A Ranking of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first glance, locals (especially those from 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 as a whole is a vibrant melting pot of cultures. Don't block the sidewalk or cause traffic delays by taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), you'll find the locals to be extremely welcoming. Arkansas locals have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming, but this can 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. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? A sad reality is that it is one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

There isn't much in the way of rudeness from locals in MA, but the general indifference towards visitors can be wearing. Not exactly a quality that makes Massachusetts one of the friendliest states in America is its tendency to ignore its citizens. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

It's easy to mistake the Jersey way of life for outright rudeness. That seems to be the case, at least according to this survey. People from the Garden State have a reputation for being blunt and direct. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas for you, though.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. 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 can easily be misinterpreted by strangers as arrogance. Because of its stubborn natives and sparse rural population, making friends here can be challenging.

Nevada, the state where Sin City is located, is a place of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. Generally speaking, Nevadans are not very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it, as Miami is consistently ranked as one of the unfriendliest cities in the United States. Florida's reputation is slowly but surely improving thanks to cities like Orlando and their tourist-friendly initiatives, but the state as a whole still has some work to do.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island all your life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. Readers of Big 7 Travel didn't give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "friendliness scale." In general, the local cashier will not be particularly friendly, though they are more likely to smile in smaller communities.

People in California like to think of themselves as friendly, but our readers don't agree. The people of Los Angeles aren't exactly the most welcoming, giving off an air of disinterestedness that sometimes crosses into outright rudeness. The pace of life is slower in smaller towns.

Although the locals in Arizona lack the Southerners' blatant friendliness, they are usually relaxed enough to not be a major distraction. In the waiting area, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't hold your breath for a sea of beaming faces. It’s more of a nice indifference towards others

Residents of Connecticut are friendly and polite, but somewhat reserved. A lot less than that Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. 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 in the middle of nowhere, the state relies heavily on tourism, so its residents are always happy to see visitors. In fact, with the exception of Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current residents here are immigrants who were once newcomers themselves. And if they don't, they're not exactly rude if they choose to ignore you.

Montanans are among the friendliest people you'll ever meet. 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. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

Virginia's increasing diversity 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 an attractive location.

The people of Vermont are known for being warm and welcoming, making it simple to meet new friends. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. 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. Wherever two people are in close proximity, they will inevitably exchange "hi's," whether they're in Walmart, the parking lot, or waiting for a red light to change. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Famously warm and welcoming, Utahns will make you feel right at home. Being one of the most LGBTQ-friendly major cities in the United States, Salt Lake City is a wonderful place to live if you're looking for a lively and social environment.

Our readers seem to share our opinion that Maine is a great place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming locals. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. 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 environment. Since West Virginia is somewhat sheltered from the rest of the country by its mountainous terrain, the people who live there tend to be very close-knit.

The people of Iowa have a reputation for friendliness and kindness, especially in urban areas where they frequently engage in small talk with passers-by and offer a friendly wave. There is a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. In general, the locals here have a great sense of humor, are laid back, and are incredibly polite.

Maryland has a large cultural diversity despite being one of the most populous states. Since it welcomes visitors from all over the world, it is a lively and engaging place to spend 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; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, so its residents' easygoing demeanor is hardly surprising. What role, if any, do the Packers play in this?

It's not because of the quality of the locals that this is one of the least populated and least visited states in the United States. People from North Dakota are friendly and helpful, and they don't expect anything in return. Based on your votes, residents of this state have a strong sense of community.

The citizens of Oregon have earned a reputation for friendliness toward those they do not know. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. In addition to being the friendliest state in the country toward pets, it is also a great place to bring Fido.

Mississippi is an endearing state full of homey touches typical 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.

The people of Missouri are notoriously bad at keeping secrets. They're genuine in their friendliness, and they seem to enjoy hearing from total 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. People you don't know will go out of their way to be helpful, holding doors open and even offering to carry your groceries to your car.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming residents. Even in the largest cities, it is common practice for people to strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to the latest football game. You can pretty much use the phrase "Midwestern Nice" to describe the people here.

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky are always friendly. It doesn't matter if you're a lifelong resident or a tourist; the locals will treat you with the same warmth and friendliness. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities whose reputations as friendly places to live may not be what you'd expect at first glance. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; people in this state are genuinely warm and helpful. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost The average friendly local will probably offer assistance.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. It's chill and full of different cultures. Additionally, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people At any rate, you now know

Having only 10 people in it, 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. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is straightforward. One of the Big Seven travel magazines' readers ranked Georgia as "pretty peachy."

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. In contrast to other places, the locals here are genuinely warm and welcoming. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois, located in the center of the Midwest, is home to incredibly welcoming locals. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. A lot of the best cities in the United States can be found in Illinois, and the state as a whole is a pretty safe place to visit.

Among the states in the United States, Nebraska is home to some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. All around you, you'll find people pitching in to help each other out, giving off a palpable sense of community. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, 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. Despite its ethnic diversity, Louisiana is a great place to live because of its welcoming and warm people.

If you want to see good manners and a genuine interest in others in action, look no further than Ohio. Tourists can confidently ask locals for recommendations on where to eat or drink, as the people living there are friendly and open. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

Since tourism is Hawaii's main industry, visitors can expect exceptional service while they're here. As a result of its "Aloha Spirit," it has gained worldwide recognition. Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly hello, suggesting that paradise life has a positive effect on the human spirit.

Oklahoma is home to some of America's friendliest people, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," has earned its moniker for good reason. Here, people are always up for a chat and will do anything they can to protect those within their own community. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

Kansas is known for its welcoming residents and visitors alike, so don't be surprised if you strike up a conversation with a complete stranger. The warmth and friendliness of the locals to tourists are what truly set this state apart.

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 taking the kids, has a ton of interesting things to do, and will have you feeling more at home in no time. 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 routinely go out of their way to help strangers. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. After just one trip, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

Although Wyoming is a relatively calm state, its residents make it a great place to visit. Even in large cities, it is not unusual for a complete stranger to offer assistance with tasks such as unsticking your car from snow or carrying groceries. Don't bother getting out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Residents of Texas are very friendly, and they often greet visitors with a hearty "Howdy!" Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. Locals in its big cities will make you feel like you've come home to their small towns.

It's no secret that the people of South Carolina are extremely warm and inviting. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee has a lively attitude and the locals are excited to show off their city to visitors, exuding classic Southern hospitality. It's already one of the friendliest states in America, but when you factor in its thriving music scene, it's easy to see why.

Which state in America is the most welcoming? 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.