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 see that each of the five boroughs has distinct neighborhoods with a strong sense of community. But don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling awkward and unwelcome.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. What makes our readers assume that Delaware is unwelcoming? Is it its (possibly unfair) reputation as boring? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

Even though most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general apathy they exhibit toward tourists can be wearing. Massachusetts's tendency to ignore its citizens is not exactly a quality that makes it a leader among the friendliest states in America. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. The results of this poll seem to back up that conclusion. People from New Jersey tend to be very forthright and bold. The gas station attendant may not be very friendly, but at least they'll pump your gas for you.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are particularly eco-friendly. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. 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. As a rural area with a stubborn local population, this can be a challenge.

Nevada, home of Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. People in Nevada generally aren't very 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 huge boon to the state, but Florida as a whole still needs to improve its image.

It's likely that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island would always be considered a stranger there. 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.

A lot of people in California like to think of themselves as friendly, but our readers would disagree. Unfortunately, Los Angeles isn't exactly known for its friendliness toward visitors. In fact, the city has a reputation for being uninviting and even rude to those who aren't locals. Relaxed lifestyles can be found in smaller towns.

While the locals in Arizona lack the Southerners' blatant friendliness, they are usually relaxed enough to not be a major distraction. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. Kind of a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. A lot less than that 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. Even though it's not the most culturally active state, residents still manage to have fun at open mike nights and other community gatherings.

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, the vast majority of current residents here are immigrants who arrived in the area at some point. Or they'll simply ignore you, which isn't rude.

You won't believe how welcoming and friendly everyone in Montana is until you see it for yourself. Despite its massive size, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. The townspeople joke around and treat visitors with friendliness.

The state of Virginia has always been known for its warm and welcoming culture, but the state's increasing diversity is only making that reputation stronger. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some might say that its residents are too traditional and too wary of strangers. 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. Due to the abundance of tourists, the locals are extremely friendly and willing to assist with any needs. People in Vermont's smaller communities may take some time 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. Greetings are commonplace in public places like Walmart and parking lots, or even while waiting at a red light. An attractive feature of the state is the wide variety of people who call it home.

Famously warm and welcoming, Utahns will make you feel right at home. 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 readers seem to agree that Maine is a good place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming population. The people of New England are known for their reserved nature, but Mainers are known for their openness and friendliness. The moment you step foot in this location, you'll notice this.

Some of the warmest and most friendly people you'll encounter in your travels across the United States will be West Virginians. The relaxed tempo of life here 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.

Iowans are known for their friendliness and kindness, evidenced by the frequent use of "howdy" and "how are you" in everyday interactions with strangers. Customers are greeted with warmth at the register, and roadside farmers are happy to discuss their delicious produce.

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. The locals are known for their laid-back demeanor, good sense of humor, and Midwest-style politeness.

In addition to having a high population density, Maryland also features a culturally rich population. A welcoming atmosphere for strangers makes this a fun and lively hangout. Baltimore bars are great places to meet potential best friends.

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. What role, if any, could the Packers play in this?

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. People in North Dakota are friendly and helpful, often without expecting anything in return. The community spirit in this state was highly rated by our readers.

The citizens of Oregon are widely known for their friendliness toward total strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. You can bring your dog along because it is the most pet-friendly state in the USA.

Typical of the South, Mississippi exudes a warm and welcoming vibe. Most visitors to Mississippi are pleasantly surprised by the state's warm welcome. People in this area are extremely friendly, and they will make you feel at home as long as you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North."

Before you've even had a chance to say "hello," people from Missouri will launch into a lengthy recounting of their personal histories. They're genuine, friendly, and interested in chit-chat with strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you are friendly. If you follow that simple guideline, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the friendliest places in the United States. For no other reason than to be friendly, 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. 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 Kentuckians will treat you with kindness. Friendly locals will greet you with open arms whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through. One encounter with a typical Kentuckian and you'll want to pack your bags and head to the Bluegrass State right away.

While cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh may not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," that is exactly what they are. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was written for a good reason; people here are genuinely kind to one another. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. There is a wide variety of people and cultures to experience. Further, two New Mexico cities were among the Top 20 Cities for LGBT Retirement in 2018. So, there you have it.

With only ten people, Three million people call this state in the southern United States home, and while its rural and urban areas are distinct, the people here are warm and welcoming. Even in larger cities such as Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. In a survey conducted by Big 7 Travel, Georgia received a score of 4.5 out of 7.

There is a common belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. It's true that Idahoans are known for their friendliness and willingness to help strangers.

Illinois is a state in the center of the United States's Midwest, and its residents are some of the friendliest you'll ever meet. When compared to New York City, Chicago is widely regarded as the more welcoming destination for international visitors. Moreover, it is a pleasant state to visit: 19 of the safest cities in America are located in Illinois.

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. If you can master the "one finger" wave while driving, 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 a wide variety of backgrounds, but they all contribute to the state's reputation as one of the friendliest and best 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 are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to eatery or watering hole to visitors. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

Due to Hawaii's strong commitment to the tourist industry, the state's guests are lavished with exceptional levels of service and care. The "Aloha Spirit" is what makes Hawaii famous. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a smile, 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 here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

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.

With its progressive culture and welcoming locals, Colorado is a great vacation destination. It's great for taking the kids, has a wealth of cultural attractions, and will quickly have you feeling like a native. 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 legendary "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. Upon your first visit, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

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 the snow or carrying your groceries. Don't even bother coming back for your keys. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The vivacious Texans and their "Howdys" 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 big cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

The people of South Carolina are known far and wide for their warmth and hospitality, which is just one of the many reasons the state is a great vacation destination. South Carolina has all the friendliness and hospitality associated with the South in spades.

Tennessee is bursting with that quintessential Southern hospitality, and its citizens are energized and excited to show off their hometown to visitors. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

Among the states in the United States, which one do residents rate as the friendliest? The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. It’s called ‘Minnesota Nice’ for a reason – the atmosphere in the Twin Cities and beyond is hard to match, with a homey feel and locals who go the extra mile to welcome tourists