Just for a bit of history, the idea of a surname is relatively new to that part of the world, and it's quite common for people to not refer to each other by their surnames.

Asking them to teach you how to make something you like to eat might be a good way to get them involved. Rita thinks they're being shy because they don't speak much or any English (her mother speaks very little English, but she understands more than she lets on). If that's the case, make friends with the kids, they'll all speak both languages and be able to help get past the language barrier.

Banh mi? I’m in.

This.

Or maybe a block party. When my (ex)eife and I moved into our house, I contacted the county and submitted a request for a special use permit to close the block for the day. Hand delivered invites (another way to get familiar) and held a pot-luck street party!

Banh ngot?

I live in a neighborhood where the houses are not close together. I had an elderly couple to the south of us, and after one of the big snow storms I trudged over there to see if they were okay and needed anything, because I knew they weren't making it out of their driveway for a while. That was a great introduction, and I was invited in for homemade cookies. We exchanged contact information and became friends.

Each year we take a plate of homemade Christmas cookies to neighbors around us. This has been a great introduction.

If we have a big party, the neighbors are invited.

In other neighborhoods I've lived. If you have kids the same age, that's an ice breaker. Kids will find each other and bring the parents together. Same goes for pets.

Guns have also been a good icebreaker for my neighbors to the north. They wanted to learn to shoot. After a few outings, they became gun owners, and both got their CPL. Mission accomplished. They also like beer, so I always text the neighbor when I'm at our local brewery.

It helps that my neighbors on each side are pretty cool, which is a blessing.

Respect to the elder family members, regardless of whether they are older than you goes over well. I think that comes pretty natural to you. Food and booze are universal. Get your YL involved for sure. Endear yourself to the ladies of the household, especially if elderly and you're in like Flint.

Seriously, once you get past the initial contact, your personality will take over and it will all be good. I wish you were my neighbor.

Hear, hear!

I tried something like this:
https://nextdoor.com/about_us/
Kind of like facebook, but just for your area. I only got one response. I wasn't looking for a weekly BBQ, but I thought especially as a CERT member we should at least look out for each other.....Crickets. In 10 years I got to know 2/3 neighbors by name. The most I talked to them was when I had a garage sale to move out to OK. Just be happy with the YL.

That we do.

My advice is to invite a friend over who speaks their language to help break the ice. I'm free every other Saturday Just sayin'

I dont know any of my neighbors and that’s just fine by me. I must be a dick