A Ranking of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first, locals (especially those further north) could The city may be overwhelming at first, with so many different people and cultures to take in, but if you give it some time, you'll find that each of the five boroughs of New York City has a distinct and welcoming sense of community. Just don't linger in the street or block traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

As long as you're a local, Arkansas residents tend to be welcoming. While this is great for Arkansans and their friendly community, it may make tourists feel out of place 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? To make matters worse, 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 going to make the list of friendliest states in America if its residents have a tendency to ignore their fellow citizens. Becoming a full-fledged resident of Boston rather than viewed as a temporary visitor can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. From the results of this poll, it appears that is indeed the case. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. Although the (likely) unfriendly station attendant will pump your gas, at least it's convenient!

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. Residents of Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but they do exude a certain "polite but unfriendly" vibe that has earned the city its nickname, "Seattle freeze." Possibly the constant precipitation is to blame.

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. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population does not help.

Nevada, the site of Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a rough place to spend time. People in Nevada generally aren't 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. The state's reputation is improving thanks in large part to Orlando and the work of its tourism-friendly initiatives, but the state as a whole still has work to do.

It is highly likely that anyone who was not raised in Rhode Island will always be considered an outsider to the state. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendliness 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 common belief that Californians are exceptionally sociable. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. There is a more relaxed atmosphere in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they tend to be chill about most things. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

The people of Connecticut are friendly and outgoing despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. I wouldn't say that at all Though New Englanders may have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will still open doors and greet you warmly when you visit. 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.

The economy in Alaska relies heavily on visitors from elsewhere, so despite the state's relative isolation, locals are always happy to see new faces. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point in their lives. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you, but in either case, they are not rude.

We think you'll find Montanans to be some of the friendliest people you meet. Despite its massive size, the whole state feels more like a large village. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. Greetings to visitors are met with a friendly attitude and lighthearted banter between the towns.

The Commonwealth of Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and warm. The cultural mecca of Washington, D.C., may come across as traditional and wary to outsiders. C and other major cities, it's a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for their warm and welcoming demeanor, making it simple to strike up conversations with complete strangers. With so many tourists passing through, the locals will go out of their way to assist you. The people of Vermont's small towns can be slow 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. At Walmart, in the parking lot, or even while waiting at a red light, people will randomly say "hi." A distinctive feature of the state is the large number of people who hail from different parts of the country.

As Utahns are well-known for their warm hospitality, you will 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 counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. This will be immediately apparent to you upon your arrival.

West Virginians are among the friendliest and most hospitable people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. The relaxed rhythm of life 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 have a reputation for friendliness and generosity, as evidenced by their frequent use of "how are yous" and "hellos" in passing pedestrians. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

While most Michiganders like to think of themselves as hospitable, those in Detroit and Ann Arbor in particular can be tough. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

As one of the most populous states in the country, Maryland is also culturally rich. As a result of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has become a lively and exciting place to spend some time with friends. In a Baltimore bar, you are sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, with friendly locals who value their community and a positive outlook on life. One of the happiest cities in America, Green Bay is a great place to find genuinely friendly people. The Packers might have a role in this, right?

Even though the people living here are fantastic, this is one of the least-visited states in the United States. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. Those of you who rated the state on its friendliness as a community gave it high marks.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. It may take some time to earn respect among Portland's hipsters, but I promise it'll be worth it. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

Mississippi is an endearing state that embodies the best of the South. Most tourists are pleasantly surprised by the welcoming nature of Mississippians. Once you stop bragging about how much better life is "up North" and start treating the locals like family, you will quickly find that you have made many new friends.

When you meet a Missourian, you can expect to hear their entire life story before you've even said hello. There's no pretense here; people are genuinely friendly and interested in chatting with strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. Just because they want to be helpful, strangers will hold the door open for you and assist you with your groceries as you make your way to your vehicle.

There are many progressive, progressive communities full of engaged and friendly people in South Dakota. Here, even in the largest cities, people are comfortable striking up conversations with total strangers about anything from the weather to the latest football game. They are the epitome of the term "Midwestern nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you will 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. It's the unique warmth of Kentuckians' hospitality that will have you packing your bags for the Bluegrass State 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 assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost It's likely that a friendly local will offer assistance.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. It's chill and full of different cultures. Additionally, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So there you have it.

Home to just 10 people With a population of over 3 million, this southern state offers a diverse landscape of rural and urban areas, but its residents are known for their warm hospitality. 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 stalkerish manner. To its credit, Idaho lives up to its reputation for genuine friendliness and openness to visitors.

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. As an added bonus, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it an attractive tourist destination.

The people of Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. Everywhere you look, you'll find people pitching in to help each other out, creating a strong sense of community. If you can master the "one finger" wave while driving, you'll blend in 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.

Ohioans are known for their good manners and friendly demeanor, making the Buckeye State a shining example of the Midwest. Tourists can confidently ask locals for recommendations on where to eat or drink, as the people living there are friendly and open. Additionally, it is a fantastic destination for families thanks to the abundance of fun things to do here that children will enjoy.

In Hawaii, the hospitality industry is thriving because of the state's dedication to its visitors. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a smile, as if paradise itself could cure your emotional ills.

There's a good reason why Oklahoma is known as "The Big Friendly" rather than "The Big Friendly City": Oklahoma is consistently ranked as one of the friendliest states in the United States. People here are always keen to strike up conversation and will look after their own community no matter what 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.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. It's great for families, is relatively risk-free, and has so much history and tradition that tourists quickly begin to feel at home. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

"Hoosier hospitality" refers to the residents of Indiana going out of their way to make others feel welcome. The locals have a positive demeanor and an entertaining sense of humor. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, but its residents make it a lively and entertaining destination. Even in major metropolitan areas, it's not unusual for a complete stranger to offer assistance with tasks like unsticking your car from snow or carrying groceries. Don't even bother coming back for the keys. The odds are good that it will arrive undamaged.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" are an indelible part of any trip to the Lone Star State. This state's reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has undoubtedly earned it a spot among the top ten friendliest in the United States The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

The warm hospitality of South Carolinians is well-known, and the state is often cited as a top vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies 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 America's friendliest states.

Finally, the most welcoming state in the United States is 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 Twin Cities and surrounding areas exude a genuine friendliness and hospitality that are hard to find elsewhere.