America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

At first, locals (especially those in the upstate) may New York City may be overwhelming at first, but if you give it time, you'll find that each borough's neighborhoods have a sense of community and that the city as a whole is a vibrant melting pot of cultures. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking pictures for Instagram, though.

When you're a local in Arkansas, people tend 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 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? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

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 have a tendency to ignore each other. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, rather than a temporary resident, can take years of hard work.

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 for you, 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 have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Perhaps the precipitation has played a role.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. It's easy for others to misinterpret such pride as arrogance. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, home to "Sin City," is a state of striking contrasts. 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 help 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.

Many Rhode Islanders have a hard time accepting anyone who wasn't raised there. According to Big 7 Travel readers, Rhode Islanders don't rate very high on the "friendliness scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

A lot of people in California like to think of themselves as friendly, but our readers would disagree. 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. Less hectic lifestyles can be found in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they tend to be chill about most things. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. A lot less than that 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 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 Alaskan Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point. They might not respond to you at all if you bother them, but they are not rude if they do.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its vastness, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. Nobody will invite you over for tea, but they're still pleasant. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

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, the area is a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. Because of the abundance of tourists, the locals are friendly and willing to go out of their way to assist foreigners. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

Citizens of North Carolina are known for their polite demeanor, willingness to aid strangers, and warm welcome of 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.

Utahns are well-known for their warmth and hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at ease in your new surroundings. Salt Lake City is one of the most sociable and exciting places to live in the United States, and is also recognized as one of the most welcoming metropolises for the LGBTQ community.

Our readers seem to agree that Maine is a great place to settle down because of its low crime rate and welcoming locals. In contrast to the stereotype of the reserved New Englander, warm and friendly Mainers are a welcome sight. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

West Virginians are among the most hospitable and warm-hearted people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. 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.

It's common for Iowans to greet strangers with a smile and a hello as they pass one another on the street, contributing to the state's reputation for friendliness. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

It's a common misconception that all Michiganders are warm and welcoming; in fact, some of the state's largest cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be downright unapproachable. As a whole, the locals here have a great sense of humor, are laid back, and are incredibly polite.

Because of its high population density, Maryland features a wide range of ethnic and cultural groups. Having no barriers to entry, it is a lively and social place to spend some time with friends or meet new people. Baltimore bars are great places to meet potential 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. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in the country, so it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

Although the locals may be wonderful, this state is one of the least populated and visited in the United States. The people of North Dakota are known for their genuine friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

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. You can bring your dog along because it is the most pet-friendly state in the USA.

Mississippi is a beautiful state bursting with traditional Southern hospitality. Many visitors to Mississippi are pleasantly surprised to find that locals are warm and welcoming. 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.

In Missouri, people will start telling you about their lives even before you've introduced yourself. Not only are they friendly, but they also genuinely care about what complete strangers have to say.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. 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.

In South Dakota, you'll find a wide variety of thriving, progressive communities populated by actively involved, welcoming locals. Even in the largest cities, people rarely shy away from striking up conversations with total strangers about anything from the weather to the latest football game. People here are the epitome of the term "Midwestern nice."

No matter what you're going through, people in Kentucky will be friendly. In this town, whether you were born and raised here or are just visiting, you will be treated with the same warmth and friendliness. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make you pack your bags and head here right away.

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. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; people here are genuinely warm and helpful. According to polls, it has a high rating for readers who value assistance from total strangers. Look lost There is a good chance a friendly local will assist you.

If you're looking for welcoming locals, New Mexico is the place to go. Relaxed and rich in cultural variety. 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. So there you go.

Having only 10 people in it, With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban communities, and its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Most of the Big 7 Travel readers who visited Georgia found it to be a pleasant experience.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. Indeed, locals are warm and welcoming, but not in a stalkerish fashion. Idaho's reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors is well-deserved.

The people of Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, are among the friendliest you'll meet anywhere. 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.

In the United States, you'll find some of the friendliest people in Nebraska. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. Master the "one finger" wave while driving, and you'll blend in just like a native.

Locals here will do anything to make you feel at home, despite the troubled history of natural disasters in the area. Louisianans may come from many different backgrounds, but they all contribute to the state's reputation as one of the most welcoming and enjoyable in the United States.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. The locals are friendly and will gladly recommend their favorite restaurant or bar to visitors. Moreover, it's a fantastic destination for families thanks to the abundance of fun things to do here that children will love.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. This place is famous for its "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, so clearly paradise has a healing effect on the human psyche.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the country, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," has earned that moniker for good reason. People here are very talkative 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 one of the state's greatest attractions.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. Friendly to families, it has a wealth of cultural attractions, and quickly makes foreigners feel at home. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

Hoosiers in the state of Indiana are known far and wide for their generous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to make others' experiences better. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. A single trip to Indiana will convince you that it is so much more than a "fly over" state.

In spite of Wyoming's reputation as a peaceful state, its residents make visiting the state a delight. Even in major metropolitan areas, strangers will often help you out if you get stuck in the snow or need assistance carrying groceries. Don't bother getting out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The vivacious Texans and their "Howdys" are a trademark. Its welcoming people "everywhere you go" have undoubtedly earned it a place among 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 warm hospitality of South Carolinians is well-known, and this is one of the reasons the state is so popular as a vacation destination. South Carolina embodies the Southern tradition of warm welcome with gusto.

Tennessee has that classic Southern charm going strong, with residents who are buzzing with excitement and eager to show off their city to visitors. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

Which state in America is the most welcoming? 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 Twin Cities and surrounding areas exude a genuine friendliness and hospitality that are unrivaled anywhere else.