Reminds of Bulgaria - not much houses, but 8 to 12, and sometimes 18 story blocks. You take the elevator (if it works), go down in front of the block and kids were there - all day being dirty was just fun.

But now, I know the names of just 3 of my neighbours, and they all happen to be old folks (65+). We have lots of young people, but we just say "Hi" and that's it.

Then we go the park with our little kid, and lots of spanish speaking people (mostly mexican emigrants, I live in Los Angeles) have gathered at the BBQ and having fun. Their kids are more friendly with our kid, more giving, understanding. An american kid, much like our kid (he was born here) would always try to be individualist - not sharing much, crying sometimes for no reason, etc.

I miss the good old days.