[popctrl]

I grew up outside of Detroit, MI. Talking to strangers does not seem like much of a thing there. The first time I spent more than a week outside of Michigan was in Oklahoma. I would be walking down the street and people would not just say hello but ask me how I was doing and then actually listen and make conversation. At first I thought they were trying to scam me or something. When they'd approach, I would step back, take a mental inventory of my pockets, and evaluate my surroundings. Eventually I realized they were just being friendly!

People may have a different experience if they are more extroverted, but some places really are friendlier than others.