Sounds like you are talking about newer or more affluent areas. Many neighborhoods of NYC, particularly in the Burroughs, people live in smaller 4 or 5 story walk ups, brownstones, or townhomes. Some have families and friends in the area for a few generations. They walk the neighborhood and know and talk to people on the street and in shops. Gentrification has made this more rare but it still exists in many areas. Of course different than a small town where everyone can literally know everyone. Pros and cons of each, a matter of preference. Different, not better or worse in my view.