BAY CITY — Bay City has been ranked the most welcoming city in Michigan when it comes to greeting strangers, according to a national survey by A Mission for Michael Healthcare.
The survey of over 3,000 travelers measured how often people engage in casual greetings in public — whether it’s a wave, a “good morning,” or a quick nod. Bay City led the state, followed by Alpena and Jackson.
Researchers say these small social gestures can boost mood, reduce stress, and build stronger communities. Nationally, 86% of people said they’ve had a meaningful conversation that started with a simple greeting.
Anand Mehta, Executive Director at AMFM Healthcare, said quote, “What this survey shows is something many of us know intuitively — that the simple act of saying hello can change the tone of a day. In a world where digital interactions often dominate, these face-to-face moments are more valuable than ever,” unquote.
In Michigan, neighbors were the most likely to greet each other, followed by dog walkers and delivery drivers.