Loved reading this, Meighan! I can attest to the LIFE CHANGING MAGIC of having a great neighborhood. I write this to you from the apartment above the garage of my neighbor two doors down who offered up this space for me to work in when she realized how low we are on space with 3 kids + 2 parents that mostly WFH, because she never uses it. Other closest neighbors are part of our closest friend group. Our house is small and imperfect (as old houses tend to be) but we can walk so many places, my kids can ride their bikes, and I have about 5 people I could call if I ever needed sugar (or a handyman/electrician/plumber -- all things I've actually texted our neighbors for!) Not saying the house doesn't matter (it does), but the neighborhood really does too (also - you can change A LOT about a house :)) Good luck on your search. It's so hard. But you'll find something!!
Christina this is truly what I was imagining when writing!!! How special that village sounds!
I have been thinking how neighbors are such a great and lasting example of humanity. Like how amazingly kind of your neighbor offering you space to work, out of the goodness of her heart, knowing how impactful that is to your day to day. In that type of community, you’re able to go out of your way for others and help where possible, which is great for your own mental space too. Thank you for sharing all of this, it makes me realize how important this realization was and the priority it should be moving forward ♥️♥️♥️
it's honestly a great question Anna - and probably will require me to go out of my comfort zone!! but my cousin tells this crazy story about how she met her best friend, which gives me hope. she had moved to new jersey with her new baby and saw a girl who looked about her age walking around and went outside and asked if she would want to walk together some time. they met up and on their first walk they didn't talk. not once. they just pushed their strollers in silence. but they both agreed to meet up again. and they talked a bit the next time, and the next. and somehow, they become best friends.
it's a reminder that making new friends at this age can be uncomfortable for everyone, and a little vulnerability goes a long way!
but also - our new neighbors came, introduced themselves, and brought treats - which will 100% be my way of introducing myself even if it's not to find a best friend but a potential lifeline.
I love this Meigs! When we were buying we must have seen about 50 houses - the one we finally ended up buying is on a lovely lane and we were welcomed with open arms by our neighbours - who have become our friends. From the 80 year old couple to the young couple with kids our age - they've become our port in a storm and we're so lucky for that!
you will find your cup of sugar neighbors!!! This was a sweet read, wishing you all the best. Whatever house you end up in I’m sure you will make adorable too- loved the pics at the end of this post.
Such a beautiful point. I grew up in a small town and alike you, knew all the other households on the cul-de-sac like extended family. My husband and I definitely don't have it that way and it's kind of sad. We aren't on the market to purchase a home but I could definitely see myself getting caught up with aesthetics and details of the house if we were. I really appreciate your perspective of shopping for neighbours and the importance of that connection. xx
This!!!! You captured all my tangled thoughts lately; thank you, big fan of your work!!
Alyssa 🥹🥹 thank you so much!! This means the world - always special when someone out there can relate to all the thoughts going round in my head!
Loved reading this, Meighan! I can attest to the LIFE CHANGING MAGIC of having a great neighborhood. I write this to you from the apartment above the garage of my neighbor two doors down who offered up this space for me to work in when she realized how low we are on space with 3 kids + 2 parents that mostly WFH, because she never uses it. Other closest neighbors are part of our closest friend group. Our house is small and imperfect (as old houses tend to be) but we can walk so many places, my kids can ride their bikes, and I have about 5 people I could call if I ever needed sugar (or a handyman/electrician/plumber -- all things I've actually texted our neighbors for!) Not saying the house doesn't matter (it does), but the neighborhood really does too (also - you can change A LOT about a house :)) Good luck on your search. It's so hard. But you'll find something!!
Christina this is truly what I was imagining when writing!!! How special that village sounds!
I have been thinking how neighbors are such a great and lasting example of humanity. Like how amazingly kind of your neighbor offering you space to work, out of the goodness of her heart, knowing how impactful that is to your day to day. In that type of community, you’re able to go out of your way for others and help where possible, which is great for your own mental space too. Thank you for sharing all of this, it makes me realize how important this realization was and the priority it should be moving forward ♥️♥️♥️
Once settled in, how do you plan to connect with your neighbors ?
If you have practical ideas.
it's honestly a great question Anna - and probably will require me to go out of my comfort zone!! but my cousin tells this crazy story about how she met her best friend, which gives me hope. she had moved to new jersey with her new baby and saw a girl who looked about her age walking around and went outside and asked if she would want to walk together some time. they met up and on their first walk they didn't talk. not once. they just pushed their strollers in silence. but they both agreed to meet up again. and they talked a bit the next time, and the next. and somehow, they become best friends.
it's a reminder that making new friends at this age can be uncomfortable for everyone, and a little vulnerability goes a long way!
but also - our new neighbors came, introduced themselves, and brought treats - which will 100% be my way of introducing myself even if it's not to find a best friend but a potential lifeline.
Looking forward to updates then :)
Love this! I've recently began a quest of saying hi to the neighbours and most of them look at me like I'm crazy. Will keep going though!
I love this Meigs! When we were buying we must have seen about 50 houses - the one we finally ended up buying is on a lovely lane and we were welcomed with open arms by our neighbours - who have become our friends. From the 80 year old couple to the young couple with kids our age - they've become our port in a storm and we're so lucky for that!
you will find your cup of sugar neighbors!!! This was a sweet read, wishing you all the best. Whatever house you end up in I’m sure you will make adorable too- loved the pics at the end of this post.
♥️♥️ fun to have you as an internet neighbor always swooping in with the kindest of comments, Elle!!!!
Such a beautiful point. I grew up in a small town and alike you, knew all the other households on the cul-de-sac like extended family. My husband and I definitely don't have it that way and it's kind of sad. We aren't on the market to purchase a home but I could definitely see myself getting caught up with aesthetics and details of the house if we were. I really appreciate your perspective of shopping for neighbours and the importance of that connection. xx
good luck w the house hunting!!