Where Are The Good Samaritans? (transfer, university, taxis)

[dakota79]

Where in the US can you find the most good samaritans? I don't necessarily mean volunteers who give hours of their time on a regular basis, but rather do the quick, spontaneous deeds when they see someone in need.

I ask this because of a recent experience. I recently transferred with my job to a new city where I knew no one. The day after I moved here I fractured my knee after tripping over a curb. I had little furniture or groceries, and don't drive due to an eye condition. Normally, I would walk 15 minutes to my job, but had to take taxis for a while. It was inconvenient, as it sometimes took an hour to get one. I started my job on time with seated work only. I got to know several workers, and they learned about my situation through conversations. While they were friendly on the job and gave me some "that's too bad" remarks, not one single co-worker (130 of them) ever offerred me a ride or to help in any way. Sometimes someone would be leaving at the same time, and flat out make reference to my taxi. Some wouldn't even hold a door open or carry something for me.

It has sort of left a bitter taste in my mouth. I can understand being hesitant to trust someone you don't know well. People fear they will get taken advantage of. But this was clearly a temporary situation, and I lived very close. One worker even made the comment after they heard I was taking taxis, "you need to make some friends".

Thankfully, my knee is almost healed. I just wonder if this experience maybe would have been different if I were living elsewhere. I am sure there are some good samaritans here, as well as everywhere. But where are they abundant?

[smokingGun]

well they're surely not here in LA! the city is so spreadout & diverse that ppl basically shut their doors and mind their own business.

[Thomas R.]

The following studies list three states as agreeable and trusting: North Dakota, Minnesota, and Utah.

New Yorkers are neurotic and unfriendly, says Cambridge University 'personality map' - Telegraph

Utah, South Dakota Best Places in U.S. to Lose Your Wallet

But take that with a grain of salt.