How friendly are people in arizona? (Phoenix, Tucson: nicest, title, retired)

[JGMotorsport64]

Originally Posted by yukon

I think how friendly the people are in any given city is going to be based largely on how friendly and approachable YOU are.

I think folks in Milwaukee were by far the friendliest - even leaning over from the next table while dining out to speak to us. And I'd put most of New Mexico in the Top Three of most friendly areas. As for "unfriendly", there were the folks in Detroit, who weren't overly friendly but opened up once I started chatting with them and said something like "Oh, I'm from Texas, we talk to everyone" (I was living in Dallas at the time). So they ended up friendly enough too.

I've never really lived anywhere where I'd say folks were totally unfriendly. I always manage to get them talking

The last thing I want is strangers at an adjacent table talking to me while I’m eating.

[Spuggy]

Originally Posted by yukon

I think how friendly the people are in any given city is going to be based largely on how friendly and approachable YOU are.

I think folks in Milwaukee were by far the friendliest - even leaning over from the next table while dining out to speak to us. And I'd put most of New Mexico in the Top Three of most friendly areas. As for "unfriendly", there were the folks in Detroit, who weren't overly friendly but opened up once I started chatting with them and said something like "Oh, I'm from Texas, we talk to everyone" (I was living in Dallas at the time). So they ended up friendly enough too.

I've never really lived anywhere where I'd say folks were totally unfriendly. I always manage to get them talking

I’ve been friendly and approachable all my life and have lived in two countries and five states and I can tell you from my experience being approachable and friendly doesn’t work in some places, New Jersey was frustrating in that regard.people in my neighbourhood in Pheonix are not particularly friendly, nor unfriendly, just seem indifferent. What I’ve learned with all the moves is it’s not my job to move heaven and earth to make others be friendly and talk to me. I am still friendly and polite and approachable but I don’t need to force it. The right people come along and appreciate it

[teddyearp]

Originally Posted by yukon

I think how friendly the people are in any given city is going to be based largely on how friendly and approachable YOU are.

I think folks in Milwaukee were by far the friendliest - even leaning over from the next table while dining out to speak to us. And I'd put most of New Mexico in the Top Three of most friendly areas. As for "unfriendly", there were the folks in Detroit, who weren't overly friendly but opened up once I started chatting with them and said something like "Oh, I'm from Texas, we talk to everyone" (I was living in Dallas at the time). So they ended up friendly enough too.

I've never really lived anywhere where I'd say folks were totally unfriendly. I always manage to get them talking

Well, your mileage may vary, hehe. I was up in Wheatland, WY one time. I still had my long hair. I was outside this little store that had a mural painted on the side and this old grizzled farmer pulled up with his flat bed truck with hay and such on it. I was out in the middle of the street taking a picture of the mural. He got out of his truck and was kind of staring at me like I didn't belong. Well, I know I didn't. I just looked at him, smiled and said, "Howdy, I'm a tourist!" He just shook his head.

Other than that, I have found that folks in Arizona are much more friendly than most of those I interacted with in WA state for the years I lived there.

[ScottsdaleMark]

Originally Posted by teddyearp

Well, your mileage may vary, hehe. I was up in Wheatland, WY one time. I still had my long hair. I was outside this little store that had a mural painted on the side and this old grizzled farmer pulled up with his flat bed truck with hay and such on it. I was out in the middle of the street taking a picture of the mural. He got out of his truck and was kind of staring at me like I didn't belong. Well, I know I didn't. I just looked at him, smiled and said, "Howdy, I'm a tourist!" He just shook his head.

Other than that, I have found that folks in Arizona are much more friendly than most of those I interacted with in WA state for the years I lived there.

Great anecdote. I've run into that kind of attitude myself over the years visiting family in small towns. Most people are super nice and happy to chat with someone from out of town, but there are always a few who are just disdainful or distrustful of "outsiders" and if you weren't born there and didn't live there your whole life, they'll always see you as an outsider.

[wannabeaTexan]

I have not had one bad experience talking to anyone in Arizona the last seven months I’ve lived here. And I’m friendly, but not necessarily approachable-looking. Since my teens, I’ve been told I look mean...a lot. I swear I’m not trying. Lol

Everyone’s been nice here or very nice. Nothing bad to report.

[InqurngMind]

People in the Phoenix and surrounding areas are pretty much live and let live. They aren’t overly friendly, more like they stay out of your business. This is true for most of the year.

However, once August hits, there is a noticeable uptick in road rage. I’ve noticed way more horns honking and hand gestures in the late summer. I think the constant heat gets to people.

[Spuggy]

Originally Posted by wannabeaTexan

I have not had one bad experience talking to anyone in Arizona the last seven months I’ve lived here. And I’m friendly, but not necessarily approachable-looking. Since my teens, I’ve been told I look mean...a lot. I swear I’m not trying. Lol

Everyone’s been nice here or very nice. Nothing bad to report.

I had one very unpleasant interaction with a woman who before I even opened my mouth took an instant dislike , have no clue what her problem was. She either did not want to sell me a Pepsi, was tired, hates British people, hated her life, hated the way we looked, had constpation but no amount of being polite made a difference. She was rude with a face like a chewed up toffee. We walked out. Generally though have no complaints

[wase4711]

in our 16 months here, we have always found most people to be very friendly and approachable..
sure, everyone has bad days, and you cant expect pleasantries from everyone you approach, but, all in all, we find this entire state to be loaded with friendly, pleasant folks..

But, yes, as we roll into August/September, after weeks/months of intense heat and the like, people are more testy than they are in January. Thats just human nature, not a reflection of the general friendliness of most people here..

[wannabeaTexan]

Originally Posted by Spuggy

I had one very unpleasant interaction with a woman who before I even opened my mouth took an instant dislike , have no clue what her problem was. She either did not want to sell me a Pepsi, was tired, hates British people, hated her life, hated the way we looked, had constpation but no amount of being polite made a difference. She was rude with a face like a chewed up toffee. We walked out. Generally though have no complaints

Oh no! Guess she was having a bad day. I don’t know anyone who hates British people, so I doubt that was her problem!

[sonorandesert92]

I'll tell you, I've been hearing horror stories about Tucson while living in Phoenix lol. Many people have felt sorry for me because I lived in Tucson for 2.5 years and have told me that I'm in a better place now. About 99.5% of everybody I've met all have agreed with me about the people in Tucson. Today, I heard a story that was rather sad, made me not want to even go back to Tucson. I met this couple and they were talking about how rude people at The University of Arizona are and how rude Wildcat fans are. Was told that they were cussed out for no reason at a bar. This is what was horrifying to hear. They said there was this guy at a U of A game in the wrong section and he had to be escorted to the other section by security because people were throwing beer bottles and spit wads at him. This just goes to show how uncivilized Tucson is. They also have mentioned that Sun Devil Games were more laid back and people are typically nicer.

I remember going to the U of A campus many times and yes, the people were very rude. I've been to the ASU Campus and people were the complete opposite, very nice and warm. I just don't understand why Tucson is such a rude city. I'm beginning to think that New York and Boston are much friendlier places than Tucson. It all makes me so happy I moved to Phoenix. It's truly the best decision I've ever made. I've not encountered one mean person over here. I've met people instantly too. I think the next rankings are going to put Tucson in the top 10 for rudest cities in the nation, and I think Phoenix will be in the top 5 for most friendliest cities.