America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked
It seems that not all states are created equal when it comes to friendliness. There is a wide range of politeness, from traditional Southern hospitality to the blunt rudeness of big city dwellers. To find out "what are the friendliest states in America," we polled our listeners. ” The states
It seems that not all states are created equal when it comes to friendliness. There is a wide range of politeness, from traditional Southern hospitality to the blunt rudeness of big city dwellers. To find out "what are the friendliest states in America," we polled our listeners. ”
The states in the USA where you'll feel the most (and least) welcome, from strangers helping you find your way when your phone doesn't work to making new best friends in a local bar. ) welcome
Even upstate New Yorkers could have a brusque initial New York City may seem overwhelming at first, but if you give it time, you'll find that each of the five boroughs has distinct neighborhoods with a strong sense of community. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.
If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), you'll find the locals to be extremely welcoming. 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 state of Delaware is relatively compact (it takes only about 90 minutes to drive from one end to the other), its size doesn't necessarily equate to neighborliness. Why do some of our readers view Delaware negatively? Is it because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? Unfortunately, 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 is not exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, as opposed to being seen as 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. As a whole, people from New Jersey have a reputation for being blunt and direct. The (possibly) 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. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do exude a certain "polite but unfriendly" vibe that gives the city its nickname. Perhaps it's the constant precipitation.
The people of New Hampshire are fiercely proud of their state and its beauty. 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 doesn't help.
Nevada, the state where Sin City is located, is a place of extremes. Compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. Most people in Nevada won't go out of their way to help 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 has a ways to go.
One of the most certain ways to be treated as an outsider in Rhode Island is to not have been born there. In a survey conducted by Big 7 Travel, readers gave Rhode Islanders a low score on the "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 particularly friendly. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. A more relaxed pace of life can be found 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. Expect to have a conversation with a complete stranger while waiting in line, but don't count on anyone breaking out in a full-blown grin. Kind of a pleasant indifference to other people.
The people of Connecticut are friendly and polite if a bit reticent. Not really The people of New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors for you and greet you warmly when you visit. It's not the most culturally rich state, but people still manage to have fun and get 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. In fact, with the exception of Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of the locals here are immigrants who arrived in the area at some point. Or they'll simply ignore you, which isn't rude.
The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. People are nice, but you won't be invited to their homes for tea. Each town has its own unique sense of humor and welcomes visitors with open arms.
Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, despite the fact that some may view it as quite traditional and wary of strangers. C as well as other major cities, make it a great place to live.
Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it simple to make new friends. As tourism is a major industry, residents are generally eager to assist guests. It may take some time for the locals in a small Vermont town to warm up to a newcomer, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.
In my experience, natives of North Carolina are polite, helpful, and welcoming to anyone. It's not uncommon for strangers to greet one another in public places like Walmart, parking lots, and even while waiting for a red light to turn green. The diversity of its residents is one of the state's most notable features.
Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. In addition to being one of the most sociable and lively cities in the country, Salt Lake City is also known for its welcoming attitude toward the LGBTQ community.
Our readers seem to agree that Maine is a good place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming population. The people of New England are known for their reserved nature, but Mainers are known for their openness and friendliness. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.
When traveling across the United States, you'll find that West Virginians are among the most warm and friendly people you'll meet. In this area, life moves at a more relaxed tempo, creating 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.
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, from the friendly cashiers to the farmers selling fresh produce on the side of the road.
The people of Michigan like to think of themselves as a welcoming and sociable bunch, but 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.
One of the most populous states, Maryland is also culturally rich. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving and friendly atmosphere. A Baltimore bar is a great place to meet potential new best friends.
Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. Is there a chance it's connected to the Packers?
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 willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. Readers were very complimentary of the state's friendly atmosphere.
People in Oregon are known for being friendly and welcoming to visitors. The Portland hipster scene might be difficult to break into, but the people there are nice, I swear. Having the highest percentage of pet-friendly households in the United States, your dog is guaranteed a warm welcome here.
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. People in this area are extremely friendly, and they will make you feel at home as long as you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North."
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.
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 America if you follow that rule of thumb. Sometimes, 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.
South Dakota is home to a wide variety of thriving, innovative communities populated by actively involved, warm and welcoming locals. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. People in this region 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. If you've never been to Kentucky, you'll want to move here the second you meet a typical Kentuckian.
Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. The phrase "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 A friendly local is likely to assist you.
The people of New Mexico are known to be among the friendliest you'll encounter anywhere. It has a chill atmosphere and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. In addition, two New Mexico cities ranked among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. So there you have it.
With only ten 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 major metropolises like Atlanta, acquaintanceships can be formed quickly and easily. 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. 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 warm and welcoming people. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.
Among the states in the United States, Nebraska is home to some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other out, creating a strong sense of community. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in like a native.
The locals here will do anything to make you feel at home, despite the city'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.
People in Ohio have impeccable manners and a genuine enthusiasm for life. Locals are friendly and willing to show visitors their favorite spots for eating and drinking. With so many options geared toward younger visitors, it's also a fantastic destination for families.
Since tourism is Hawaii's main industry, visitors can expect exceptional service while they're here. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly hello, suggesting that there is some psychological benefit to living in such a beautiful place.
One of the friendliest states in the USA, Oklahoma City deserves its moniker "The Big Friendly." 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 friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.
Colorado has some of the friendliest people in the world and a progressive environment that makes for a fun vacation. It's great for families, there's a ton to do culturally, and tourists quickly feel at home here. One of the first things you'll notice about Colorado, whether in the city of Denver or out in the country, is how friendly the people are.
The people of Indiana take great pride in their legendary "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. Good-humored and humorous, the locals here are a pleasant bunch. 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 the largest of cities, it is not unusual for a complete stranger to offer to help you with something as mundane as getting your car unstuck from the snow or carrying your groceries. Just drive off without your keys. The odds are good that it will arrive undamaged.
People in Texas are very friendly, and they often say "Howdy" to strangers. Its welcoming people "everywhere you go" have undoubtedly earned it a spot on the list of the friendliest U.S. states. Its locals will welcome you with open arms and bring a sense of small-town friendliness to its big cities.
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.
People in Tennessee have that classic Southern attitude, always ready to greet visitors and proud to show off their hometown. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.
To top it all off, the winner of the competition between the friendliest states in America is Topping the list is Minnesota, whose residents stand out for their warmth and hospitality. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond have a genuine warmth and hospitality that's hard to find elsewhere.
Do you have what it takes to face polar bears and glaciers? If that's the case, you might be able to justify Alaska's high cost of living. Alaska is the ideal place to live for people who enjoy cold weather and long nights due to the state's vastness, amazing scenery, and abundant wildlife.
Planning a trip to Alaska to see the northern lights? We've got you covered with everything from the best time to see the aurora borealis in…
Rotate the table of contents Eagle ( This is the T'äwdlenn Located in the Southeast Fairbanks Census Area of Alaska (Han Athabascan[3]), on the south bank of the Yukon River not far from the international boundary between Canada and the United States, is the village of Hän. One of
When compared to other bears, polar bears have longer necks, narrower heads, and smaller ears. Their outer coat is white or yellow and made of water-repellent hair, and their undercoat is dense. Its big feet are an adaptation for swimming and walking on ice. Their feet are almost entirely furred.
Facebook