20 Questions

Fun Questions to Ask Residents

Lighthearted, engaging questions that help residents connect, share stories, and build community in their living space.

1

What's the weirdest thing you've found in your apartment?

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Why this works

Creates laughter and shared experiences while revealing the unique history of the building and previous tenants.

2

If you could redesign the building, what would you add?

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Why this works

Encourages creative thinking and helps identify common needs or desires among residents.

3

What's your favorite spot in the building and why?

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Why this works

Helps residents discover new areas and creates opportunities for shared experiences in common spaces.

4

What's the funniest thing that's happened in the elevator?

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Why this works

Creates bonding through shared awkward moments and helps break the ice in a natural way.

5

If you could have any celebrity as a neighbor, who would it be?

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Why this works

Light conversation starter that reveals personality and creates fun hypothetical scenarios.

6

What's the best meal you've cooked in your apartment?

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Why this works

Encourages sharing of cooking tips and recipes while creating opportunities for potluck events.

7

What's your go-to method for meeting new neighbors?

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Why this works

Helps identify social connectors and creates opportunities for community building activities.

8

If you could add one amenity to the building, what would it be?

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Why this works

Reveals common interests and helps building management understand resident priorities.

9

What's the most interesting thing about your apartment's history?

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Why this works

Creates storytelling opportunities and helps residents feel connected to their space's past.

10

What's your favorite way to spend a quiet evening at home?

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Why this works

Reveals personality and lifestyle preferences while creating opportunities for shared activities.

11

If you could host a building-wide event, what would it be?

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Why this works

Encourages community involvement and helps identify potential event organizers and ideas.

12

What's the best advice you'd give to a new resident?

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Why this works

Creates mentorship opportunities and helps new residents feel welcomed and supported.

13

What's your favorite thing about living in this neighborhood?

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Why this works

Builds local pride and helps residents discover new places and activities in the area.

14

If you could change one thing about apartment living, what would it be?

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Why this works

Identifies common pain points and creates opportunities for building management to address resident concerns.

15

What's the most creative way you've used your apartment space?

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Why this works

Encourages sharing of space-saving ideas and creative solutions for small living.

16

What's your favorite building tradition or event?

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Why this works

Helps identify successful community activities and creates opportunities to revive or improve existing traditions.

17

If you could have any pet in your apartment, what would it be?

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Why this works

Light conversation that reveals personality and creates opportunities for pet-related community activities.

18

What's the best thing about having neighbors?

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Why this works

Encourages positive thinking about community living and helps build appreciation for neighbor relationships.

19

What's your favorite way to make your apartment feel like home?

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Why this works

Encourages sharing of decorating and personalization ideas while revealing individual styles.

20

If you could create a building newsletter, what would be the first story?

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Why this works

Encourages community storytelling and helps identify potential contributors to building communications.

Building Community Through Fun Conversations

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Best Practices

Keep It Light and Positive

Focus on fun, shared experiences rather than complaints. This creates a welcoming atmosphere and encourages participation.

Encourage Storytelling

Ask questions that prompt residents to share stories and experiences. This builds connections and creates memorable interactions.

Create Follow-up Opportunities

Use answers to identify potential activities, events, or community initiatives that residents might be interested in.

Question Sequences

The Community Building Sequence

1
What's your favorite spot in the building and why?
2
If you could host a building-wide event, what would it be?
3
What's your favorite building tradition or event?

The Getting to Know You Sequence

1
What's the weirdest thing you've found in your apartment?
2
What's the funniest thing that's happened in the elevator?
3
What's the most interesting thing about your apartment's history?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Ask About Personal Problems

Avoid questions about rent, maintenance issues, or complaints. Keep the focus on positive, fun topics.

Don't Make Assumptions

Avoid questions that assume everyone has the same living situation, income level, or lifestyle preferences.

Don't Force Participation

Some residents may be more private. Respect boundaries and don't pressure people to share more than they're comfortable with.

Conversation Templates

The Icebreaker Approach

1
Step 1: Start with: "What's the weirdest thing you've found in your apartment?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "What's the funniest thing that's happened in the elevator?"
3
Step 3: End with: "What's your favorite spot in the building and why?"

The Community Builder Approach

1
Step 1: Begin with: "If you could add one amenity to the building, what would it be?"
2
Step 2: Ask: "If you could host a building-wide event, what would it be?"
3
Step 3: Conclude: "What's your favorite building tradition or event?"

Further Reading

"The Art of Community" by Charles Vogl
"Bowling Alone" by Robert Putnam
"The Great Good Place" by Ray Oldenburg
Community Building Institute resources
Neighborhood organizing guides

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