According to one study, it takes an average of five months to feel part of a community after moving. A survey of 2,000 adults found that 46% consider getting to know your neighbors one of the best things about living in a new place.

The best ways to take the first step when you’re new to a neighborhood are to buy your neighbor a bottle of wine (20%) or invite them to share a drink with you (30%). Others receive an invitation to the very important group chat (20%).

But a third admitted to struggling to feel included – even if they would like to.

Signs that you have been accepted into a new community include accepting packages on your behalf (51%), taking or taking out your trash for you (34%) and being notified if someone a “doubtful-looking” has been spied on near you (34%).

The research was commissioned by Barefoot Wine as part of its Colorful Community campaign, encouraging Britons to share their stories in a bid to crown one of three communities of the year. It features the best street party, the most active whatsapp group and the best community support and spirit.

A spokesperson for the brand said: “Moving to a new area can be daunting and it’s clear people want to feel comfortable in the community as soon as possible. It’s great to see the different ways people relate to those around them and this community spirit hasn’t gone away since life has returned to normal.

“The signs that you’ve been ‘accepted’ have also been kind of fun and relatable, and it’s great to see so many of us bonding over a glass of wine or two. At Barefoot, we’ve always stood for the spirit, so we can’t wait to hear about what makes communities nationwide so special to those who make them up.

The study also found that after moving, 51% usually wait for others to make the first move before knowing them, but a quarter are usually the ones who do.

It takes an average of three months for an adult to join a group chat with neighbors and two and a half months to arrange a meeting with their children. And an average of three months is the acceptable time frame for a coffee or wine date.

It also emerged that two-thirds of adults know the names of all their immediate neighbours, with 27% saying those across the fence are their favorite thing where they live. While one in five like everyone knowing each other, 27% appreciate everyone being kind and helpful, and 21% thrive on community spirit.

Almost half (46%) love their community so much that they would stay in the same area if they were planning to move. And 46% find that people regularly do each other a favor, including keeping an eye on their house while they’re away (38%), taking out the trash without being asked (32%) and being offering home-grown vegetables (21%). .

The study, conducted via OnePoll, also found that 26% consider some of their neighbors to be close friends. While the main reasons for having a drink with a neighbor are birthday parties (18%), the sun is shining (16%) and weekends (16%).

And almost one in five consider being invited for a spontaneous glass of wine a sign of being welcomed into the community.

The Barefoot Wine spokesperson added: “Our community spirit has improved so much over the past couple of years, and it’s heartwarming that people are coming together and supporting each other in some way. Communities are so important and gestures – big or small – can make such a difference.

TOP 15 SIGNS YOU HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED INTO A NEW COMMUNITY

1. People will pick up packages for you
2. Neighbors bringing in/taking out your trash cans for you
3. Neighbors will tell you if someone suspicious has been near you
4. They are asked to watch the house while they go on vacation
5. Being invited to regular social events
6. Everyone knows your family by their first names
7. Being asked to borrow a tool
8. Receive a spare key “just in case of emergency”
9. Everyone knows your dog’s name
10. You are invited to the barbecue/street party
11. Being asked to pick up someone else’s child from school and give them tea
12. Being approached for a spontaneous glass of wine
13. You are informed of all upcoming local events
14. We tell you all the gossip from the community
15. You are added to a Facebook group / WhatsApp chat