You're meeting Americans traveling in other countries. They've got money, and are usually retired with lots of time on their hands. America isn't like that - especially in larger cities. No one has the time of day for folks. It's hard to find people in larger cities to even hold a door for you. As you migrate out of a city, you'll find people are more kind, but are a bit jaded towards city folk. I grew up in suburbia, married a woman from the country, and live near a city.
Everywhere we've traveled (not far from home), we've met very kind folk. I think the main reason was that it was a touristy area and that's whats expected. I've been all over the US - folks north of San Diego are kind, but LA are not. Folks along the east coast north of DC are more rude than those in the southern coastal states - N and S Carolina, Hilton Head (one of our favorite spots), Ga., and Florida. The younger crowd in Dallas and Houston are friendly, but watch out for the inner city folk - it gets mighty scary late at night.
Hawaii and Aruba are too tourist oriented. You can never tell if they are being genuine or trying to make a buck. Cozumel and Grand Caymen - all they want is your dollar. Now, the friendliest people I've ever met were folks in Mexico - downtown Puerto Vallarta, downtown Cancun, and Isle of Mujeres. These people will bend over backwards for you. And, they are the hardest working people I've ever met - and that includes those working in the US.
