Sierra Vista Not Friendly (Phoenix: appointed, how much, new house)

[ttboy]

Not Friendly. It has been three years since we have moved to Sierra Vista from California, my Grandfather and his father was born in Cochise County so it was a type of coming home. I am some what disappointed that people here in my neighborhood are not Friendly we say hi to people on the street and we get silence or strange looks and this was before COVID-19 What gives?

[Oklazona Bound]

When the opportunity presents itself go up and talk to them. They are not going to know you have roots there from a wave. Probably all they know about you is you are from California from your plates when you moved in. And lots of people in states surrounding California don't like Californians moving in. But you are essentially moving back which is different.

[Tall Traveler]

Originally Posted by ttboy

Not Friendly. It has been three years since we have moved to Sierra Vista from California, my Grandfather and his father was born in Cochise County so it was a type of coming home. I am some what disappointed that people here in my neighborhood are not Friendly we say hi to people on the street and we get silence or strange looks and this was before COVID-19 What gives?

In my opinion, people culturally are openly friendly are not and this mentality runs deep. You ever notice how many people talk about how friendly people from the South are? IMO, it's due to the culture of the people that emigrated there which is mostly Scots Irish, English and black....these people tend to be openly friendly. The US Middle West was settled more by people from Germany and Nordic people who are not openly friendly to strangers. SV has a large German population...maybe that's why.

[Elna Rae]

Originally Posted by Oklazona Bound

When the opportunity presents itself go up and talk to them. They are not going to know you have roots there from a wave. Probably all they know about you is you are from California from your plates when you moved in. And lots of people in states surrounding California don't like Californians moving in. But you are essentially moving back which is different.

Yep.

If I moved from California (apparently you can’t say Kalifornia here) my first stop would be MVD to eliminate the tattoo on the back of all of my cars.

Californian’s have a multitude of sins to repent of and it will take work on your part to make sure the natives discontinue casting a jaundiced eye. My advice? Throw a party with unlimited amounts of alcohol.

[bobspez]

Do you stand out from your neighbors? Better or worse house, cars, clothes? Neighbors are apparently suspicious of you for some reason. I noticed people were mostly stand offish in my neighborhood, but walking a dog at least gets you hellos from other dog people. I think it may be a plus not to be social with neighbors. You avoid arguments, gossip, etc. Many people may have been burnt by getting too friendly with neighbors in the past so just go with the flow. It's not the worst thing. Having a rude, inconsiderate and/or noisy neighbor would be much worse. If people don't return your hello, just ignore them in the future. It really sounds like after three years they are not worth being friends with.

[wase4711]

we had a similar situation when we moved to phoenix a few years ago; first thing we did, was to ditch the Illinois plates,(props, @Elna rae!)and, the next thing we did was make cookie gift plates, with home made cookies, and gave them to almost every neighbor on our block.
not sure how much that helped, but, now we regularly talk with most of the folks on our block, and we get along really well.

there are so many people coming and going in Phoenix, so its understandable why many "settlers" dont bother getting friendly with new neighbors, but, if you care that much, you gotta go out of your way and try to make friends.

[Oklazona Bound]

Originally Posted by Elna Rae

Yep.

If I moved from California (apparently you can’t say Kalifornia here) my first stop would be MVD to eliminate the tattoo on the back of all of my cars.

Californian’s have a multitude of sins to repent of and it will take work on your part to make sure the natives discontinue casting a jaundiced eye. My advice? Throw a party with unlimited amounts of alcohol.

Good idea.

[Bondurant]

Just a sign of the times. I am not one to say "hello" to strangers but will respond in kind if someone greets me. The era of the friendly neighbor may be a thing of the past. I have not known a neighbor anywhere I have lived since '97.

[Elna Rae]

Amazing.
What has happened to our society? Where's the risk in greeting a stranger with a wave, smile, hello, or "how's it goin?" Much less getting to know those who live next to us?

Want a friend?
Be a friend.

Don't want a friend?
Maybe someone else needs one.

[Sno0909]

Originally Posted by Bondurant

Just a sign of the times. I am not one to say "hello" to strangers but will respond in kind if someone greets me. The era of the friendly neighbor may be a thing of the past. I have not known a neighbor anywhere I have lived since '97.

That's quite sad. Sorry to say, but you are exactly the type of person I did not want to live by when I bought my new house. I've been here three months and already know all my neighbors. Neighborhoods and communities are what you make them. I don't think it's a sign of the times at all.