One thing that’s really important, when you live in a town or rural community, is your neighbours. I live in a small street where we know each other by name and share produce from our gardens. We have social get-togethers and enjoy the security of knowing that our property is being watched by friends when we are at work or away on holiday.

I believe it’s fortunate our cultural norms are similar and in an unspoken agreement we practice the following:

• We make time for shared activities (e.g.  a chat on the pavement)
• We nourish our community spirit with special events (e.g. a Christmas party)
• We communicate our feelings and no offence is taken (e.g. Is it time to mow your lawn?)
• We give each other space (e.g. we may catch up once a week or month)
• When we have a difference of opinion we’re mostly not attached to being right
• We accept the variation of characters who live closeby

If you can buy your first or next property from a friend you’ll get to meet your new neighbours easily and form neighbourly bonds quickly. There’s a peace of mind living alongside people you trust.