Why have I failed to connect to people in Tempe?

[DougStark]

Originally Posted by Bondurant

Phoenix area is what you make of it. It's no different than anywhere else. I'm from Michigan, lived in Chicagoland for a decade and spent some time near Scranton, PA. I do believe meeting people becomes harder as you get older because social circles seem to close once your schooling ends.

My experiences have been the same in each place. Though I find the people generally more friendly and laid back here.

I agree with you, especially the statement that the older you get, the harder it is to make friends. I'd recommend the OP to hit coffee shops known to cater to free thinkers/intellectuals, join book clubs, check out Meet Up groups, go to a church (if the OP has any leanings that way.)

I actually like how Phoenix neighborhoods have block walls in the backyard for privacy. You don't see fences as common in the mid-west, where I lived for a period of time.

Another thing I like here IS the fact people here are from all over the country. Many people in mid-west and eastern cities have lived there their whole life, so they've formed their own little circle of friends. It's not like that here as much. Same goes for many other growing western cities (Denver, SF, SD, etc.)- people are from all over the US.

The climate here is definitely not for everyone, I admit, and it takes time to get used to. Some people flat-out can't stand the heat and intense sun.

[Colt AZ]

Arizonans are great people. I usually give everyone a friendly HOWDY!