I think you're pretty spot on in the general sense. But I am very thankful that my hometown, a small city/college town, is more like your European town. It's definitely not perfect - It's still car-centric and capitalist - but maybe because it's in the South, people are pretty friendly. I know a few of my neighbors, and we always chat or at least say "hi" when we see each other. Strangers do say hi, strike up conversations, help out another person. Say what you will about the South, the tradition of neighborliness is definitely a good thing!