maybe go on a run or walk. Neighbors make great workout buddies because they're right there. You can hit the ground running, literally, and not have to worry about meeting up, parking and waiting for each other.