An occasional chat over the garden fence and a wave hello from time to time is what we all hope to enjoy with our neighbours.
But many people go above and beyond the call of duty, helping the people living near them and working to improve their neighbourhoods in all sorts of ways.
This summer, we're looking to recognise the best neighbours in Leicestershire and Rutland with our Good Neighbour of the Year 2013 competition.
Last year, the winner of our competition was Sandra Francis, 63, who was described as a "knight in shining armour" by her neighbour Sylvia Kenney.
Sandra, of New Parks, Leicester, helps her neighbours, including Sylvia, whenever she can. The pair were on holiday recently where Sandra once again proved how priceless her help can be.
She said: "We were in Amsterdam together about six weeks ago and Sylvia had a heart attack. At the time we were just walking around the city and I told her she didn't look well and she said she felt poorly.
"She had a sit down and didn't get any treatment but, back in Leicester, the doctor said she had a heart attack, so we've been going into hospital every week.
"So you could say I'm being an even better neighbour this year!
"It was great to win the competition last year. The prize was a trip to Portugal, which was very nice."
This year's competition is being sponsored by East Midlands Housing Group (EMHG), which is committed to creating good neighbourhoods throughout the region.
Launching the search today, Chan Kataria, chief executive of EMHG, said: "The Good Neighbour award is an opportunity for us to promote the good work that so many people all around the county do to contribute to their neighbourhoods and the wider community.
"Last year, it was extremely uplifting to hear the stories about the nominees and to be able to celebrate the way these people go above and beyond the call of duty.
"When you hear about all the bad news that comes from neighbourhoods where there are problems caused by a minority of people it's very positive to have that balanced out in this way.
"As a housing group we have more than 17,000 homes across the region and our success partly depends on how we can contribute to sustainable communities where people want to live. We want to encourage community spirit, because that's what makes somewhere a good place to live, and I look forward to hearing many more stories from people during this year's Good Neighbour of the Year Award."
This year, the winner of our competition will receive £500 cash and the runners-up will receive hampers from Waitrose in Oadby.
The awards final will take place on August 22 at The City Rooms in Leicester.
To nominate someone, call Nikki Kandola on 0116 222 4310 or fill in the form below.
