When moving into a new place, there’s no telling what sort of neighbors you’ll end up having. In a perfect world your neighbors would be quiet and respectful, without causing much disruption in your life. Unfortunately, we probably all have a few ex-neighbor horror stories that prove how bad things can really be out there.

Befriending a neighbor can be tough. You want to remain distant enough so that nothing will impact having to live next to them. On the other hand, nobody wants to be completely standoffish and rude with those they live near. In order to find that balance, here are some things to consider about why you should make friends with your neighbors.

Help In A Pinch

We’ve all been there. That moment when you are in the middle of making your favorite recipe, only to realize you’re missing a key ingredient that you simply can’t continue without. You don’t want to have to run to the store, but you can only really ask your neighbor if you are on good terms. Being friends with your neighbor comes in handy when you’re in a pinch, as long as you return the favor.

Help In An Emergency

A friendly neighbor might be helpful in a pinch, but they could be invaluable in an emergency. You never know when an accident is going to happen. And while you may not be able to handle the emergency on your own, having a neighbor that’s a friend will surely be useful. Neighbors who help each other in emergencies can help take a lot of the worry out of life.

Someone To Spend Time With

Work takes up a lot of your day, so it’s hard to meet new people. When you don’t get along with your coworkers outside of the office, things can be even more boring. However, when you connect with your neighbors it’ll be great to have that outlet to come home to at night. Whether you hang out occasionally or nightly, having a friend in a neighbor will be a refreshing relief in your otherwise hectic day.

Building A Community

Apartment complexes are great because they often have clubhouses where the entire community can gather. For some people, this is perfect for finding a yoga class or movie night. However, you may use this gathering place as a chance to build a network of people inside of the apartment community to keep everyone banded together. Building a healthy community is an invaluable part of every apartment complex, and making friends with your neighbors will build that camaraderie amongst your peers.

Keeping Things Cool

At the end of the day, even if you and your neighbor don’t become the best of friends, it’s still a good idea to keep things cordial. These are the people that you are around whenever you are at home, and any sort of hostile environment will be dreary for everyone. If nothing else, keep things cool and wait it out till one of you decides to move.

Expand your community and recharge your batteries in the process, as you consider this insight as to why you should make friends with your neighbors.