In some parts of the US (particularly small towns and the Midwest) people will not only smile and nod at strangers on the sidewalk, but say hello or ask “how are you?” (not expecting anything other than “fine, thanks”). In New York, that would definitely be cause for concern!
Can confirm. I spent many years in the Midwest and it is very common for strangers there to engage you in conversation randomly just to be nice. In contrast, in most East Coast cities, whenever people start up a conversation without an immediately apparent goal, it is to set up an ask for money.
Yes, indeed! I'm from the "cold non-smiling" country as well and going first time to Atlanta was very weird experience with random people on the street "how are you?"ing you.
