In which cities are strangers most likely to talk to you? In which cities the least?

[f1000]

Originally Posted by f1000

Go to Chicago, and then go to Toronto. The difference in friendliness is astounding.
Far greater than the difference between Seattle & Vancouver.

No, i am saying that Chicago is far friendlier than Toronto. And visiting both consecutively really highlights that. Maybe it was just timing on my part though.

And that there is more of a difference in friendliness level between those 2 cities than there is between Seattle & Vancouver (which are not that different between each other in terms of friendliness, but the US counterpart still friendlier).

[sacramento916]

From my experience, Honolulu. Friendliest and most genuine locals ever.

[chef.sunny22]

Let's hear it for NYC, people are actually nice!! What a surprise.

I've noticed people will talk to you ANYWHERE if you give off vibes of being approachable. I get talked to all the time. It's little encounters like in the supermarket, commenting on prices or lines or at an event.

Walk a dog and many people WILL talk to you anywhere.

When I lived in the UK, one day I was at a news agents/corner store with my son who was still in a carriage/pushchair this old man started talking to me like he knew me.

It was a small town, so maybe it got out a few Yanks lived there and someone who actually LIKES Americans decided to be friendly. I don't know.

[Natural510]

Amsterdam was probably the friendliest city I've ever visited. The least likely (strangers making conversation)? Probably Boston...when I made small talk with people there they were almost shocked someone broke them out of their shell, but they were still receptive.

Yeah, contrary to stereotype, many New Yorkers practice casual small talk on a regular basis. The reputation for rudeness mainly comes from impatience of a rushed lifestyle, not overall unwillingness to engage with one's fellow human being.