America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could ), but it's a fascinating cultural crossroads, and if you can make it through the initial shock, you'll find that the neighborhoods in each of the five boroughs of New York City have a strong sense of community. Just don't linger in the street or impede traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. While that's great for locals and the state's reputation for neighborliness, it can make visitors to the state feel like outsiders who don't belong.

The entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes of driving, but despite its diminutive size, its residents are anything but neighborly. Is it that our readers' preconceptions of Delaware's amiability stem from the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? Unfortunately, it is 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 one of the friendliest states in America if its residents are known for ignoring each other. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

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 (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. Locals aren't rude, but they do give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the name "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the wet weather

New Hampshire is a stunning state full of fiercely proud, patriotic people. The problem is that this sense of pride is often 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.

Las Vegas, Nevada is in a state of extremes. Las Vegas is a place where "dog eats dog," but neighborly Reno is a better option. People in Nevada generally aren't very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

When you consider that Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States, you can see that Florida has its work cut out for it. 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.

Being an outsider is something you can expect to always be labeled as if you weren't born and raised in Rhode Island. Big 7 readers didn't give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "friendliness scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, our readers in other states are not impressed. Los Angeles is not exactly the City of Angels when it comes to making visitors feel at home. The locals can be cold and even rude to those they don't know. It's easier to take it easy in a smaller city.

People in Arizona aren't as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough to ignore that. Waiting in line is the perfect time to strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't hold your breath for any genuine smiles. The attitude is one of pleasant indifference to other people.

People in Connecticut are friendly and polite, but not overly outgoing. This is not the case. People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they will still open doors for you and greet you warmly. 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. Most of the locals, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived in the area at some point. It's either that or they'll completely ignore you; either way, they're not rude.

You won't believe how welcoming and friendly everyone in Montana is until you see it for yourself. Despite its massive size, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. Someone who won't invite you over for tea, but is nice all the same. All the towns have a good sense of humor and welcome visitors with open arms.

More and more people from all walks of life are settling in Virginia, giving the state a warm and inviting vibe. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the area as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities, the area is a great place to live.

Since Vermonters tend to be open and gregarious, it shouldn't be hard to meet new people and form friendships there. The locals here are very friendly and helpful because of the abundance of tourists. 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 state's best features is the eclectic mix of people who call it home.

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 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 a good place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming population. In contrast to the stereotype of the reserved New Englander, warm and friendly Mainers are a welcome sight. This will be readily apparent to you upon your arrival.

People from West Virginia are among the friendliest and most helpful you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. This laid-back lifestyle creates a friendly environment. As the mountains create a sort of buffer zone between West Virginia and the rest of the country, the people who live there tend to stick together.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the prevalence of "hellos" and "waves" to passers-by. The locals are very friendly, from the cashiers to the roadside farmers who will gladly tell you all about their delicious produce.

There's a perception that Michiganders are a warm and welcoming people, but the cities of Detroit and Ann Arbor in particular can be difficult to navigate. People here have a great sense of humor, are laid back, and are incredibly polite.

There is a wide range of cultural traditions represented in Maryland, which is one of the most populous states. With its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has quickly become a popular hangout for locals and visitors alike. Making lifelong friends in a Baltimore bar is a breeze.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. Given that Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. Would the Packers be a possible cause?

However, the low population and low tourism numbers in this state have nothing to do with the quality of its residents. The people of North Dakota are known for their genuine friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. In terms of community, the state received overwhelmingly positive ratings from our readers.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the country.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. Unless you insist on constantly reiterating the fact that everything is better "up North," locals will treat you like family and treat you like 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.

To put it simply, if you treat everyone you meet in Alabama with kindness, they will treat you with kindness in return. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that simple rule. You can count on complete strangers to do nice things for you, like holding the door open or helping you carry your groceries to your car.

South Dakota is home to many progressive, forward-thinking towns whose engaged and friendly residents are shaping the state's bright future. People will casually 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 who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky are friendly. Locals have the same welcoming demeanor for everyone, whether you were born and raised here or are just passing through. One encounter with a typical Kentuckian and you'll want to pack your bags and head to the Bluegrass State right away.

You might not immediately associate cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with friendliness, but you'd be wrong. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. As far as random acts of kindness from strangers go, our readers gave it high marks. Look lost Your chances of getting help from a friendly local are high.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. The atmosphere is chill and the range of cultures represented is impressive. The state of New Mexico is home to two cities that were named among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in the country in 2018. And there you have it

A town of only 10 people The population of this state in the southern United States is over 3 million, and its unique blend of rural and urban neighborhoods makes for a truly interesting travel experience, but the people are all very warm and welcoming. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. The citizens of Georgia were highly regarded by Big 7 Travel readers.

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 warm and inviting, and not in a nosy manner. Idaho's reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors is well-deserved.

Illinois, located in the center of the Midwest, is home to incredibly welcoming locals. When compared to New York City, Chicago is widely regarded as the more welcoming destination for international visitors. As an added bonus, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

People from Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. Strong community spirit permeates the air, with people of all ages and backgrounds pitching in to help one another. You can pass for a true native if you just learn the "one finger" wave to use while driving.

Even though the area has had a rough go of it recently due to natural disasters, the locals will do anything they can to make you feel at home. Louisianans may come from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, but they all contribute to the state's reputation as one of the friendliest and most enjoyable in the United States.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in the Midwest. It is easy to make friends with locals, and they will gladly show you around their favorite restaurant or bar. Family-friendly events abound, making this a fantastic destination.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. The friendly disposition of the locals suggests that paradise has a healing effect on the human psyche.

The Big Friendly isn't a nickname for Oklahoma City's capital city for nothing; Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the country. The locals here 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. The warmth and friendliness of the locals to tourists is what makes their state so special.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. It's great for taking the kids, has a ton of interesting things to learn about, and will have you feeling more at home in no time. You'll sense the warmth of this place right away, whether you're in Denver or out in the country.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help those in need. In general, the locals have a positive disposition and a humorous outlook. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

While Wyoming as a whole is relatively tranquil, the people who call it home make it anything but boring. 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 even bother getting out of the car! Most likely, everything will be fine.

The vivacious Texans and their "Howdys" are a trademark. 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. South Carolina has all the warmth and hospitality that the South is famous for, and then some.

In Tennessee, the friendly, outgoing, and helpful locals are in full Southern hospitality mode, eager to welcome and entertain visitors. And when you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

In addition, the most welcoming state in the United States is People in Minnesota are known for being some of the friendliest in the country. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the Twin Cities and surrounding areas have an inviting, friendly vibe that's hard to find elsewhere.