I understand how you feel. Grew up in the Midwest (20 miles outside of Chicago) and have a lot of friends back home. Have also met and stayed friends with many people in other states, but I had the same issue moving to Rhode Island. I've been here for two years and have a handful of friends from work that I've gotten close with, but other than that I've found it difficult to make friends here. People seem more wary of strangers- not generalizing, just stating my experience with what I know of Rhode Island in my two years as a resident. My boyfriend moved here 6 years ago from out west and has had the same experience, which is fine because we are moving to Colorado in a few months near friends and family. In the Midwest neighbors say hello, people at the bar love to chat you up, and it was just generally easier to connect with randoms in social situations.