How to Engage Your Neighbors: Making Connections in Your Front Yard

Want to know a secret? I’m horrible at getting to know my neighbors. Sure I write about easy ways to connect with your neighbors but the truth is I’m really bad at it. There are a lot of reasons for this but I’ll share my top three: I’m an introvert, I’m scared, and it’s not easy. Do any of those resonate with you? If so I have a simple solution for getting to know your neighbors. I like to call it “front yard living room.”

My husband and I stumbled upon this strategy purely on accident. We moved to a home without a front porch. In our previous home we had enjoyed many evenings on the front porch either talking, watching a favorite show on our laptop, or enjoying drinks with friends. So instead of relegating ourselves to the back yard at this new home we simply set up our swing and fire pit in the front yard.

Little did we know that our little “front yard living room” would be a great way to meet with people and engage with neighbors on a less than friendly street. People are more willing to say hello when you’re lingering in the front yard and are harder to ignore. Also neighbors are more likely to engage in conversation with you in this approachable casual setting.

Are you ready to get to know your neighbors and engage your neighborhood on a regular basis? Here are my four simple steps for setting up your own “front yard living room:”

1. Simple Seating: We have a swing with seating for three that’s a permanent fixture in our front yard. We also have extra chairs we can grab at anytime for a larger group. Any kind of seating, even chairs from the kitchen table, will do as long as it’s relatively comfortable.

1. Get Comfortable: Wear jeans or yoga pants. People are more likely to engage it they don’t feel underdressed or like they’re intruding on a special event. Bring out your favorite lap blanket or throw pillows. Don’t forget a favorite book, laptop for movie watching, or a snack. Think about what the norm is in your current living room and simply bring that outside.

1. Remember Hospitality: Your “front yard living room” is an extension of your home. Offer folks a seat right away. They’re more likely to linger if they’re comfortable. If you’re enjoying popcorn offer some to your neighbors. If it’s a hot drink, make sure there’s extra cocoa mix in the pantry.

1. Relaxed Mindset: Don’t enter your “front yard living room” expecting all your neighbors to come to know Jesus or to have a deep conversation right away. Go to the front yard with a willingness to get to know your neighbors but also a contentedness in enjoying your family in God’s creation. (Note: if it’s been a particularly rough day don’t feel obligated to use your “front yard living room,” or be prepared to answer honestly to the sometimes ominous, “how are you?”)

As you enjoy your front yard more consider moving other events there, including barbeques, dinner parties, and dessert and coffee. I pray setting up a front yard living room will allow you to expand your home and your reach. 

About Joy

Joy is a missionary to Downtown Orlando with her husband, Jason, and drool covered Bassett Hound, Sam. She has a degree in Church Leadership and formerly helped manage the Church Planting office of Converge Worldwide. She teaches women how to intersect their faith and life through intentional missional living at joybrudolph.com. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

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