Hi,
 
I started two hives in my backyard two years ago.  I have them at the back of
a flower garden.  This section of the yard boarders the "commercial" part of
our yard.  My husband is a lobsterman and he keeps his gear on the North side
of our yard and I get the rest of the yard for the gardens, hives etc.  We do
have close neighbors but no one really noticed what I was doing for almost the
entire first summer.  Then a neighbor was so excited about my bees, he told
everyone!  I was able to honestly say to my other concerned neighbors that the
hives had been there for months and months and had not caused any problems.  I
usually started off the conversation with "notice any improvement in your
garden this year?"  I also make sure everyone gets a nice jar of honey at
Christmas along with a little friendly chat about gardens, the importance of
pollinators and the problems with the use of pesticides.  My biggest fear is a
swarm.  Haven't had one yet and if I do I hope it is during the day, during
the week when few people are home!
 
Good luck.
 
Vickie