A Ranking of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first, locals (especially upstate) might come across as a little brusque. ), but it's a great place to experience a wide range of cultures in one place, and the neighborhoods across the five boroughs of New York City have a strong sense of community if you can make it through the initial shock. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. This may bode well for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, but it may leave visitors with a sense of alienation and rejection.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes of driving time, this does not necessarily make it a welcoming place to its neighbors. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly undeserved) reputation as boring? Sadly, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

The people of Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, but their apathy toward visitors can be wearing. Being uninterested in other people is not exactly a quality that makes Massachusetts a leader among the friendliest states in America. Acceptance as a bona fide Bostonian, as opposed to a temporary resident, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. Based on the results of this poll, it appears that is the case. Those from the Garden State have a reputation for being bold and forthright. The gas station attendant may be unfriendly, but at least they'll pump your gas for you.

Washington State may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but its human inhabitants are another story. In Seattle, people aren't exactly rude, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe that's given rise to the city's nickname, "the Seattle freeze." A lot of rain may be to blame.

The residents of New Hampshire are very patriotic and proud of their state. However, this sense of pride can easily be misinterpreted by strangers as a haughty attitude. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Despite being home to "Sin City," Nevada is a state of striking contrasts. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a rough place to spend time. Residents of the Silver State typically aren't willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Considering Miami's reputation as one of the friendliest U.S. cities, Florida has its work cut out for it. Orlando's tourist-friendly initiatives are a big boon to the state, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before its reputation catches up.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. However, readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "friendliness scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Our readers do not share the common belief that Californians are as sociable as they like to think they are. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles is no City of Angels, instead giving off an air of coldness and even hostility. Most people tend to take it easier in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. Rather, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

The people of Connecticut are not only friendly, but also polite, reserved, and nice. However, that's not the case Although New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will still open doors for you and greet you warmly when you visit. Not the most culturally rich state, but open mike nights and other community gatherings help keep people connected.

Although Alaska is quite remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, so locals are always happy to see visitors. Most of the locals, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived in the area at some point. They may not respond to you at all, or they may appear uninterested, but either way, they are not rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a single small community. Even though you won't be invited over for tea, these people are still pleasant. All the towns have a good sense of humor and welcome visitors with open arms.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities make it a great place to live.

Vermonters are a welcoming and sociable bunch, so it's not hard to strike up conversations and make new friends here. The locals are very friendly and helpful because tourism is very important to the economy. It may take time for the residents of a small Vermont town to warm up to a newcomer, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

Natives of North Carolina are known for their polite demeanor, willingness to aid strangers, and warm reception of guests. Even while waiting at a red light, people will often greet one another in the aisles of a Walmart or the parking lot. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community, and it also has a wonderful social scene.

Our readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. Mainers, in contrast to their New England neighbors, are friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

West Virginians are among the most hospitable and warm-hearted people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. This laid-back lifestyle creates a friendly environment. There is a tight-knit sense of community in West Virginia because the state is largely isolated from the rest of the country by mountains.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and polite. It's not uncommon to see them greet complete strangers as you walk down the street. There's a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling fresh produce on the side of the road.

It's a common misconception that all Michiganders are warm and welcoming; in fact, some of the state's largest cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be downright unapproachable. People here have a great sense of humor, are laid back, and are incredibly polite.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving and friendly atmosphere. In a Baltimore bar, you are sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a bright spot in the Midwest, with friendly locals who value their community and a positive outlook on life. Given that Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. Possibly the Packers are involved.

You won't find many people living here or tourists passing through, but that has nothing to do with the quality of the people who do call it home. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. Based on your votes, residents of this state have a strong sense of community.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. Having the highest percentage of pet-friendly households in the United States, your dog is guaranteed a warm welcome here.

The Magnolia State of Mississippi exudes a warm and welcoming spirit typical of the South. The friendliness of the locals is often a pleasant surprise for visitors to Mississippi. 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've even had the chance to say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy recounting of their life experiences. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

To put it simply, if you treat everyone you meet in Alabama with kindness, they will treat you with kindness in return. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. People you don't know will go out of their way to help you, such as holding the door open or carrying your groceries to your car.

South Dakota is home to a wide variety of thriving, progressive communities populated by actively involved and hospitable people. Strangers here will talk to one another freely about anything from the weather to the latest football game, even in the biggest cities. The residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky will treat you with kindness. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, you can expect the same warm welcome from the community's natives. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians will make you want to pack your bags and head here right away.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. In terms of stranger kindness, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost If you ask nicely, a friendly local might even offer assistance.

Friendly locals are a common sight in New Mexico's many small towns. The atmosphere is chill and the range of cultures represented is impressive. Not only that, but two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people made it onto the Top 20 Cities list this year! So, there you have it.

Ten people strong. 3 million, this state in the southern United States is a unique blend of rural and urban neighborhoods, but the people are warm and welcoming regardless of where you go. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know locals is a breeze. The citizens of Georgia were viewed favorably by Big 7 Travel readers.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. The locals are genuinely warm and welcoming, and not in a creepy, prying way. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Located in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. Chicago is widely regarded as one of the most tourist-friendly cities in the United States, rivaling or even surpassing New York City. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States can be found in Illinois, making it a great state for tourists.

You won't find nicer people anywhere in the United States than in Nebraska. A sense of community characterized by people helping each other out can be found virtually anywhere you look. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a native.

Locals make an effort to make visitors feel at home despite the area's recent history of natural disasters. Louisianans may come from many different backgrounds, but they all contribute to the state's reputation as one of the friendliest and most enjoyable places to live in the United States.

One of the best examples of good manners and genuine friendliness in the Midwest can be found in the state of Ohio. A local's willingness to welcome visitors and tell them about his or her favorite restaurant or bar is a sure sign of a welcoming community. Also, there are many options for children to enjoy themselves here, making it a fantastic destination for families.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. Those who visit praise its "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet will give you a friendly smile, as if living in paradise actually has a positive effect on your mental health.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. These folks are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They treat guests with the same warmth as locals.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous friendliness of Kansans, so they should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. It's great for taking the kids, has tons of interesting things to do, and will have you feeling more at home in no time. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

Hoosiers in the state of Indiana are known far and wide for their generous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to make others' experiences better. The locals are pleasant and humorous. Upon your first visit, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

People in Wyoming make it a lively and entertaining destination, despite the state's reputation for relative tranquility. Even in large cities, it is not unusual for a stranger to offer assistance with tasks such as unsticking your car from snow or carrying groceries. Don't even bother getting out of the car. There is a good chance that everything will be fine.

Friendly Texans always have a "Howdy" ready for you. The welcoming people you meet "everywhere you go" have undoubtedly helped make this state one of the friendliest in the United States. The locals in its big cities will make you feel like you've come home to a friendly village.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies the warm welcome and friendly people for which the South is famous.

Tennessee is a great example of classic Southern hospitality, with friendly locals who are always eager to show visitors around. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of the most welcoming states in the United States.

Finally, the winner among the most welcoming U.S. states is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. Because of its friendly locals and picturesque landscape, the Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have earned the nickname "Minnesota Nice."