When I said that people in Austin are nicer, I meant that in my cousin’s neighborhood, people talk to one another more. The kids play together and the families sometimes have gatherings. They may even go to church together. There’s more “village” life. I was trying to answer the thread’s question by what one might wish the “ideal” all-American neighborhood to be.
People in San Diego are “new” people in new developments so they don’t really socialize.
From my personal perspective, I like the NYC type attitude. I don’t go to church nor do I want my neighbors to ask me to join them. I don’t want people to bring me pies because I’d feel obligated to return the favor. I don’t want kids to sell me girl-scout cookies and I don’t care if I never set foot in my neighbor’s home or if I’m not invited to their parties. Some people might call me anti-social but I don’t really need to be friends with my neighbors. I may feel differently when I’m older but for now, I’m happy to lead a socially independent life.
So it depends on your perspective. People in Austin are more Norman Rockwell nice. It’s wonderful if you want that.
