You live, breathe, work, and sleep around your neighbors every day. But if you’re like most people, you don’t think about them all that much.
That could be a problem: until you do some research, you never know who lives around you.
If you live on a street with 15 houses on each side, then that’s 30 families, couples, individuals, or groups you may know absolutely nothing about (except their address). Considering one in three Americans has a criminal record, it’s easy to see why there might be some bad apples in the neighborhood.
What’s a diligent homeowner like yourself supposed to do? Here are some of the best ways to easily (and legally) learn more about the people around you.
Start Googling
You might not know the names of your neighbors, their professions, or anything else about them.
But you do know one thing important: their address. Do a quick Google search for every address on your street. Sometimes, you may discover someone runs an at-home business. Or maybe you’ll find that the house next door was once the site of a triple murder. Who knows?
Once you’ve Googled a few addresses on your street, some names should have popped up. From there, you can be as stalker-ish as you want. Consider Googling someone’s first name and last name to see what comes up, for example. Or, hop on Facebook and search for their name in your city.
Ultimately, you can get a lot of information about someone starting with their home address. A home address gives you a name, and a name and location can often give you almost everything else you want to know.
Go For A Walk
Go for a walk in the evening and casually study your neighborhood. Take note of anyone else who is out in the neighborhood. Strike up some conversations. Let your gaze wander up a few driveways. Don’t be creepy about it – just be situationally aware.
At the very least, you’ll meet a few of your neighbors and get a solid base in the neighborhood – or at least have some idea of who lives around you.
Pay Attention To Company Trucks And Other Logos
Does a certain contracting van park in the driveway of a friend’s place every night? Do you see logos or advertisements for a certain business on someone’s car? Business owners will frequently use their own vehicles – or even their own buildings – as advertising space. You can use this information to find out what someone does.
Organize A Community Party Or Street Party
If you’re feeling particularly gung-ho about learning your neighbors, then consider throwing a community party, street party, or BBQ. Pass out flyers or posters along the street and setup a date and time. It doesn’t have to be anything too extravagant. But it’s a good way to meet your neighbors – especially after a long summer in a recently-developed suburb where you have a lot of people who are new to the area.
Set Up Spy Cams Around Your House
Filming public property is totally legal, as is filming your own house and property (obviously, check your local laws and don’t hold us responsible if you get in trouble).
Consider setting up some spy cameras around your home – especially if you spend a lot of time outside your home. If both you and your partner leave home for work each day, then you never know who might come snooping around your home during the day.
Today, spy cameras are easier to install and more affordable than ever before. In many cases, you can control them or monitor them from your smartphone. So you can check in on your home from work.
Run A Criminal Background Search
A criminal background search requires only a name. If you’re suspicious about your neighbors, a criminal background search is a discrete and easy way to clear their names or confirm your suspicions.
Check Criminal Record specializes in helping you dig up valuable information about your neighbors – or anyone in your life.
While you’re at it, use a sex offender registry search service to see if there are any potential sexual predators in your area. www.familywatchdog.us is one popular free option that gives you instant information about sex offenders in your neighborhood.
Getting To Know Your Neighbors Is Important
If you live in a decent neighborhood, there is a good chance your neighbors are probably normal, hardworking, honest people. Building a relationship with your neighbors today is a good idea. They’ll watch your home when you’re away. They’ll alert you to suspicious activity. And hey, you never know – maybe your kids are going to be best friends one day. Follow the tips above to ensure you know more about the people living in your neighborhood.