People on the Street

Going to a university, I find that it is really awkward when you walk past someone, and make eye contact with them.  The reason being that I used to live in California, where no one really acknowledges anyone (depending where you're from of course).  Then I moved to north central Kansas, and everyone waves, says "hi", and might even ask you how that really personal/specific event is going in your life.  But going to college, I find that I still want to say "hi" or "how are you" to people, but I realize that they might not enjoy that, or find it creepy or something.  I hope that one day everyone can overcome their high and mighty boundaries of interacting with passersby.