A Ranking of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first, the locals (especially those in the upstate) may 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. Just don't linger in the street or impede traffic by taking Instagram photos.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), you'll find the locals to be extremely welcoming. While this is great 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 traversed in under an hour and a half by car, the small size of the state has not translated into a particularly neighborly reputation. Is it that our readers' preconceived notions of Delaware as unwelcoming stem from the state's (possibly unfair) image as dull? Sadly, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Even though most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general apathy they exhibit toward tourists can be wearing. Massachusetts isn't exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

At times, the Jersey way of life can come across as rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. The gas station attendant may not be very friendly, but at least they'll pump your gas for you.

While Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, it has a much more mixed reputation when it comes to its residents. The people of Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a certain "polite but unfriendly" air about them, hence the nickname "the Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the precipitation.

Stunning scenery and a fiercely patriotic populace characterize the Granite State. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, home to "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. The general population of Nevada is not particularly friendly toward strangers.

Florida has its work cut out for it, as Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States. Tourism-friendly developments in places like Orlando are greatly enhancing the state's standing, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before it earns its reputation as it should.

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. According to Big 7 Travel readers, Rhode Islanders aren't very friendly. While the local cashier is more likely to smile in a smaller town, this is not the case in larger cities.

However, 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. Casual lifestyles prevail in smaller urban centers.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. 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. Instead, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Actually, no. Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. 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; 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 large town. Nobody will invite you over for tea, but they're still pleasant. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state's already warm and friendly culture even more so. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C in comparison to other major cities, which makes it a good place to live.

Friendly and outgoing locals make Vermont a great place to strike up conversations and make new friends. Due to the abundance of tourists, the locals are extremely friendly and willing to assist with any needs. Residents of small Vermont towns may take some time to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, they'll treat them like long-lost friends.

Residents of North Carolina are known for their polite demeanor, willingness to aid strangers, and warm reception of guests. At Walmart, in the parking lot, or even while waiting at a red light, people will randomly say "hi." One of the best things about the state is the diversity of its residents.

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 exciting places to live in the United States, and it is also considered to be one of the most welcoming cities for the LGBTQ community.

Many of you have expressed an interest in relocating to Maine, likely drawn by the state's low crime rate and generally welcoming locals. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. When you first step foot here, you'll notice this.

Locals in West Virginia are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness, making it one of the best places to visit in the United States. 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.

In general, Iowans are known for their warm and welcoming demeanor; it's not uncommon to see people smiling and greeting complete strangers as you walk down the street. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares 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 unapproach The locals have a great sense of humor, are laid back and polite, and embody the Midwest ideal of a friendly community.

One of the most populous states, Maryland is also culturally rich. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social 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, with its friendly locals, strong sense of community, and carefree spirit. As one of the United States' happiest cities, Green Bay's residents are naturally friendly. Maybe it has something to do with the Packers

This may be one of the least-visited and least-populated states in the United States, but that has nothing to do with its wonderful residents. People from North Dakota are known for being friendly and helpful, even if they don't get anything in return. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

In general, Oregonians are known for their friendliness toward those they have never met before. Portland's hipsters may be difficult to integrate into mainstream culture, but I promise they're cool once you do. Even Fido is welcome here, as this state is the most pet-friendly in the country.

Charming and full of Southern sweetness, Mississippi is a wonderful place to visit. Visitors are often taken aback by the warm welcome they receive in Mississippi. Friendly locals will make you feel at home immediately, as long as you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North."

When you meet a Missourian, you can expect to hear their entire life story before you've even said hello. There's no pretense or false friendliness here; people are genuinely kind and curious to hear from total strangers.

Everything and everyone you meet 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. Just because they want to be nice, strangers will do 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 what you're going through, you'll find that people in Kentucky will treat you with kindness. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. Kentucky residents exude a special brand of friendliness that will have you packing your bags and heading south immediately.

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; people here are genuinely kind to one another. According to polls, it has a high rating for readers who value assistance from total strangers. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. It has a chill atmosphere and a rich variety of cultural influences. In addition, two New Mexico cities ranked among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. Thus, the conclusion

Only 10 people live there, so it's pretty empty. With a population of over 3 million, this state in the southern United States is home to a fascinating blend of rural and urban communities that are, on the whole, inhabited by warm and welcoming people. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

Repeatedly, you'll hear that Idaho is home to some of the friendliest people in the United States. Our readers agreed. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish 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. As a top tourist destination in the United States, Chicago rivals New York City in popularity. It's also a pretty good state to visit: 19 of the safest cities in America are located in Illinois.

When it comes to Americans, you won't find a nicer bunch than those who live 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.

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 friendliest and most enjoyable places to live in the United States.

State of Ohio is a model of Midwestern civility and genuine goodwill toward neighbors. The locals are friendly and willing to show visitors their favorite spots for eating and drinking. 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. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly hello, as if paradise itself could heal your soul.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in America, 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 treat guests with the same warmth and hospitality as locals.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous Kansas friendliness, so strike up a conversation with seemingly anyone you come across. The friendly nature of the locals towards tourists is one of the state's many attractive features.

Because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals, Colorado is a great vacation destination. It's great for taking the kids, has a ton of interesting things to do, and will have you feeling more at home in no time. You'll feel the welcoming vibes of Colorado right away, whether you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

Hoosiers are known far and wide for their generous spirit and warm welcome. The locals have an excellent sense of humor and are generally pleasant to be around. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

It's true that Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state overall, but its residents are what really set the mood. 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 the keys out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" 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. The people of South Carolina epitomize the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its citizens are always excited 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.

And the winner out of all the friendliest states in America The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. 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.