We talk about neighbors like they’re just the people next door—the ones we share fences with, wave to in the mornings, or awkwardly avoid eye contact with when taking out the trash. But is that really all a neighbor is?

And what about neighborhoods? Are they just lines on a map? Or is there something more that defines them?

Is Being a Neighbor About Proximity—Or Connection?

The dictionary says a neighbor is just “a person living near another.” But let’s be real—that’s way too simple.

What about:

• The two kids carrying a bag of food to someone down the street—because kindness doesn’t have an age limit.

• The retired teacher who tutors the neighborhood kids just because she loves to help.

• The teen who mows an elderly neighbor’s lawn without being asked.

• The parent at the school drop-off line who helps direct traffic like an unpaid (but much-needed) traffic controller.

Maybe being a neighbor isn’t about addresses—it’s about connection.

What Really Makes a Neighborhood?

A neighborhood can be:

• A zip code drawn up by a city planner.

• A subdivision name created by a developer.

• A community title like “Historic District” or “Arts District.”

But does any of that actually make it feel like home? Or is it the people who create a sense of belonging—the ones who look out for each other, lend a hand, and make everyday life just a little easier?

Neighborliness Isn’t About Address Labels

You don’t have to own a home, pay HOA fees, or even be an adult to be a good neighbor.
Holding the door for a stranger? Neighborly.
Helping a friend find a local contractor? Neighborly.
Checking in on someone who could use a little kindness? Neighborly.

A neighborhood isn’t just a set of streets—it’s a shared experience, a network of people, and a community built on kindness.

So let’s redefine it: Where (and who) are your neighbors? And if you don't know them, isn't it time you did?