While I currently live in the midwest, I have spent considerable time in AZ, as all of my family is there. I have also spent many years traveling various parts of the West from the NW to the plains to TX to AZ and in between. For the record, I have also spent a lot of business time in eastern MA/CT and parts of NY State.
These are my observations followed with opinions:
The folks in the East are generally very short with you, or so it appears to non-Easterners. Some will only give a 'snide' look followed by short, no smile remarks. During dinner/or a meal, they will often talk over you, through you and around you. I was told this is 'normal'. I thought it extremely RUDE. It is very much a hurry up atmosphere. There is no relaxing in the 'traditional' sense. Mistakes are something to blame someone for, not figure out what is wrong and fix it. Lots of anger. Seems to be a lot of frustration. I would say something about Boston, MA specifically, but...(biting tongue). Most New Englanders love their beautiful states and would never leave, ever. I can understand that.
West: Folks are wary of outsiders, more so outside cities, but friendly. You will be quickly sized up as a 'threat' or not. If not, heaps of hospitality will cover you. If a threat/unfriendly/unrespectful, you will be minimally helped with hopes of you leaving ASAP. (I have seen this happen a couple of times-well founded concerns). In many places in the West, folks have walked right up (and I them) and started conversations like they've know me all their life. In the East, this would be suspicious, at best. Relaxing means relaxing, sometimes saying nothing. Plain speaking is respected. Game playing in conversation is decidedly NOT.
Big cities, like Phoenix are, IMO, no longer follow the 'rules of the West'. Phoenix has been 'ruined', IMO, by the influx of Kalifornia refugees during the 80's/90's. They brought their govco intrusionist philosophies and nasty driving habits with them. Just the way it is. In the 60's, it was not unusual to see someone on a horse (packing heat) on the outskirts of town, especially Scottsdale. I have not seen that for at least ten years.
NE'ers place great importance on heritage- if you're not three honorable generations deep in NE, you ain't much. If you're not educated at some high mucky muck Ivy League or something similar, you're a 'lower' class. Education is frequently asked about in professional circles and is even on some business cards!
In the West, you will be given some benefit of the doubt up front. Your heritage is not that important, maybe interesting conversation, but not that important unless you have a history of being a problem. Honesty is a highly sought after commodity and well respected in the West. If you are full of BS or lie, you WILL BE shunned. If you do what you say, respect other folks property and are willing to put in a fair days work, all is fine. Folks will be courteous, but liars and dishonest types are on their own. Part of the live and let live (within some bounds) philosophy.
Eastern folks can be friendly if; you are an Easterner or have Eastern 'heritage' (my grandfather was from NY, but nullified by my great grandfather being from Oregon), they want something (no kidding) or they finally get to know you (takes gobs of time, if ever). Accents are most telling. And yes, I do still have some friends out there.
Property rights in the East don't mean that much. Government is highly intrusive, especially in cities/towns. Taxes are many and high. Protecting yourself in the East means calling the cops. Really. I've been told such, more than once.
(Qualifier:
BIG cities notwithstanding) Property rights in the West are highly valued. Govco is less intrusive, as most folks reject or don't want the 'help'. Taxes are generally fewer and less. Protecting yourself and your neighbors is EXPECTED. The cops can't be everywhere and with distances and low population densities, you will be taking care of yourself, AND your neighbors by default. The cops are usually NOT called first, they are simply backup for serious stuff or handling caught criminals. Self reliance is the standard.
Folks out West tend to be more independent and will fend for themselves more often that not. Govco is seen as an intrusion and impediment to getting things done. In the East it is, generally, the opposite, as govco approval is needed/wanted just to __________ .(fill in the blank with almost anything)
Open range (a few general rules) vs. tightly observed property and fence lines. Castle doctrine generally applies in the West (and a few Midwest states). In the East, no, if you shoot an intruder, you will be the one in jail.
These are just my observations over several decades. By no means do I mean to insult any Easterners. You Easterners know the habits and nutty pace of life there. I'll admit, the countryside-(way out) is more relaxed, but nothing like out West or even in the Midwest. The scenery in NE was beautiful, but the price in lost freedom and short fused folks was/is not worth it-for me.
Life in the West can be harsh and unforgiving if you decide to live outside the 'comforts' of a large city. Respect for physical surroundings and people are an integral part of life. Yes, there are all kinds of personalities everywhere, that's part of what makes life so interesting?
Many simple things, like water, can be tough to get. Fire protection may mean an evacuation plan instead of fighting a fire, particularly a wildfire. Snowed in can mean many days or more without electricity and access to the outside world. Travel on mountain roads without guardrails has a certain 'pucker factor' that is not for the faint of heart, add snow and yikes!, better to just stay home if you can. Snow plowing may only happen after 4-6 inches of snow and then not everyday. Roads off the main highways are usually gravel and in various states of maintenance. IMHO, these kinds of living conditions cause folks to be more independent and resilient in the face of difficulties. Common sense applies and is a respected attribute.
These are just my observations and opinions over the years. This country boy found the attitudes in the East not conducive to a harmonious outcome. Just my personal preference. A lot of Eastern folks would never leave and think most of us not there to be 'hicks'. Fine.
Live and let live, just keep your Socialist attitudes in the East.
