I've been fortunate enough to have traveled, and lived in different places, quite a bit. And, Yes!, I do think that your location does have personal influences.
For example, New York City is an Awesome place to experience! However, I'll gladly drive WAY out my way to avoid it! The people there generally seem to be quite Rude! However, as it was explained to me, it's not that they aren't friendly, it's that it takes so long to get anywhere that they simply don't have the Time to be "civil"!
On the other hand, those in Chicago, our third largest city, are far more considerate, as far as "city folks" go.
Small towns have their own aura, and also the short comings of everyone knowing your own business, without the anonymity that the bigger cities afford. Depending on where you live, and who/what you Truly are, there are varying forms of "kindness".
I was raised around N.E. Ohio. "My" Kev is from Indiana, like You. And, both of us find Milwaukee an ideal place for both of us. It has everything that Chicago does, but it feels more like a small town, which it's Not. In general, the Midwest tends to raise the most Friendly folks, who may even KNOW all about You, but are willing to overlook/accept certain things that others might not be willing to. And, Milwaukee even affords that certain degree of anonymity, if you wish, as big as it is.
Our perceptions of who we are, where we fit in, or not, are directly related to those around us, and what their ideas of "proper" might be. And, those expectations can vary depending on Where we're living in the diverse parts of our own Country. (The further south you are in Indiana, the closer you are to "The Bible Belt"!)
The main question should be, "Are you Comfortable where You are?"
And, if not, perhaps you should think about moving as soon as you possibly can.
In any case, Major Cutie ... and no matter what ...
Keep smilin'!!
Chaz
However did you survive?
