I think you’re very wise to realize that your neighbors will be your support when/if things go sideways. A lot of folks have a very unrealistic point of view when it comes to creating some kind of magical group where everyone will walk for 17 days and meet at a prearranged location.
In reality, it’s going to be down to the people who live nearby for most of us.
Annaraven has some good suggestions above.
I try to find common ground with my neighbors. If I see that they have bumper stickers that personally make me cringe, I can still get an idea of what their personal philosophies may be. In almost any philosophy, there are some redeeming qualities, like compassion, self-reliance, etc. I look for those points on which we agree and focus the relationship around that. If I see that they have a nice vegetable garden, I try to engage regarding this. If I notice they have children, I talk about that. All in all, I try to be a good neighbor and find that this generally gets the same thing in return.
Not always, of course. Some people honestly aren’t very nice. The good thing is, you’ll learn that in advance too.