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Is The Neighborhood Being Lost Due To Technology?

By Gary Woltal

Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty 0575737

April 02, 2014 01:06 AM

Loss Of Neighborhood The sense of neighborhood is fascinating. Over time we may live in various configurations of neighborhoods, new homes, apartments, condos, acreage, retirement, second home, and ALL have neighborhood senses to them. Lately I am thinking

Neighborhoods May Be Getting Lost To Technology.

Is your neighborhood having less strong social ties? Some do not want to know neighbors. Fences, back yard decks instead of front porches, no neighborhood parties all contribute to isolation.

But with TECHNOLOGY, it seems our FRIENDS are tending to be more VIRTUAL, not REAL across the street or down the block flesh and blood people. I have seen with disasters like caused by weather or fire, neighbors coming together to help. Chainsaws borrowed for cutting up downed trees, assistance with a fence company for a blown down fence, etc. MAYBE in the 21st century we are JUST TOO busy for neighbors, or want our privacy, or are fearful OF THOSE PEOPLE!!

"Neighborhood Expert" may be relegated to the live amongst us REALTOR who knows about sales prices and days on market and the WHO buys in our neighborhood. As far as borrowing a cup of sugar or talking over the fence, that MIGHT be in decline even MORE NOW than ever before with technology. What do you think is going on with neighborhoods?

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Grant Schneider

Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY

Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Gary - my take on this is generational. Every generation since Aristotle thinks that ones after them are "slackers". I teach multi generational engagement in organizations. I guess we have to think about that in our neighborhoods.

Apr 02, 2014 02:14 AM

Will Hamm

Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO

"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Gary, I still think it takes a big snow like 28 inches for everyone to help each other to dig out to make good neighbors.

Apr 02, 2014 02:20 AM

Ron and Alexandra Seigel

Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA

Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Gary,

I think it depends on the neighborhood and the area. Here in Santa Barbara county, you are more likely to get a hello anywhere you go, on the beach, downtown, and in our little hamlet of Carpinteria. Yes, we have those who look to their phones, but more seem to be enjoying their environment. A

Apr 02, 2014 03:47 AM

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS

Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA

South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Gary, I concur over the loss of being neighborly. When people our constantly looking down at their smart phone or texting; how can they shoot the breeze with their neighbor or pay attention to the house being looted across the street?

Make each day a positive experience!

Regards, Paul ..

Apr 02, 2014 04:10 AM

William Feela

WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN

Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I think it has. Communication has been lost also.

My wife and I have made it a point to meet and talk with our neighbors and this year to do it a bit more often.

Apr 02, 2014 04:51 AM

Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®

Lewisburg, WV

Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

Hi Gary, neighbors here are always out and about, walking, working in their yard, etc...everyone is very friendly. We use to have a community party once a year, but haven't had one for four years. When I lived in Arlington,VA., neighbors avoided talking to each other.

Apr 02, 2014 05:37 AM

Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties

Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN

The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Gary, Sadly the days of dropping by for a cup of coffee are gone. We are all so busy that we don't know our neighbors like we should.

Apr 02, 2014 06:17 AM

Kathy Streib

Cypress, TX

Home Stager/Redesign

Gary- it's a different neighborhood for all of us. We say hello to people we pass when we walk at the beach and know some by name. But for our immediate neighborhood, it's not like it used to be. Everyone is not only busy but more mobile these days. It's hard to find someone who's been in the same house for 30+ years.

Apr 02, 2014 09:07 AM

Teral McDowell

Referral Patners LLC - Murphy, TX

Most of ours will wave as you pass them in cars but few come out to visit. Unless you go to the neighborhood park or pool one is not too likely to know too many in the neighborhoods.

Apr 02, 2014 11:27 AM

Is The Neighborhood Being Lost Due To Technology?

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