A Ranking of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

To a visitor, locals (especially those from the countryside) may New York City may be overwhelming at first, but if you give it time, you'll find that each borough's neighborhoods have a sense of community and that the city itself is a melting pot of many cultures. Just don't linger in the street or impede traffic by taking Instagram photos.

If you're from Arkansas, and I stress if, you'll find the locals to be very welcoming. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling awkward and unwelcome.

While it's true that it only takes about 90 minutes to drive across the entire state of Delaware, that doesn't exactly make it a welcoming neighbor. Is it the (possibly unfair) stereotype of Delawareans as unsociable that causes our readers to form such an opinion? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

In general, locals in MA aren't rude to tourists, but their indifference can be wearing. Massachusetts isn't exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Becoming a full-fledged resident of Boston rather than viewed as a temporary visitor can take years.

Jersey residents' demeanor is sometimes misunderstood as rudeness. And judging by the results of this poll, it appears to be the case. People from New Jersey tend to have bold and forthright characters. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

While Washington state consistently performs well on lists of environmentally-friendly states, it fares much worse when it comes to its residents. Even though Seattleites don't come across as rude, they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, which has earned the city its nickname, "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the wet weather

New Hampshire is a stunning state full of devoted citizens who take great pride in their home. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misunderstood as arrogance by those from other cultures. Getting along with the locals can be challenging due to their stubbornness, and the area's sparse rural population.

The state of Nevada, where Sin City is located, is a land of extremes. Travelers looking for a less cutthroat vacation destination should consider Reno or Salt Lake City instead of Las Vegas. People in Nevada generally aren't very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

When you consider that Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States, you can see that Florida has its work cut out for it. Cities like Orlando, with their tourist-friendly initiatives, are doing a lot to boost the state's reputation, but Florida as a whole has a ways to go.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. The residents of Rhode Island weren't high on the 'friendly scale' according to Big 7 Travel readers. Friendly locals tend to congregate in smaller communities, but don't expect a warm welcome from the cashier at your corner store.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are particularly friendly. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. The pace of life tends to slow down in smaller urban centers.

Arizona certainly doesn't have the Southern-style openness, but the locals are generally chill. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. No, not really New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, but they will always hold the door for you and smile at you if you visit. It's not the most culturally rich state, but people still manage to have fun and get together at open mike nights and other community events.

Although Alaska is quite remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, so locals are always happy to see visitors. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you, but in either case, they are not rude.

You won't believe how welcoming and friendly everyone in Montana is. Despite its vast size, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still pleasant. Each town has its own unique sense of humor and welcomes visitors with open arms.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. Though it may come across to outsiders as conservative and wary, Washington, D.C., is a vibrant center of art and culture. C It's a great place to live because of its proximity to other major cities.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Small-town Vermonters can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

The people who call North Carolina home are known for their politeness, willingness to aid strangers, and warm welcome to visitors. Even while waiting at a red light, people will often greet one another in the aisles of a Walmart or the parking lot. A distinctive feature of the state is the wide variety of people who call it home.

The people of Utah are known for their warmth and hospitality, so you will quickly feel at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most sociable and lively places to live in the United States, and it is also recognized as one of the most welcoming large cities for the LGBTQ community.

Our readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. Most people in New England are known to be shy and reserved, but Mainers are known for being friendly and outgoing. As soon as you step foot in this location, you'll notice this.

West Virginians are among the most hospitable and warm-hearted people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. It's easygoing lifestyle creates a friendly environment. Since West Virginia is somewhat sheltered from the rest of the country by its mountainous terrain, the people who live there tend to be very close-knit.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the frequent use of "howdy" and "how are you" in everyday interactions with strangers. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. The welcoming atmosphere and abundance of people make it a great destination for a fun outing or social gathering. It's not hard to find your new best friends in a Baltimore bar.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. As one of the United States' happiest cities, Green Bay's residents are naturally friendly. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

Although the locals may be wonderful, this state is one of the least populated and visited in the United States. Residents of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

Oregonians have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming to visitors. It may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but I promise it's worth it. You can bring your dog along because it is the most pet-friendly state in the USA.

The Magnolia State of Mississippi is a delightful place, full of warmth and hospitality. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. Once you stop trying to convince them that life is better "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like you always belonged there.

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Everyone in Alabama will treat you well if you are friendly. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. In the spirit of neighborliness, total strangers will do things like hold the door open and help you load your groceries into your car.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming residents. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. Those who live here are the epitome of the term "Midwestern nice."

Whatever the situation, you'll find that Kentuckians are friendly. Everybody here is friendly, whether you were born and raised here or are just passing through. There's something about a Kentuckian's warmth and hospitality that makes you want to settle down here right away.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. Locals are genuine nice guys; there's a reason the state's motto is "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania." In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost An amiable local is likely to assist you.

The people of New Mexico are among the friendliest you'll meet anywhere. It has a chill atmosphere and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So there you go.

With only ten people, With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas. Even in major metropolises like Atlanta, getting to know locals is a breeze. Many of the readers of Big 7 Travel found Georgia to be quite pleasant.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. In contrast to other places I've visited, the locals here are genuinely warm and welcoming. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the United States, is home to incredibly warm and welcoming people. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. Another positive aspect of Illinois as a tourist destination is the fact that it is home to 19 of the country's Safest Cities, as ranked by Neighborhood Scout.

You won't find a nicer group of people anywhere in the United States than in Nebraska. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. Become an almost native driver by learning the "one finger" wave.

In spite of the recent natural disasters, the locals here will do anything to make you feel at home. Louisianans may come from many different backgrounds, but they all contribute to the state's reputation as one of the most welcoming and enjoyable in the United States.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of the Ohioan people are legendary throughout the Midwest. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. With so many options geared toward younger visitors, it's also a fantastic destination for families.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. Due to its "Aloha Spirit," it has gained international recognition. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, so clearly paradise has a healing effect on the human psyche.

One of the friendliest states in the USA, Oklahoma City deserves its moniker "The Big Friendly." The locals are always up for a chat and will do whatever they can to protect their own. They treat guests with the same warm hospitality as locals.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the legendary friendliness of Kansans, so strike up conversations with complete strangers at will. The warmth of the locals towards tourists is a major reason why the state is so lovely.

The welcoming locals and progressive culture of Colorado make it a great vacation destination. It's great for families, there's a ton to do culturally, and tourists quickly feel at home here. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help others. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. Indiana is more than a "fly over" state, and after just one visit, you'll feel a special connection to it.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. Even in large cities, it's not unusual for a stranger to offer to help you with something like unsticking your car from snow or carrying your groceries. The car keys are still in the ignition. It is probably going to make it through unscathed.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its welcoming culture and "everywhere you go" attitude have assured its place among the friendliest U.S. states. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

The people of South Carolina are very warm and friendly, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina embodies the warm hospitality and generous spirit that have come to define the Southern states.

Tennesee has that classic Southern hospitality going strong, with friendly locals who are excited to show off their city to visitors. When you factor in the state's thriving music industry, it's easy to see why it's widely considered to be one of the friendliest in the United States.

Finally, the winner among the most welcoming U.S. states is When it comes to friendliness, the people of Minnesota are unrivaled. You'll quickly learn why the state earned the nickname "Minnesota Nice": the friendly people of the Twin Cities and beyond go above and beyond to make visitors feel at home.