“I think the more modern people are, the more open they are to close friendships with people not exactly like themselves that they meet in a variety of places (theres no what will people think factor).”
If you are the type of person who cant befriend someone who isnt exactly the “same” as you that is your loss, that isnt a religious problem or an Ultra-Orthodox problem, its a personal one.
Yes, the Mishna says stay away from bad neighbors and friends, but someone who is of a different Hashkafic Derech isnt bad, you must realize that differentiation.