As one walks or drives through Lakewood on weekends in August and September, he/she will likely see signs of Lakewood neighborliness. One of these signs prohibits non-resident access on a street due to a block party. Block parties are evidence of the friendly relationships on Lakewood’s streets that develop into a neighborhood gathering for food, fun, games, and friendly chatter.

Other signs of Lakewood neighborliness include people gathering and talking together on the sidewalks, one neighbor helping another with an outdoor chore, and themed yard décor that continues from one house to another.

Realtors who work in Lakewood hear a consistent comment: "We love our neighbors!" Recently, a Lakewood homeowner who is relocating for a job said to me, "Our neighbors are wonderful. It’s too bad you can’t put that in the house description. We moved in and the neighbors came over!"

What encourages neighborliness in Lakewood?

We have front porches. We walk - to church, to stores, to restaurants. Our children walk to school together. Most of us have smaller yards, and are out working in those yards. Our geographic proximity encourages sociability.

Many of us are long-term Lakewood residents. We have known the same people on our street and in our neighborhood for many years. Our lives are intertwined from school years past and generations past.

We have so many gathering places where we are likely to see and connect with those who live around us: restaurants, parks, pools, libraries, shopping, and community events.

Our neighbors become like family. Like family, they give us a helping hand, an invitation to dinner, consolation at times of loss. Neighbors in Lakewood have street-wide yard sales, block parties, and holiday parties and caroling. We keep a watchful eye out for each other. We offer home repair advice, helper referrals, and use of yard tools. We share recipes and garden bounty. We enjoy a good-morning wave and the pleasure of watching the neighborhood kids grow up.

If you live in Lakewood, this probably sounds like your neighborhood. If it doesn’t sound like your neighborhood, you can help make it happen with a simple good-morning wave and a smile!