One of the great things about building a new home is that you get to make a fresh start not only in a new house, but also with new relationships. 

When you build in a new construction neighborhood, you and all of your neighbors have a chance to shape the character of the place you’ll all be calling home. What are some things you can do to build community in your new neighborhood so that it becomes a place where people really feel they belong? 

Community Activities 

Just because you live in close proximity to others doesn’t mean you’ll automatically become best friends forever. But it can provide opportunities to get to know people better and explore the option of friendship. Many new communities coordinate events around music. You might try to organize a “jazz in the park” event and bring in locals who play music together. You don’t have to have national headliners to have a good time. Or maybe you’ll want to have a chili cook-off in the fall and allow everyone to flaunt their best recipes. It’s not about who wins, but getting together as a community. 

Community Improvement Projects 

Occasionally new neighborhoods will need some kind of improvement (planting trees or shrubs or flowers) to beautify the whole community. Often these projects are too big for a single individual to undertake, but the endeavor becomes fun and rewarding when a group of people join together to get their hands dirty. 

Neighborhood Safety Groups 

Crime may not be a big concern in the Poconos, but it’s nice to know that your neighbors have your back and are watching out for your property if you’re away for a while. Even informal groups help build a sense of belonging and security. 

Community Education 

Long-term planning for your community can ensure that properties will hold their value. Educating the community about what kinds of plants and trees will do best in the area may be helpful to ensure that your neighborhood still looks great in 10 or 20 years. You could even organize events about gardening, composting, recycling or other issues that will enhance the long-term appeal of your community. 

We invite you to check out communities in the Poconos where we’re working to build neighborhoods that people will love for years to come.