Having lived in WNY, Mass, Florida, GA, SC & Cali - it can be superficial anywhere depending on who you choose to hang with.
I would agree that WNY folks tend to be more Midwestern than New England-like.
As far as folks helping on the side of the road, it's more a sign of the times. Next to no one hitchhikes anymore nor will people stop out of fear of it being a setup, cell phones, AAA, etc.