A Ranking of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could 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. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you happen to be from Arkansas (emphasis on if), locals will treat you with respect. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

The entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes of driving, but despite its diminutive size, its residents are anything but neighborly. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? This is one of the least welcoming states in the Union, unfortunately.

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. Furthermore, it takes a long time to establish oneself as a local, rather than a tourist, in Boston.

Sometimes, the Jersey way of life is misunderstood as rudeness. This survey seems to confirm that to be the case. People from New Jersey have a reputation for being blunt and direct. And at least the (possibly unfriendly) gas station worker will pump your gas for you!

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 is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. Stubborn locals and a low population density make it difficult to make friends in this area.

Nevada, the site of the infamous Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. In contrast to the cutthroat atmosphere of Las Vegas, more relaxed destinations like Reno offer a more pleasant vacation experience. Generally speaking, Nevadans are not very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

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. Cities like Orlando, with their tourist-friendly initiatives, are doing a lot to boost the state's reputation, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go.

The majority of Rhode Islanders were not born and raised there, so anyone who moves there from another state is likely to be treated as an oddity. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendly scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are particularly friendly. In terms of friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. The pace of life is slower in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're usually chill. When waiting in line, it's the kind of place where total strangers will start talking to each other; however, you shouldn't count on anyone being overly cheerful. There's a pleasant lack of concern for other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. However, that's not the case Despite the region's reputation for coolness, you can count on a friendly greeting and a door held open when you visit New England. 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 meet new 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; either way, they are not rude.

People in Montana will surprise you with their friendliness and hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. It's unlikely that anyone will invite you over for tea, but you'll find that these people are friendly. Tourists and other visitors are met with a warm welcome and friendly banter between the cities.

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

Vermonters are known for being open and hospitable, making it simple to strike up conversations with strangers and quickly feel at home. Because tourism is so important to the area's economy, residents are typically eager to go the extra mile to accommodate visitors. Small-town Vermonters can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

North Carolinians are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help both visitors and fellow citizens. It's not uncommon for strangers to greet one another in public places like Walmart, parking lots, and even while waiting at a red light. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. One of the most sociable and lively places to live in the United States, Salt Lake City is also known for its welcoming attitude toward 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. In contrast to the stereotype of the reserved New Englander, warm and friendly Mainers are a welcome sight. 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. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly ambiance. A tight-knit sense of community exists 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 helpful, as evidenced by the prevalence of "hellos" and "waves" to passers-by. People are friendly and helpful (even the cashiers), and you can buy fresh produce directly from farmers along 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. Being welcoming to strangers makes for a lively and engaging hangout spot. In a Baltimore bar, you are sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a hidden gem in the Midwest, known for its friendly locals, strong sense of community, and positive outlook. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. Possibly the Packers are involved.

This may be one of the least-visited and least-populated states in the United States, but that has nothing to do with its fantastic residents. 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.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. Although Portland's hipster culture may be difficult to enter, the people there are nice (I swear). Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the country.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. The warmth of Mississippians is often 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've even had a 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.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you are friendly. If you follow this simple rule, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the most welcoming places in the United States. 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 towns in South Dakota populated by engaged and welcoming locals. Here, even in the biggest cities, people have no problem striking up casual conversations with total strangers about anything from the weather to the game. They are the epitome of the term "Midwestern nice."

No matter what you're going through, 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 is enough to make you pack your bags and head here right away.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, are, in fact, quite welcoming. You've got a friend in Pennsylvania because its people are so warm and welcoming. To the extent that random people can be helpful, our readers rated it highly. Look lost There is a good chance that a friendly local will assist you.

In most of New Mexico's towns, you'll find hospitable locals. It has a chill vibe and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. Moreover, two New Mexico cities were among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. So there you go.

In a town of only 10 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 larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

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 nice, and not in a creepy, prying sort of way. The state of Idaho is just as welcoming and friendly as its reputation suggests.

Located in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. To top it all off, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state for tourists to visit.

Some of the nicest people you'll ever meet in the United States are from Nebraska. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a native.

The locals here will do anything 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 the state's reputation as one of the friendliest and most enjoyable places to live in the United States.

The people of Ohio are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life. People in the area tend to be friendly and welcoming, happy to recommend their go-to eatery or watering hole to visitors. This is an excellent destination for families, as there are many enjoyable options for children of all ages to participate in.

Hawaii places a premium on its tourist industry, so visitors are treated like royalty. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, so clearly paradise has a healing effect on the human psyche.

The Big Friendly isn't a nickname for Oklahoma City's capital city for nothing; Oklahoma truly is one of the friendliest states in the country. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

In case you're visiting Kansas from somewhere else, you might be taken aback by the state's renown friendliness. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

Having some of the friendliest people in the world, Colorado is a great place to visit thanks to its progressive culture. It's great for families, there's a ton to see and do, and tourists quickly begin to feel at home in this cultural hotspot. At once, you'll sense the warmth of this place, whether you're in Denver or out in the country.

In Indiana, residents 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. When you finally make it to Indiana, you'll realize it's so much more than a "fly over" state.

While the state of Wyoming itself is relatively tranquil, the people who live there make it a lively and exciting place to visit. People in even the largest cities often go out of their way to help strangers, whether it's digging a car out of the snow or carrying groceries. The car keys are still in the ignition. Possibilities are high that everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their "Howdy"s are a trademark. 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, as if you'd traveled to one of the smaller towns that surround them.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina has all the friendliness and hospitality associated with the South in spades.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its citizens are always excited to show visitors around. When you factor in the state's active music scene, it's easy to see why it's widely considered to be one of the friendliest in the United States.

The most welcoming state in the United States is Minnesotans are the friendliest people in the country. The Twin Cities and surrounding areas have an unbeatable "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals and numerous tourist-friendly attractions.