[rufasterisco]

In Venice, the small local population amidst a substantial influx of tourists fosters a tighter community.

Actually, lots of extremely local communities gather around social hubs, typically squares featuring bars where people routinely visit for breakfast, brunch, and aperitifs. It doesn't take long to gain recognition and differentiate yourself from a tourist; alcohol often facilitates conversation, too :).

If you want to see this in action, there are a fair number of sagre (these are summer festivals typical of small towns and villages throughout Italy, but not so much in the cities) that unfold right in the heart of Venice each year! (Try searching for Festa de san piero de casteo or Sagra di san giacomo dall'orio and look at some pictures)

Moreover, as Venice doesn't have cars (and boats just work in a different way), you're likely to follow the same few paths to and from work. This familiarity aids in establishing recognition on the street.

Being young can be beneficial when integrating with locals, thanks to the significant student population residing in the city (relative to the number of permanent residents). However, it's hardly an impediment; it's common to see people of all ages enjoying drinks during aperitivo. YMMV depending on your level of introversion or extroversion.

Nightlife after midnight is concentrated in a few places, and again it won't take long to recognize the same faces, nor to be recognized too.

Overall, as a single data-point, during my seven years there, I found Venice's social dynamics to touch a sweet spot in its unique blending of small-town camaraderie and large-scale artistic events.