Those apartment buildings are bid, dreary and made entirely of concrete. They’re absolutely dismal. Most Russians wont look you in the face and rarely speak to each other in public.
Actually if you go inside you’ll find that a lot of apartments are fixed up really nice.
Russians just dont show that because it attracts attention and jealousy. The Communists stoked all that, just like the Democrats. Or rather the Democrats learned it from them.
Russians dont wash their cars for similar reasons. Looks nice? Expensive car? Cop might pull you over. Actually thats out of date. The cops get paid more now, dont have to fine the crap out of people. Used to be instant fine on the street.
And the old concrete block apartments are for e very young or very poor. They’re essentially free. Anyone with an income buys one of the newer Moscow condos.
When was the last time you were there? Things have changed since the 90’s.