* Have you driven (or, better yet, ridden your bike or walked) around your city or suburb lately?  Lots of “new urbanism” developments have been added to the housing options in the last few years, and with today’s economy, you might be able to snag a deal on a unit. Young professionals, empty nesters and even families are giving them a look. Folks like the idea of being in walkable, bike-friendly neighborhoods, closer to the action (stores, restaurants, work, theater) and more in touch with their neighbors. Take a look at this  HGTV video about a couple choosing among three such homes:

I like the one they ultimately selected, and there’s one little detail about their decorating style that I can’t get out of my mind–a planter with wheat grass growing in it on the table.  I’ve seen this before, I continue to love it, and I even bought the seeds to do it myself.  Take a look at how elegant it is on a dining room table in the photo above (photo taken from the Beaux Mondes Design blog).  Anyone can bring a little city sophistication  home with a simple detail like that.

* New urbanism developments usually consider how people  interact with others, and how they can do more of it, thereby building stronger communities.  You don’t have to move, however, to bring these benefits home to you.  You can do simple things like build a front porch on your house (and don’t forget to sit out there, perhaps with some lemonade to share), add a couple Adirondack chairs and a fire pit (yep, right there in the front!) or start a front-yard garden.  You’ll be shocked how many neighbors you meet for the first time as a result!

*Speaking of front yard gardens, have you been following Fritz Haeg of Edible Estates and his regional prototypes of front yard gardens?  Interesting stuff.  Check out the garden in your region.  And, I don’t know about you, but I’m gonna’ read his book and get some ideas about more places to plant those amazing tomatoes I grew this year.

* They say urban agriculture is the new golf, but maybe you want the old golf?  I’m thinking this front yard putting green might make you pretty popular with the neighbors as well!  Fun. (I found it here.)

Want to add some new ways of connecting with your neighbors?  Connect with local service pros on Kudzu.  Not really wanting to mingle?  You can always build a fence.  As the ole’ saying goes, “Good fences make good neighbors.”  And yes, you can find a fence company on Kudzu, too.