National Neighbor Day

Every year on September 28, National Neighbor Day or National Good Neighbor Day celebrates simple acts of connection with the people who live nearby, turning a regular day into a chance to say hello, lend a hand, and build a friendlier block.

History of National Neighbor Day

Modern calendars use the name “National Neighbor Day” for the September 28 observance and encourage easy ways to meet and help those next door. This U.S. date lines up with the long-running “National Good Neighbor Day,” a companion effort that promotes the same spirit of local connection.

The roots go back to the early 1970s, when Montanan Becky Mattson championed Good Neighbor Day; in 1978 President Jimmy Carter issued Proclamation 4601 calling for observance “with appropriate ceremonies and activities.” Over time, guides and city/community pages settled on September 28 as the fixed annual date.

Why is National Neighbor Day important?

Because neighbors shape daily life more than we notice—the spare cup of sugar, the quick text about a package, the check-in after a storm. A gentle, once-a-year prompt reminds us to turn proximity into goodwill and to make small habits that keep a street feeling safe and welcoming.

It also helps communities meet real needs without a big program. When people swap phone numbers, learn names, and offer tiny favors, they create the network that matters during blackouts, heat waves, and ordinary lonely afternoons. A friendly doorway talk beats a dozen unread posts online. ¹

• Say hello first and use names.
• Trade one small favor and return it soon.
• Share a resource—a tool, a tip, a local contact.
• Celebrate the small wins on your block.
• Check in on someone who lives alone.

How to celebrate National Neighbor Day

Keep it easy. Pick one doable action today: knock to introduce yourself, write a quick note with your number, or leave a little porch treat. If conversation feels awkward, ask a simple question—trash pickup time, a nearby café recommendation—and let it open the door to the next chat.

Make it a tiny event. Invite a few households for a doorstep coffee, a five-house potluck, or a cleanup of the nearest corner. If you want a ready-made plan, grab a short guide from the Good Neighbor Day campaign and tailor one idea to your street.

• Write a friendly note with your contact info.
• Organize a five-minute stoop or hallway meetup.
• Swap a favorite local recommendation.
• Put the date in your calendar so it becomes a habit.
• Offer help carrying something heavy.

National Neighbor Day Dates Table

1. https://www.nationalgoodneighborday.org/[↩]