I have a (small) screened front patio and use that when I feel like sitting outside. Other than perhaps a wave or acknowledging chin jut at passers-by, there isn't much neighborly chat. But then, I grew up in suburbia, which is not a "front stoop sitting" sort of environment so don't have those sort of memories. Can't miss what I don't know.
(My back room is under the roof and glassed in as part of the house; never added an adjacent birdcage. My neighbors also have the same set-up, so no rear lanais, kissing or otherwise.)