America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

It's possible that at first, locals (especially those in the countryside) will come off as a The city may be overwhelming at first, with so many different people and cultures to take in, but if you give it some time, you'll find that each of the five boroughs of New York City has a distinct and welcoming sense of community. You should not linger in the street or impede traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're from Arkansas, and I stress if, you'll find the locals to be very 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 it only takes 90 minutes to drive across Delaware, the small size of the state doesn't necessarily equate to neighborliness. Have our readers' perceptions of Delaware's friendliness been colored by the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? Sadly, 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 isn't exactly going to make the list of the friendliest states in America if its residents have a tendency to ignore their fellow citizens. 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 It's common knowledge that people from New Jersey have bold, outspoken characters. 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 its human inhabitants are another story. The locals aren't rude, but they give off a distinct "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. But to others, that pride can seem like arrogance. Getting along with the locals can be challenging due to their stubbornness, and the area's sparse rural population.

The state of Nevada, where Sin City is located, is a land of extremes. Las Vegas is a place where "dog eats dog," but neighborly Reno is a better option. In general, Nevadans are not 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. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendliness scale." Neighborhood cashiers are friendlier in smaller towns, but in general, don't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

While many native Californians may believe that their state is known for its warm and welcoming culture, our readers have a different opinion. If you're looking for a place where you'll feel welcome and safe in a big city, Los Angeles isn't it. It's easier to take it easy in a smaller city.

There's no denying that Arizona doesn't have the Southern-style blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough to make up for it. If you're waiting in line, you can expect to strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on any huge grins being exchanged. To be more precise, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and polite, but they tend to be reserved and quiet. Not really Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. Even though it's not the most culturally active state, its residents still manage to have fun at open mike nights and other gatherings.

Alaskans are happy to see visitors because the state relies so heavily on tourism, despite the state's remote location. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point. They might do that, or they might just ignore you, but either way, they're not rude.

People in Montana will surprise you with their friendliness and hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. The townspeople joke and tease each other in a lighthearted manner, and they welcome visitors with open arms.

Virginia's growing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the area as conservative and wary of newcomers. C and other major cities make it a great place to live

The people of Vermont are known for being warm and welcoming. The locals are very friendly and helpful because tourism is very important to the economy. Newcomers to Vermont's smaller communities may have to wait a while before they're fully accepted, but once they do, they'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" practically 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.

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 the United States, and it is also recognized as one of the most accepting metropolises for the LGBTQ community.

Our readers seem to agree that Maine is a great place to call home due to its low crime rate and welcoming population. Mainers, in contrast to their New England contemporaries, are known to be friendly and outgoing. The moment you step foot in this location, you'll notice this.

West Virginians are among the friendliest and most helpful people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. An easygoing lifestyle creates a friendly environment here. Because of the mountains' role as a buffer between the state of West Virginia and the rest of the country, the people who live there tend to stick together.

The citizens of Iowa are known for their friendliness and politeness; it's not uncommon to see them greet complete strangers as you walk down the street. People are friendly and helpful, whether it's the cashiers at the store or the roadside farmers selling their fresh produce.

While most people in the Great Lakes State have a reputation for being warm and welcoming, some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, prove to be surprisingly difficult to navigate. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. In a Baltimore bar, you are sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

There are good manners, a strong sense of community, and a positive outlook in Wisconsin, a gem of the Midwest. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

You won't find many people living here or tourists passing through, but that has nothing to do with the quality of the people who do call it home. People from North Dakota are known for being friendly and helpful, even if they don't get anything in return. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

State of Oregon residents are known for their friendliness toward total strangers. Although Portland's hipster culture may be difficult to enter, 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.

The state of Mississippi is absolutely lovely, full of warm hospitality and delicious Southern cuisine. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. Once 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.

Missourians are notorious for launching into lengthy monologues before you've even said hello. There's no pretense here; people are genuinely friendly and interested in chatting with strangers.

Everyone in Alabama will treat you with kindness if you treat them with kindness first. By following this simple guideline, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the most welcoming places in the United States. People you don't know will go out of their way to help you, such as holding the door open or carrying 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 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. It doesn't matter if you're a lifelong resident or just passing through; 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.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. People in this state are so warm and welcoming that the slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined. When asked how helpful random people are, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost There is a decent person in the area who will probably offer assistance.

People in nearly every town in New Mexico are warm and welcoming. It is culturally diverse and has a relaxed atmosphere. As an added bonus, two New Mexico cities made it into the Top 20 LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. So there you go.

With only ten people, With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. They thought Georgia was great, according to Big 7 Travel readers.

A large majority of our readers agreed with the widespread belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the country. These locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish way. It's true that Idahoans are known for their friendliness and willingness to help strangers.

Illinois, a state in the center of the Midwest, is known for its warm and welcoming residents. 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.

Most Nebraskans are among the friendliest people you'll meet in the United States. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a native.

People here will go out of their way to make you feel at home, despite the city'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 best places to live in the United States.

One of the best examples of good manners and genuine friendliness in the Midwest can be found in the state of Ohio. The locals have an open mind and are happy to recommend their favorite restaurant or bar to visitors. This is an excellent destination for families, as there are many enjoyable options for children of all ages to participate in.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. For its "Aloha Spirit," it has become famous. Everyone you meet will give you a friendly wave and a warm smile, proof that paradise really does do something good for the spirit.

The Big Friendly isn't just a catchy moniker for Oklahoma City; 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. Guests are treated with the same warmth and hospitality.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous friendliness of Kansans, so they should be prepared to strike up conversations with complete strangers. Because locals are so welcoming to visitors, the state is stunning.

People in Colorado are some of the friendliest you'll ever meet, and the state itself has a progressive vibe that makes for a great vacation. 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 legendary "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. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

In spite of Wyoming's reputation as a peaceful state, its residents make visiting the state a delight. Despite their size, cities still have a strong sense of community, with strangers often offering to help you with things like unsticking your car from the snow or carrying your groceries. Do not attempt to enter the vehicle while the keys are still inside. 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 embodies the warm welcome and generous spirit that have come to define the Southern states.

Locals in Tennessee are full of life and eager to show off their city to visitors, exemplifying the classic Southern hospitality that has made the state famous. And when you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

Finally, the most welcoming state in the United States is Its residents are the friendliest in the country, and this makes Minnesota number one. Minnesota has earned the nickname "Minnesota Nice" because the state as a whole exudes a warm and welcoming vibe that is difficult to match.