America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

The locals (especially those in the upstate) may come off as rude at 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.

As long as you're a local, Arkansas residents tend to be welcoming. It's great that Arkansans have such welcoming neighbors, but some tourists may feel like outsiders if they don't feel like they fit in with the locals.

Even though the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. How much of our readers' negative impressions of Delaware come from the state's (possibly exaggerated) reputation as boring? This is one of the least welcoming states in the Union, unfortunately.

People in MA aren't necessarily rude, but their indifference to tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts may not be the friendliest state in America, but that isn't because its residents are particularly good at ignoring them. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come off as extremely impolite. According to the results of this poll, that appears to be the case. People from New Jersey tend to be more outspoken than those from other states. At least the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will pump your gas for you.

While Washington state consistently places high on lists of environmentally-friendly states, it has a much more mixed reputation when it comes to its residents. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. The constant precipitation could be to blame, after all.

The people of New Hampshire are extremely loyal to their home 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 here, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, the site of the famous gambling mecca known as "Sin City," is a state of striking contrasts. Travelers looking for a less cutthroat vacation destination should consider Reno or Salt Lake City instead of Las Vegas. As a whole, Nevadans are not particularly 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.

Your status as an outsider is likely to persist regardless of how long you've lived in Rhode Island if you weren't born and raised there. Rhode Islanders scored low on Big 7 Travel readers' "friendly scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Our readers do not share the common belief that Californians are as sociable as the rest of the country would like to believe When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. Smaller urban centers have a more relaxed atmosphere.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. While waiting in line, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on anyone breaking out in a full-blown smile. Instead, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. I wouldn't say that at all People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they will always open doors for you and greet you with a friendly hello. Even though it's not the most culturally active state, residents still manage to have fun at open mike nights and other community gatherings.

Despite the state of Alaska's isolation, the tourism industry is thriving and locals are always happy to see visitors. Except for Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current residents here 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.

Montanans will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. It's unlikely that anyone will invite you over for tea, but you'll find that these people are friendly. Cities joke and tease one another in a way that is lighthearted and friendly, especially to visitors.

With its increasing diversity, Virginia is becoming an even more inviting and friendly place to live. 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.

Because of the welcoming nature of Vermonters, making new friends is a breeze. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Some Vermonters in smaller communities may take some time 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 reception of visitors. 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 the state is the diverse population that it attracts from all over the country.

Because Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, you will quickly feel at home here. One of the most sociable and lively places to live in the United States, Salt Lake City is also known for its welcoming attitude toward the LGBTQ community.

According to your responses, Mainers' low crime rate and general friendliness make it a desirable place to settle down. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. That's 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. The relaxed tempo of life here creates 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. Store clerks will be happy to see you, roadside farmers will gladly discuss their delicious produce, and you'll feel like you're part of a close-knit community.

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 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. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has become a lively and exciting place to spend time with friends. In a Baltimore bar, you are guaranteed to meet some of your new closest friends.

Wisconsin is a hidden gem in the Midwest, known for its friendly locals, strong sense of community, and positive outlook. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America. The Packers might have a role in this, right?

One of the least populated and least visited states in the United States, and it has nothing to do with the friendly people who live there. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without demanding anything in return. Those of you who rated the state on its friendliness as a community gave it high marks.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. It may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but I promise it's worth it. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

When it comes to Southern hospitality, Mississippi is hard to beat. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. Once you stop bragging about how great it is "up North" to the locals, they will treat you like family and treat you like one of the family.

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a detailed account of their entire life. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

You'll find Alabama to be a very welcoming place if you maintain a positive disposition. If you follow that rule, you'll soon discover that Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the Union. Just because they want to be nice, strangers will do nice things like hold the door open and help you carry your groceries to your car.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are populated by engaged and welcoming residents. Some of the most open conversations I've ever had were with total strangers in the midst of busy city streets. These folks are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern nice."

Everyone in Kentucky is friendly no matter what. 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.

Although cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh may not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," you'll find that they are. 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 There is a decent chance that a friendly local will assist you.

People in almost every town in New Mexico are warm and welcoming. It has a chill atmosphere and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. Moreover, two New Mexico cities were among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. You now have the full picture

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 larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

Repeatedly, you will hear that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country; our readers agree. True friendliness among the populace, without the intrusiveness The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness towards visitors.

Illinois, located in the middle of the United States, is home to incredibly warm and welcoming people. When compared to New York City, Chicago is often regarded as the more welcoming destination for international visitors. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

It's true what they say about Nebraskans: they're some of the friendliest people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. Master the "one finger" wave at 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. Louisiana is home to a wide variety of cultures, but its residents all share a commitment to making their home state one of the most welcoming and enjoyable places to live in the United States.

People in Ohio have impeccable manners and a genuine enthusiasm for life. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. Also, there are many options for children to enjoy themselves here, making it a fantastic destination for families.

Hawaii puts a lot of effort into catering to tourists, so they are well taken care of in terms of hospitality. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, so clearly paradise has a healing effect on the human psyche.

OKC isn't called "The Big Friendly" for nothing; OK is truly one of the friendliest states in the USA. Here, people are always up for a chat and will do anything they can to protect those within their own community. They are also very welcoming of 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 of the locals toward tourists is one of the state's greatest attractions.

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 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 consistently go out of their way to help others. The locals are friendly and humorous. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. Even in large cities, it is not unusual for a complete stranger to offer to help you with something as simple as getting your car unstuck from the snow or carrying your groceries. Don't even bother getting the keys out of the ignition. Most likely, everything will be fine.

People in Texas are very friendly, and they often say "Howdy" to strangers. Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. The people in its big cities will make you feel like you've come home to a friendly small town.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina embodies the Southern tradition of warm welcome with gusto.

Tennessee is a great example of classic Southern hospitality, with friendly locals who are always eager to show visitors around. When you factor in the state's thriving music industry, it's easy to see why it's widely considered to be one of the friendliest in the United States.

The most welcoming state in the United States is Winner: Minnesota, whose residents stand out for their warmth and hospitality. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals.