In every neighborhood, there’s that guy. You know the one. He brings in your trash can before you even realize it’s trash day. He waves from his front porch like he’s got all the time in the world. He’s the first to offer jumper cables, loan you a pressure washer, or text the group chat about a coyote sighting on Cooper Lake.
Let’s call him Good Neighbor Greg. And let’s be honest—we could all use a little more Greg energy these days.
Being a good neighbor in 2025 goes well beyond keeping your grass cut and your Halloween inflatables in check. It’s about presence, patience, and paying attention—to both the people and the pulse of your community.
Modern Manners on the Block
Living in close quarters means navigating everyday etiquette like a gentleman. Here are a few classic-to-modern basics:
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Noise: Enjoy your backyard speaker system, but maybe don’t test subwoofers after 9 p.m. And if you’re firing up the mower at 7 a.m. on a Saturday… maybe don’t.
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Parking: Avoid the ol’ “three cars, one driveway” shuffle. And please, don’t box in your neighbor’s mailbox like it's your personal valet stand.
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Storm Solidarity: After Georgia’s next thunder-rager, channel your inner Greg. Check on elderly neighbors, offer a chainsaw or battery pack, and commiserate over the shared trauma of soggy basements.
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Borrow Culture: If you borrow a tool, return it clean. If you borrow a ladder, return it with cookies. It’s the unwritten law of the cul-de-sac.
Neighboring in the Digital Age
Greg may rock a classic vibe, but even he’s figured out the Nextdoor app—and how not to start a turf war.
Whether you’re in Forest Hills or Vinings Glen, consider these tips:
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Nextdoor Diplomacy: Before posting that rant about a barking dog, maybe message the neighbor first. Words read more harshly online than shouted across a driveway.
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Group Text Grace: Group chats for streets or HOAs are great—just go easy on the memes and political hot takes. Think "lost cat" and "porch pirate alert" over "here’s what’s wrong with America."
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Porch Cam Etiquette: Sure, we all have a Ring cam now. Just maybe don’t narrate your neighbors’ every move like it’s a reality show.
The Gentlemanly Art of Showing Up
More than anything, being a good neighbor is about showing up. In little ways. Consistently.
Greg’s the guy who drops off soup when you’re sick. He remembers your kid’s name—and the fact that they’re allergic to peanuts. He notices when the For Sale sign goes up, and makes sure the new neighbors feel like part of the block before the ink dries.
Welcoming newcomers with a handwritten note or a potted plant? Classic Greg. Checking on an elderly neighbor after a heatwave? Pure Greg. Organizing a front-yard happy hour in Williams Park or a meal train for someone in Vinings Estates? Greg-level gold.
The Takeaway
You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t even have to bake banana bread (though it helps). Being a good neighbor is about looking up from your own world and noticing the one you share with others. It’s about kindness, consistency, and maybe keeping your leaf blower hours reasonable.
So here’s to channeling your inner Greg. Because in Smyrna and Vinings, the real gentleman isn’t just the man of the house—he’s the heartbeat of the block.