I consider myself very lucky because I know my neighbours. I have known them for years. I also know the neighbours in the apartment where my Airbnb is. I have met some neighbours face to face through body corporate meetings. I’ve also chatted with others through our apartment building’s Facebook group. Here’s how to form a community in your apartment building?
Building a community in your apartment face to face
Before I moved into my apartment I was there a lot to check in on the renovations. I took this opportunity to say hi to everyone I saw.
Whether it was in the garage or walking up the stairs I said hello. Even checking my mail box, holding the door open for mums with prams. I also said hi to all the pets I came across. No matter who it was, I said hello.
This way I met my direct neighbours opposite to my apartment and next to my apartment. Once we met and got to know who we were we chatted.
Just banter but enough to establish rapport and a neighbourly vibe. Banter is something you might not be comfortable with. Small talk isn’t for everyone, but everyone can make eye contact, even if it’s just seconds, nod and smile.
I also became an active member of my body corporate. If you’re a renter, this isn’t an option. However, everyone can make eye contact and say a quick hello to the people you see in passing.
Becoming a member of my body corporate meant I saw my neighbours during online meetings. Occasionally, we met face to face in one of our apartments.
I established ‘community’ with my neighbours and other residents. This included both owners and renters. I did this by saying hello and smiling. I also established ‘community’ with the owners who had a vested interest in the maintenance of the building.
Building a community in your apartment online
These days by far the easiest way to form a community in your apartment is online. Our building has a Facebook group.
People are active on it, selling plants, advising of trade work, looking for deliveries and so on. Not everyone will be active online. The goal is to get to know anyone open to building a community in your apartment.
We also have a Whatsapp group and keep in touch with updates and urgent matters such a broken door.
We have a small foyer where people leave things they’re giving away for free. We have a neighbour who leaves notices around at holiday times too. Which is super cute.
When I work with clients, I notice some apartments have community libraries, community notice boards. Some apartment buildings have rooftop terraces. These terraces are ideal places for neighbours to meet. They can bring a bottle of wine and a bag of chips.
Getting to know your neighbours in your apartment building is important. It helps generate a good vibe in general. You can ask for help if you need it, such as watering plants while you’re away, and for security.
Take the lead in this community building initiative and people will follow. You might make a friend, or meet a partner. At the very least, you will meet the people who live closest to you. You will form a community in your apartment. Which is always a nice thing to come home to.
Cover photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
