The community within a neighborhood is an important factor to consider when buying a home. You want to make sure that the area is safe and conducive for you and your family. There are many ways that you can enhance and create a better community for yourself and the people around you.

The Importance of Building Community

There are many reasons why building and maintaining a sense of community is important. For example, while crime and violence are not welcomed in any neighborhood, the thought is certainly not enough to stop it from happening. The good news is that there is power in numbers. When you build a community with your neighbors, the connection can help to combat crime. Neighbors, who look out for each other, can report suspicious activity and keep each other informed on what is going on in the area.

Community building also can be helpful in increasing your property value. When it comes to selling a home, there are many factors to consider. Neighborhoods that are filled with unkempt houses, overgrown lawns and decaying public buildings show potential homebuyers a lack of care. This may cause significant damage to the overall property value of your home, and turn off prospective buyers. A well-maintained neighborhood community has the opposite effect. It attracts potential buyers and increases the property value, which leads to better quality bids.

5 Ways Black Homeowners Can Foster a Flourishing Community

Having a healthy neighborhood community can help better the lives of you and your loved ones. It can promote a sense of belonging and instill pride in your neighborhood. Here are five ways Black homeowners can build and maintain a flourishing neighborhood community.

1. Get to Know with Your Neighbors

If you become better acquainted with your neighbors, then you can begin to build a happy, healthy community. Acquainted neighbors tend to look out for each other, which can build a sense of camaraderie in the community. From reporting suspicious activity to retrieving your mail while you are away from home, having a good neighbor to rely on can make a huge difference in the community.

If you do not already have a relationship with your neighbors, start off by introducing yourself, exchanging contact information and offering a helping hand. Let your neighbors know that you are there for them if they need anything.

2. Join Your Neighborhood Watch Program

Neighborhood watch programs are useful because they keep residents informed everything happening in their neighborhood. The programs help keep neighborhoods safe and secure. With a neighborhood watch, residents can be aware of any suspicious activity.

By joining your local program, you also will be able to have an opportunity to bond and form lasting relationships with your neighbors.

3. Get Involved in Local Government

To build a better sense of community in your neighborhood, consider getting involved with your local government to enact change. Neighborhood council committees provide an opportunity for local residents to voice their concerns and opinions on everything from public safety to homelessness.

Neighborhood council committees typically meet at city hall, so you will have the opportunity to become better acquainted with the government officials in your area. This will allow you to make more informed decisions at the voting ballot during election season.

4. Attend Community Events

Attending community events is a great way to build up your neighborhood community. Events, such as festivals, block parties and charity fundraisers, create a sense of belonging among neighbors and can attract prospective buyers to the area. You also can use these events to promote your business or connect with other local professionals.

5. Join Your Local Facebook Group

Many neighborhoods have Facebook groups designed for local residents to get to know each other. Neighborhood Facebook groups can be helpful for keeping up with local legislative changes, sharing information about suspicious activity or catching up with your neighbors.

This is great for getting to know the people around you and familiarizing yourself with your area. You can ask questions, get recommendations or post about upcoming events. To make the most out of these groups, try to actively engage with its members, share any important information you may have seen and be respectful of differing opinions.