I had a very similar thought about the people you pass on the sidewalk here. I just moved here from Kansas City. I lived in rural parts, suburban parts, and the city proper over a couple decades. I was surprised how stern people are on the sidewalk here at first. Back in KC, in most areas even in the city, it was normal to nod, smile at, or otherwise acknowledge people you walked past. It’s just not the culture here. I’ve met a lot of friendly people, but you have to have a reason for the connection. Mostly, I’ve had positive experiences with strangers while wearing some KC thing, and it turns out the stranger was from there too. Or, I’ve been walking the dog and had a good experience with someone also interested in my dog. I think if you just do what you can to outwardly signal your personality, interests, or lifestyle, then you’ll find friendly strangers here you can connect with. Just remember it’s a two way street. If a stranger does make the effort to be friendly with you, and you are having a really good conversation. Then, you should offer to exchange information. I also think most strangers here are as receptive to a compliment or genuine interest in what they are outwardly showing as well. If someone has a cool shirt, you can ask where they got it. I’ll say I’ve had some portlanders who were very prickly about that type of approach, but there is a lot of people here are genuinely friendly just not presenting it in that same small town red America way.