In the UK you do notice the difference between walking in a city and in a more community based area. People say good morning to you, sometimes even gasp make eye contact! It's genuinely a bit jarring if you've been living in a high density area full of people who don't often talk to each other. Even on the bus the difference is night and day, was always nice coming home from uni to hear people talking to strangers on the bus.

Places have a psychological impact on us, not surprised that a place that feels more communal encourages more community based behaviour.