A "For Rent" sign went up on a house near me today.
We don't have a great record with the three families that have lived in that house in the seven years we've been here. This last one is a douche who doesn't keep the yard up, but at least he's quiet.
I don't expect better neighbours. I have a bad track record. Time after time I've said to myself, Maybe it's I who am the shitty neighbour. But I kill my dandelions and put out nice flowers and pop misdirected mail into the proper box. If anyone was willing to put their hand out in any way, I would be happy to keep your spare key and water the containers when you go on vacation. I will even acknowledge you, which everyone knows is against my nature. I, your neighbour, have the most interest in a good relationship with you.
But...the last few years have seen my neighbourhood go downhill. Crime is up. The sidewalks are a civic embarrassment. Muslim and First Nations families are moving in...which I don't consider a negative, but plenty of people buying houses won't buy in an area with lots of brown people in them, yes that still happens. So the house price explosion didn't happen to the extreme it did elsewhere in Edmonton. That means people, like myself, who couldn't afford much are coming in. And the ones who bought at the top of the bubble are finding that they can't sell for what they need to get, so they're renting out. As a rule you can spot the rented houses in Edmonton - they are the ones with the shitty upkeep. They are a drag on other properties' value.
I'm hoping to get a relatively tame military family, since I live near two bases. Or perhaps a guy who is away on the rigs a lot. Or maybe somebody just normal and quiet, how about that? I don't care what colour they are.