There are 28 houses in our little 'estate'; of those about 3 or 4 that if I passed them in town I would not recognise and therefore would not speak. But having lived in the same house in a small village for 24 years helps, as well as taking part in the various village activities on and off over the years. Not many people have moved away - we used to be the youngest when we first arrived and it is scary that soon we will be amongst the oldest - but not just yet!
We see more people in the summer because the neighbours are all avid gardeners (and also all retired - at least the ones surrounding us) The immediate neighbours are all great - we chat over the hedge and we would all help each other out if the need arose, but we don't socialise much in each others houses other than at Christmas, when someone will have a drinks do sometimes. We used to take it in turn to have an open house on New Year's Eve for anyone living on the estate so that anyone who might be on their own could go round to see the New Year in, but that seems to have fizzled out and is replaced by a New Year's Day village walk which attracts about 80 or so people.
On the whole, I am quite happy with our set up - I see lots of people during my working day and look forward to getting home to be with my husband and remaining grown up son! But I would do anything within reason to help our neighbours.
Oops, look at the time - must go!