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 cause traffic delays by taking photos for Instagram, though.

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. Is it the state of Delaware's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live that turns off our readers? Unfortunately it’s ranked as one of the least friendly states in America

Even though most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general apathy they exhibit toward tourists can be wearing. Massachusetts is not 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.

The Jersey way of life can come across as extremely impolite. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case Those who hail from New Jersey are often stereotyped as being loud and brash. The gas station attendant may not be very friendly, but at least they'll 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. Locals aren't rude, but they do give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the name "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the precipitation.

The people of New Hampshire are extremely loyal to their home state and take great pride in its natural beauty. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. Getting along with the locals can be challenging due to their stubbornness, and the area's sparse rural population.

Nevada, home of Sin City, is a state of extremes. 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.

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.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. When asked to rate Rhode Islanders on a "friendly scale," Big 7 Travel readers didn't give them high marks. Some of the friendlier areas are the smaller ones, but even the cashier at the local store probably won't smile at you.

Readers of our paper disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. If you're looking for a place where you'll feel welcome and safe in a big city, Los Angeles isn't it. Most people tend to take it easier in smaller towns.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough that you won't mind if you drop in. While waiting in line, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on any huge grins being exchanged. An admirable lack of concern for the feelings of others.

The people of Connecticut are friendly and outgoing 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. Not the most culturally rich state, but open mike nights and other community gatherings help 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. The majority of Anchorage's population is not indigenous to the area; in fact, everyone here is a transplant who has experienced being a stranger in a strange land. They might not respond to you at all if you bother them, but they are not rude if they do.

One of the best parts about visiting Montana is the people. Despite its vast 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 and open arms.

Increasing diversity in Virginia is making the state even more inviting and friendly. 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 of the abundance of tourists, the locals are friendly and willing to go out of their way to assist foreigners. Vermonters in smaller communities 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. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Feel at home immediately because Utahns are known for their warm hospitality. 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 an attractive state to relocate to because of its low crime rate and generally welcoming locals. Mainers, in contrast to their New England contemporaries, are known for their friendliness and openness. This will be readily apparent to you upon your arrival.

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 environment. To some extent, the mountains in West Virginia serve as a barrier between the state and the rest of the country, contributing to the state's tight-knit sense of community.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the frequent use of "howdy" and "how are you" in everyday interactions with strangers. 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. The locals have a great sense of humor, are laid back and polite, and embody the Midwest ideal of a friendly community.

The population density of Maryland is high, and the state is also home to a wide range of cultural traditions. Given its welcoming nature toward strangers, it is a lively and engaging place to spend some time with friends and strangers alike. 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, polite citizens who value their communities and enjoy life. Since Green Bay is located in one of the happiest regions of the United States, its residents are naturally friendly and outgoing. Possibly the Packers are involved.

This may be one of the least-visited and least-populated states in the USA, but that has nothing to do with the quality of its residents. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. The community spirit in this state was highly rated by our readers.

The people of Oregon have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming. Portland's hipster scene may be difficult to break into, but the people there are nice, I swear. This is the most pet-friendly state in the USA, so Fido is more than welcome here.

The Magnolia State of Mississippi is a delightful place, full of warmth and hospitality. The warmth of Mississippians is often a pleasant surprise to visitors. When you stop bragging about how much better life is "up North" and start treating the locals with respect, you will quickly be accepted as one of the 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.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. If you follow that simple rule, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the friendliest places in the United States. To be polite, random people will do things like hold the door open or 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 largest cities. The residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

Everyone in Kentucky is friendly no matter what. 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 anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities that might not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," but you'd be wrong. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; locals truly are friendly. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

New Mexicans, in general, are known for their warmth and hospitality. In a nutshell, it's chill and incredibly multi-ethnic. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people That sums it up

Population: 10 3 million, this state in the southern United States is a unique blend of rural and urban neighborhoods, but the people are warm and welcoming regardless of where you go. Here, even in major metropolises 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 manner. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois is located in the center of the Midwest, and its residents are some of the friendliest you'll ever meet. 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.

The people of Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. Anywhere you look, you'll find people pitching in to help one another, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. Master the 'one finger' wave behind the wheel, and 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 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 good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their favorite restaurant or bar to visitors. There are many options for children, making this an ideal 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. It must be good for the spirit to live in paradise, because everyone you meet will greet you with a friendly smile.

Not without reason does Oklahoma City go by "The Big Friendly," for this is indeed one of the friendliest states in the Union. The locals 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. Because locals are so welcoming to visitors, the state is stunning.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. 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 famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help others. The locals have a positive disposition and an entertaining sense of humor. If you think of Indiana as a "fly over" state, think again.

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. Keep your car unlocked and your keys inside. Possibilities are high that everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has undoubtedly helped it rank high among the friendliest states in the United States. There's a touch of small-town friendliness in the country's major cities.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina embodies the warm hospitality and generous spirit that have come to characterize the southern states.

Typical of the South, Tennesseans are friendly and eager to show off their city to visitors. It's already one of the most welcoming places in America, but when you factor in the exciting music scene, you can see why.

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.