Are people friendly where you live? (Indianapolis, Fort Wayne: transplants, home, neighborhood)

[mjcten]

Tell me where the most friendly people in Indiana are.Where do people just say hi and wave to one another.Kind and caring people.People on a more personal level.Any place like this around?If so please tell me of it!Thanks to all.

[SJU]

I haven't spent enough time everywhere in Indiana to comprehensively answer your question, but my neighborhood in Fishers is extremely friendly--I take walks with my son every night and we always get a hello, and sometimes a long conversation with someone I don't even know. I think a lot of places in this state are like that.

[domergurl]

You have to keep in mind that most Hoosiers are of German descent. Being the daughter of a German, I was raised that you are not overtly friendly to those you do not know well. Aloof is a good word. I had a neighbor in Fishers who is an NYC Italian who is very touchy, huggy, and was hurt whenever her advances for a friendly hug were met with a little coldness. I could be overgeneralizing and completely wrong, but in my experience as a lifelong Hoosier minus 10 years, we are friendlier the better we get to know you.

There are also geographic considerations. In very small towns where there aren't many outsiders, i.e., you, your parents and grandparents and beyond have all lived there, there may be some lack of acceptance. I grew up in a small town like that. To this day, even though my parents have lived there since 1969, they are still seen as outsiders ... that's annoying. But in most towns of good size, there is plently of friendliness, but again, it may take a few weeks or months.

[mbuszu]

Originally Posted by domergurl

You have to keep in mind that most Hoosiers are of German descent. Being the daughter of a German, I was raised that you are not overtly friendly to those you do not know well. Aloof is a good word. I had a neighbor in Fishers who is an NYC Italian who is very touchy, huggy, and was hurt whenever her advances for a friendly hug were met with a little coldness. I could be overgeneralizing and completely wrong, but in my experience as a lifelong Hoosier minus 10 years, we are friendlier the better we get to know you.

There are also geographic considerations. In very small towns where there aren't many outsiders, i.e., you, your parents and grandparents and beyond have all lived there, there may be some lack of acceptance. I grew up in a small town like that. To this day, even though my parents have lived there since 1969, they are still seen as outsiders ... that's annoying. But in most towns of good size, there is plently of friendliness, but again, it may take a few weeks or months.

Domergirl I just learned something - thanks! When I was reading the OP I wasn't certain how to respond because although I have found the people here more "real" and friendly than in NYC, in general it has taken about 1-2 years of interaction with anyone to get "somewhat close" to them. Our neighbors have also kept to themselves and seem content to be that way as well.

Overall I feel like people in Fort Wayne are excellent once you get to know them, it is just a lengthy process to do so with some of them.

[Southside Shrek]

I think the question should be: How friendly am I? if you are a friendly, warm and outgoing type of individual, then you will find that most of the folks here in Indiana respond favorably and will reciprocate with warmness. Of course, I have encountered a few exceptions but just a few.

[domergurl]

I didn't want to upset anyone with what I wrote, they are just my completely unscientific theories based on where I grew up and came back to via the boomerang effect.

Hoosiers may not be all fuzziecuddle initially, but I will tell you that if you need help, we will step up, generally, no matter what.

[VALover]

I live in Seymour and find the people here to be just as domergurl described. They aren't bad people by any means, they just have their way.

I lived in Franklin for a year and found the people in that town to be a bit more accepting, of course there were more transplants there.

[plaidmom]

Originally Posted by domergurl

Hoosiers may not be all fuzziecuddle initially, but I will tell you that if you need help, we will step up, generally, no matter what.

Best description of Midwesterners...EVER.

[sonshinelife]

Hope you don't mind a Texan with Hoosier Parents cutting in on this thread. I just found it very interesting:

I'm not a Hoosier, myself, but was brought into this world and raised by two Hoosiers. From my experience over the last 40+ years I always thought H were down home friendly, a little laid back, and genuine. I was raised and currently live in what I consider a friendly city (big to boot... Dallas, Texas), but honestly, the people here are not that down home feel I always got when I went to visit my grandparents, uncles/aunts, and cousins. The people here are friendly, but can be clickish.

[hapaleeretired]

I visited Dallas twice. Never have I met more friendly/helpful folk.
We moved from Indianapolis two years ago to NC. We so miss the warm, friendly and helpful people of the midwest so much that we are planning on moving back ASAP.
Hoosier Hospitality if the real thing.
Some of the smaller rural towns may be a bit clanish.