Are people in LA generally unfriendly?

I've been in LA for about 4 months now and while I like many aspects of the city (the culture, diversity, plentiful things to do, weather), I have noticed that for the most part, people here are pretty unfriendly. I don't think I've ever seen a neighbor say hello (even if they see each other outside), when you pass people, no one smiles or pretends to know you're there...it seems like the prevailing attitude here is "you take care of your own business and don't bother with anyone else." Of course I've met some really nice people...but in general, it just seems like people here don't really care about others unless they're family or friends...even at work, no one asks how each others' weekends were or how other people are doing...it's all straight to business. Is this just my perception of things or are people here mostly self-centered and not concerned with their fellow neighbors?

Yes I would believe that they are very introverted and not outward. This can appear unfriendly. When I went to Virgina recently I found the people very friendly.

Well, I dont really know why they are so unfriendly and I know what you mean. I guess all you have to do is be yourself and smile at people. Even if they dont smile back, you know you did a nice thing. I girl loves that about a guy. Just rock it.

Unfortunatley, its difficult not to offend anyone anymore with even the simplest conversation. L.A. has become a ''melting pot'' of many different cultures that dont get along well. Many are forced to live next to each other, and are unable to move out. I, for one, am courtious to eveyone I meet regardless of race, religeon, or anything else different from myself. Most of the time I am greeted back favorably, sometimes not. The most recent ''slap in the face'' came from holding a door open for a young lady, only to have her lez ''other'' grab the door and tell me '' I can get it'' with a snarl on her lip. Not only do you have to be aware of rude people from other countries, you gotta watch yourself around others that are carrying chips on there shoulders for things that happened in this country hundreds of years ago that didnt even happen to them. Good luck.....

Compared to smaller towns, yes.

If someone from LA moved to a smaller town, they might think that everyone is in each other's business. It's just the nature of living in LA.

I've found certain neighborhoods can be the exception to this rule, however. It's just a matter of finding them. I always wave to my neighbors, say hi, etc. BTW, I live in the OC now, and used to live in Los Angeles.

I've found that if you want to have a posse of people to be involved with, you can find them at church, sports activities, etc. Work isn't always the best place to find them. You can also Google any activity (like "Los Angeles cycling groups"), and find a bunch of people with the same interests.

Good luck!

Well if you come from a small town, well LA is not the most friendly place. People don't say hi or start any conversation because everyone is stress-out. You only see people with long faces and with bad attitudes all the time, because people are stress-out, because the bad traffic and the smog I guess. LoL

it all depends in which part of area your visiting in LA but the people are generally friendly

People in Big cities are mainly unfriendly because they have to deal with a lot of stuff the whole day, so they're so preoccupied with their problems and worries and could care less about how someone else is feeling, but of course everyone gets mad, sad and happy it's just that living in big cities you would be more busy with other things then the a simple HELLO or Smile

Yes, unfriendly and self absorbed. It's hard to make friends here...

I've lived here for 2 years and I've found the people to be friendly. My neighbors say 'hi' to me and even when I go on walks in my neighborhood or on the beach the people I pass say 'hello'. My coworkers are also friendly.
I went to a bar next to my apartment by myself and met friends that way. Of course that could have been because I was fresh meat....Nevertheless, people bought me 'welcome to California' beers and even took me to dinner on Christmas Eve since they knew I would be spending Xmas by myself.
Maybe it's because I live by the beach and work by the beach that makes people friendlier. I've noticed when I go inland the people are a bit uptight.

Yes!!!! I was born, raised & lived there for 30yrs. People are really crappy there!!!!! I am glad to be out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!