As I was out walking in my neighbourhood and enjoying a warm summer evening, I got to thinking about what makes a neighbourhood a great place to live.

Of course, safety is important, so areas where the crime rate is high are not the nicest places to live.

Clean and well-maintained streets also make a difference to liveability, as do friendly people and feeling that you’re part of a community. In fact, the people who live in the neighbourhood have a large influence on its overall liveability. In the best neighbourhoods, many people have a community etiquette that contributes to its safety, friendly atmosphere, and overall sense of community.

Try these community etiquette tips to foster more community spirit in your own neighbourhood:

• Treat your neighbourhood as you treat your home Your neighbourhood, actually, is your home on a wider scale. Keep it clean and well-maintained. Always deposit litter in appropriate garbage containers, and if you find litter left by someone else, pick it up. If you have a dog, clean up after it, even in the winter when the mess might be hidden by snow, at least until the spring. If you notice city or town property that needs repair or maintenance, such as a burned out street light, a pothole, a broken sign, call the city to report it.

• Be friendly and interested in your neighbours When you see your neighbours, always offer a cheerful greeting and, whenever you have time, stop to chat. When you know your neighbours and what is going on in their lives, it creates goodwill and opens communication should any issues arise. If you notice a neighbour having a problem, offer to help if you can. For example, when an elderly neighbour is unable to mow their lawn or shovel snow from their walk, do theirs when you are doing yours.

• Be considerate of your neighbours needs Avoid making noise at times when people are usually sleeping, that is, early in the morning or late at night. Mow your lawn or use other power tools or machines later in the morning or early in the evening to avoid disturbing others who may be sleeping. And, if you have a party, wrap it up or move indoors by 11:00pm. If you have lights in your yard or garden, place them so they don’t shine in your neighbour’s windows and, if you smoke, avoid smoking in areas where the smoke could drift into open windows in nearby houses.

• Get involved in community events and issues As with most things in life, you get back what you put in. Communities are a reflection of the people who live there, so if you want to be part of a safe, friendly neighbourhood, you need to do your part. If your community has a neighbourhood association, join or offer to assist with some activities. If it doesn’t, consider starting one. Pay attention to community issues and participate in city planning that affects your neighbourhood. Organize a neighbourhood barbeque, start a crime watch program, or a neighbourhood cleanup day.

Where we live is a reflection of who we are. If you want to live in a great neighbourhood, start by being a great neighbour. Practise these community etiquette skills and you will soon see them reflected in your neighbourhood.