America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could Even if you don't like the crowds (New York City is a cultural melting pot, after all), the neighborhoods in each of the five boroughs have a sense of community if you stick around for a while. Please 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 people will treat you well. 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 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? It's one of the least welcoming states in the country, which is a shame.

Although 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 if its residents have a tendency to ignore each other. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to an outsider, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. And according to the results of this poll, that seems to be the case The people of New Jersey are notorious for being very forthright. At least the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will 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. The locals aren't rude, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the name "Seattle freeze." 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 misunderstood 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, 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. Locals in the state of Nevada, on the whole, are not very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it if Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least friendly cities in America. 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 some catching up 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 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 widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. In terms of friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. In fact, the city has an air of indifference that occasionally crosses into rudeness. The pace of life is slower in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. When waiting in line, it's the kind of place where total strangers will start talking to each other; however, you shouldn't count on anyone being overly cheerful. More than anything, it's a pleasant lack of concern for other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. The answer is no. Even though New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will still open doors and greet you warmly when you visit. Even though it isn't the most culturally active state, its residents are able to come 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.

When you visit Montana, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of its residents. Despite its vast size, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. However, you won't be invited over for tea, they are nice people nonetheless. Each town has its own unique sense of humor and welcomes visitors with open arms.

The Commonwealth of Virginia is becoming increasingly diverse, which has a positive effect on the state's warm and inviting culture. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities make it a great place to live.

It's simple to meet new people and form friendships in Vermont because its residents are warm and welcoming. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Though the locals of a small Vermont town may take some time to warm up to newcomers, once they do, you'll have friends for life.

The people who call North Carolina home tend to be polite, helpful, and welcoming. The supermarket, the parking lot, and even the intersection at a red light are just some of the places where you might hear someone say "hi." One of the best things about this state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most sociable and exciting places to live in America, and it is also recognized as one of the most welcoming cities for the LGBTQ community.

Our readers seem to agree that the low crime rate and welcoming nature of Mainers contribute to the state's popularity as a relocation destination. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. The moment you step foot in this location, you'll notice this.

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.

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's a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

Although Michiganders like to think of themselves as a warm and welcoming people, some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be difficult to get to know. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

Maryland has a large population and a wide range of cultural traditions, making it one of the most culturally diverse states in America. Given its welcoming nature toward strangers, it is a lively and engaging place to spend some time with friends and strangers alike. One of the best places to meet potential best friends in Baltimore is at a bar.

Wisconsin is a bright spot in the Midwest, with friendly locals who value their community and a positive outlook on life. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in the country. Possibly the Packers are involved.

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. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. The community spirit in this state was highly rated by our readers.

As a state, Oregon is known for its residents' 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. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

Mississippi is an endearing state full of homey touches typical of the South. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. After you stop trying to convince them that life is better "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like you always belonged there.

When you meet a Missourian, you can expect to hear their entire life story before you've even said hello. 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 this simple guideline, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the Union. Random people will go out of their way to help you, such as by holding the door open or carrying your groceries to your car.

Cities and towns across South Dakota are thriving hubs of progressive thought and progressive people. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. Those who live here are the epitome of the term "Midwestern nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll 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. 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 "friendly cities," but that's not how they are at all. People in this state are so warm and welcoming that the slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined. To the extent that random people can be helpful, our readers rated it highly. 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 relaxed atmosphere and a wide variety of cultural influences. Not only that, but two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people made it onto the Top 20 Cities list this year! As you see, it is that simple.

A ten-person community This state in the southern United States has a population of over 3 million and a varied landscape of urban and rural areas, but its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in major metropolitan areas like Atlanta, forming meaningful relationships with locals is a breeze. Those who read the Big 7 Travel report on Georgia thought it 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. Idaho's reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors is well-deserved.

Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, is home to incredibly welcoming locals. Chicago is arguably more tourist-friendly than New York City. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

The people of Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. It has a strong sense of community, with people helping each other out no matter where you look. Master the "one finger" wave while 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 a wide variety of backgrounds, but they all contribute to the state's reputation as one of the friendliest and most enjoyable in the country.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. The abundance of fun things to do here with children make it a fantastic destination for families.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. Due to its "Aloha Spirit," it has gained international recognition. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, suggesting that there is some psychological benefit to living in such a beautiful place.

There's a reason Oklahoma is home to one of America's friendliest capitals: Oklahoma City. Regardless of the situation, people here will always look out for their own community and are always up for a chat. People who visit there will receive the same warm welcome.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the legendary friendliness of Kansans, so strike up conversations with complete strangers at will. 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, there's a ton to learn, and you'll quickly feel 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 demeanor and a great sense of humor. After just one trip, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

Despite Wyoming's reputation as a peaceful state, its residents make it a delight to visit. A genuine sense of community exists even in the largest of cities; it is not unusual for a complete stranger to help you carry your groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. Put the keys in the ignition and drive away. In all likelihood, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" "everywhere you go" has undoubtedly contributed to its status as one of the friendliest states in the USA. The locals in its major cities will make you feel like you've come to their cozy little town.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great 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 most welcoming states.

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 people of the Twin Cities and beyond go above and beyond to make visitors feel at home.