New box - when to expect visits?

Hello John (assuming that), welcome to the forum.  Not an expert by any means but in response to your post - birds vary in their approach to new boxes, we have seen and heard that people have visits straight away and other may wait a long time for a visit.  The fact that your neighbour has plenty of activity is a good sign and I am sure your box will be spotted soon.  Visits in the winter are usually for roasting purposes or for checking out in readiness for the perfect box to nest in come the Spring.  It is often about now that birds are looking and if they find the box that is right for them, usually nest building begins early in March (however some don’t start until into April or later), it depends on the state of trees and the foliage beginning to provide caterpillars suitable for the young chicks..
Patience is the key. Be patient, keep watching and hopefully you will be rewarded with some visits at least and hopefully more!!!  Be aware these nest watching boxes are very addictive and very time consuming.  You will get hooked.  
The forum is quiet at the moment but probably a month from now there will be plenty of people to converse with and get information from.  Good luck.
Sue