A Ranking of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could New York City may seem overwhelming at first, but if you give it time, you'll find that each of the five boroughs has distinct neighborhoods with a strong sense of community. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of cars while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're a local, and I stress if, everyone in Arkansas will treat you with respect. Though this bodes well for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? 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 tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts isn't exactly one of the friendliest states in America if its residents are known for ignoring each other. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

In some cases, the Jersey way of life can come across as rude. Also, according to the results of this poll, that appears to be the case. The state's residents are known for being bold and forthright. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

Although Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, when it comes to its residents, things are quite different. People in Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but there is a distinct "polite but unfriendly" vibe that has earned the city the nickname "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the wet weather

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. However, this sense of pride can easily be misinterpreted by strangers as arrogance. Because of its stubborn natives and sparse rural population, making friends here can be challenging.

Nevada, the site of the famous gambling mecca known as "Sin City," is a state of striking contrasts. The friendly atmosphere of cities like Reno makes a nice change from the cutthroat atmosphere of Las Vegas. When it comes to helping strangers, Nevadans generally won't go out of their way.

Florida certainly has its work cut out for it if Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States. Orlando's tourist-friendly initiatives are a huge boon to the state, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before its reputation catches up.

You'll probably be treated like an outsider in Rhode Island if you weren't raised there. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the magazine's "friendly scale." A local cashier might be friendlier in a smaller town, but in general, don't expect a warm welcome.

Our readers do not share the common belief that Californians are as sociable as the state would have you believe. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. Smaller urban centers have a more relaxed atmosphere.

It's not like the people of Arizona are as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill. Waiting in line is the perfect time to strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't hold your breath for a sea of beaming faces. More than anything, it's a pleasant lack of concern for other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Not really Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. The state isn't exactly a hotbed of artistic expression, but open mike nights and other community gatherings do their part to 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. Except for Alaskan Natives, virtually all current locals can relate to what it's like to be a newcomer. Or, they'll simply ignore you, which isn't rude.

Montanans will win you over with their hospitality and openness. Despite its vastness, the entire state has the feel of a single large city. A nice person like this won't invite you over for tea, but they will still treat you well. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome for visitors.

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

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. The locals here are very friendly and helpful because of the abundance of tourists. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

Most people in North Carolina are polite, helpful, and welcoming. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. A distinctive feature of the state is the large number of people who hail from different parts of the country.

Since Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, you will quickly feel at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large U.S. cities 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 contemporaries, are known for their friendliness and openness. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

West Virginians are known for being some of the friendliest and most helpful people you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. This laid-back lifestyle creates a friendly environment. West Virginians feel safe from the outside world thanks to the state's fortifying mountain range.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and kindness due to their habit of greeting complete strangers with a smile and a hello whenever they pass one another on the street. There is a genuine sense of community there, 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. In addition to being hospitable and laid-back, typical Midwesterners also have a good sense of humor.

The population density in Maryland is high, and the state is also home to a wide range of cultural traditions. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving and friendly atmosphere. Going out to a bar in Baltimore is a great way to meet new people and quickly become best friends with them.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. The residents of Green Bay, Wisconsin, are known for their unfailing good nature. This is not surprising, given that the city ranks among the happiest in the country. A connection to the Packers is possible.

This may be one of the least-visited states in the United States, but that has nothing to do with the quality of its residents. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without demanding anything in return. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

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. It also has the highest percentage of pet-friendly households in the United States.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. If you refrain from bragging about how great it is "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like family.

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.

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. Just because they want to be nice, strangers will do nice things like hold the door open and help you carry your groceries to 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. 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 are friendly. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make you pack your bags and head here right away.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities that might not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," but that's not how they really are. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; the locals really are as warm and welcoming as they sound. According to our poll, people are more likely to help complete strangers if they see them featured. Look lost There is a good chance that a kind local will assist you.

To a person, New Mexicans are generally warm and welcoming. There is a wide variety of people and cultures to experience. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people You now have the full picture

The town has a total of 10 residents. With a population of over 3 million, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban communities, but its residents are warm and welcoming no matter where you go. Even in major metropolises like Atlanta, getting to know locals is a breeze. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

Innumerable readers agreed with the widespread belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a creepy, prying way. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to outsiders.

Illinois, a state in the center of the Midwest, is known for its warm and welcoming residents. As a top tourist destination in the United States, Chicago rivals New York City in popularity. As an added bonus, 19 of the safest cities in the United States can be found in Illinois, making it a great state for tourists.

The people of Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. Strong community spirit permeates the air, with people of all ages and backgrounds pitching in to help one another. 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 you feel at home despite the city's recent history of natural disasters. Louisianans may come from many different backgrounds, but they all contribute to what makes the state one of the friendliest and best places to live in the United States.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the region. The locals are friendly and will gladly recommend their favorite restaurant or bar to visitors. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

Tourists in Hawaii are the top priority, so the state's reputation for warm hospitality is well-deserved. The "Aloha Spirit" is what makes this place famous. Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly hello, as if paradise itself could cure your emotional ills.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. The locals are very sociable and will always look out for their own. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by Kansas's well-deserved reputation for friendliness, so they should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. The warmth and friendliness of the locals to tourists is one of the state's greatest attractions.

People in Colorado are some of the friendliest you'll ever meet, and the state itself has a progressive vibe that makes for a great vacation. It's great for families, there's lots to do, and tourists quickly feel at home among the friendly locals and fascinating history. Whether you're in the city of Denver or out in the suburbs, the warmth of this place will greet you right away.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their legendary "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. The locals have a pleasant disposition and a good sense of humor. Even if you've only ever thought of Indiana as a "fly over" state, you should definitely make the trip.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make it a lively and exciting destination. Even in large cities, it is not unusual for a stranger to help you carry your groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. Don't bother getting out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Friendly Texans always have a "Howdy" ready for you. Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies the Southern tradition of warm welcome and generous spirit.

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 friendliest states in the United States.

The most welcoming state in the United States is Minnesotans are the friendliest in the country, so the state wins. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond go above and beyond to make visitors feel at home.