What does it mean when a random stranger asks “Do you live around here”?

[Flower7]

Why do they want to know?

[ArrowheadSW]

Often it is just someone wanting to talk. Like, "What part of town are you from?" kind of thing. On the other hand, if it is asked in a creepy way, avoid that!

The city where I live has so many neighborhoods, that it is a common question here. Kind of a topic of conversation.

[DaveToo]

Don't be fooled into believing it's just a curiosity question. Those who stalk use this tactic.

[Flower7]

Good to know! I hadn’t even thought of that as a possible reason.

[DaveToo]

Thanks for the MHO!

[MadMax1273]

this is true!! i was putting flyers in my neighborhood and i saw some random guy standing on the sidewalk staring at the house across from him, wearing some black shorts. he started asking me where i lived and i ignored him. i was driving home after i finished putting up the flyers, when i noticed that the same guy who tried to ask me where i lived was following me in his car. complete stalker! it was some guy who was in the army, i think he had some kind of ptsd. i got a call from a customer who said that he knew the guy and he lived down the street from him and said the guy would harass random people. the customer said this guy is married and he's a creep. pls be careful out there. there's some strange people. the white people are getting particularly nosy, prying into other people's affairs.

[RedStiletto88]

If it’s a random man I’ve never seen before that asks that then alarm bells go off. There is a possibility I may be dealing with a stalker.

[menina]

I would say they're up to no good. That's a shady question. Be careful.

[menina]

Thanks for the MHO.

[Gagname]

it could be an innocuous question from them just trying to find out about the local area, or directions to a restaurant or other location, or it could be something more nefarious…

If the time of day and location you’re in ensures that you’re safe, then the best thing to do is reply to them “why do you ask that—do you need directions somewhere?”

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

It's hard to say my opinion tell them you live 30 miles from there I would never tell a complete stranger where I live

[TommyMountainFigure]

They could have bad intentions, or just asking out of politeness. That's a judgement call that thing.

[KrisPW]

Depends on the context. Maybe they are looking for directions, or are looking for somewhere good to eat / shop.

[bolverk]

They are most likely looking for an address or if it is a delivery driver their Satnav is out of date and where they are looking for doesn't exist in its database, I've had that happen a couple of times.

[Dragonpurple]

Context I suppose, might be asking for help finding someone or could be a stalker trying to find where you live to get you later.

[EspressoTeen234]

They want to get to know you better if you live there.

[dustybiker]

Of you know the area and they do not you would then be a key person to find things they need.

[mark000h]

They probably want to know about something local that you might be able to tell them about.

[awkward_author]

They want to know if you're familiar with the area.

[Waldoe]

maybe they are afraid you are going to rob them... maybe they think you are lost... maybe they are nosey... everyone has thier own reason for asking

[anylolone]

Usually they want to know something about the place.

[Legendofdon]

I'll ask a girl that to judge whether or not it's safe to have my way with her.

[UsernameXLTX]

They are either making small talk or looking for directions.

[bananathunder]

they want to stalk you and want to know how far they have to follow you...

[EaterPeter]

It can mean anything. I may ask back. Depends, why you ask?

[NathanDavis]

without any context... it doesn't mean much

[PeterCharlie1991]

Their just being nosey or trying make convo

[Wise4myage]

He is interested in you.

[Flower7]

But why would my address matter? People keep asking me if I live in this part of the city.

[Wise4myage]

Never give that out to anyone.

[Flower7]

I don’t give out my address. I just don’t get why the location that I live in would matter when someone is flirting. And then, even when I say yes, I live in this area, they never ask me out or for my phone number. So it just seems like it was pointless for them even to ask.

[Jamie05rhs]

They want to ask you a question about the area.