America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

There's a chance visitors will encounter some grumpy locals (even in the countryside) 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 itself is a melting pot of many cultures. To avoid holding up traffic, please do not linger in the street while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you're from here, Arkansas will treat you like family. 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.

Even though most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general apathy they exhibit toward tourists can be wearing. To say that Massachusetts has a reputation for being unfriendly is an understatement. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, rather than a temporary resident, can take years of hard work.

A New Jerseyan's demeanor may come across as rude. According to the results of this poll, that appears to be the case. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. The gas station attendant may not be very friendly, but at least they'll pump your gas for you.

While Washington state often places highly in lists of environmentally-friendly states, it has a much more mixed reputation when it comes to its residents. The people of Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe that's given rise to the term "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the wet weather

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. 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 striking contrasts. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. People in Nevada generally aren't very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it, as Miami is consistently ranked as one of the unfriendliest 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 "friendly scale." The local cashier might give you a friendly wave in the smaller neighborhoods, but they won't exactly go out of their way to help you.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. The people of Los Angeles aren't exactly the most welcoming, giving off an air of disinterestedness that sometimes crosses into outright rudeness. The pace of life tends to slow down in smaller urban centers.

Arizona lacks the Southern's 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. The attitude is one of pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Not really Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. Though not the most culturally rich, open mike nights and other community gatherings help to keep people connected.

Though Alaska is remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, so locals are always happy to see visitors. Other than Alaska Natives, most of the locals here have been transplants at some point in their lives. It's either that or they'll completely ignore you; either way, they're not rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. A nice person like this won't invite you over for tea, but they will still treat you well. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. Some may view Washington, D.C. as conservative and wary of outsiders, but the city is also a cultural mecca. C as well as other major cities, make it a great place to live.

It's simple to meet new people and form friendships in Vermont because its residents are warm and welcoming. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

The locals in North Carolina are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere, including Walmart, the parking lot, and even while waiting for a red light to turn green. A distinctive feature of the state is the large number of people who hail from different parts of the country.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. The LGBTQ community can feel safe and accepted in Salt Lake City, as it is consistently ranked as one of the most welcoming large cities in the United States.

Our readers seem to agree that Maine is a good place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming population. Contrary to popular belief, Mainers are not as reserved as their New England counterparts. This is the first thing you'll notice when you arrive.

When traveling across the United States, you'll find that West Virginians are among the most warm and friendly people you'll encounter. Here, people move at a relaxed pace, creating a friendly environment. West Virginia is a tight-knit community due in large part to the state's natural isolation from the rest of the country.

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. The locals are very friendly, from the cashiers to the roadside farmers who will gladly tell you all about their delicious produce.

While most Michiganders like to think of themselves as hospitable, those in Detroit and Ann Arbor in particular can be tough. As a whole, the locals here have a great sense of humor, are laid back, and are incredibly polite.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. Because of its welcoming nature, it has a thriving social scene and is a fun place to spend time with others. In a Baltimore bar, you are sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

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?

One of the least populous and least visited states in the United States, and not because of its residents. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly neighborhood atmosphere.

The citizens of Oregon have earned a reputation for being friendly toward those they have never met before. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to break into, 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.

The Magnolia State of Mississippi is a delightful place, full of warmth and hospitality. The friendliness of the locals is often cited as a point of surprise for visitors to Mississippi. Once you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North," the locals 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 lengthy account of their life experiences. They are genuine in their friendliness, and they show genuine interest in the perspectives of total strangers.

In Alabama, if you're a nice person, everyone will be nice to you. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that simple rule. People are so nice that they will help you with things like holding the door open and carrying 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 strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. Those who live here are the epitome of the term "Midwestern nice."

No matter what you're going through, you'll find that people in Kentucky are always willing to help you out. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. The unique warmth of Kentuckians will have you packing your bags and heading south immediately.

Although cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh may not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," you'll find that they 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.

You can count on meeting pleasant locals in just about any town in New Mexico. It is culturally diverse and has a relaxed atmosphere. Also, two New Mexico cities made it into the Top 20 Retirement Cities for LGBT people in 2018. So there you have it.

A ten-person community This southern state, home to 3 million people, is a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas, and its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, it's not hard to strike up conversations with locals. In a survey conducted by Big 7 Travel, Georgia received a score of 4.5 out of 7.

Innumerable readers agreed with the widespread belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. The locals are genuinely warm and welcoming, and not in a stalkerish way. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness towards visitors.

In the middle of the United States, you'll find the state of Illinois, whose residents are known for their warmth and hospitality. When compared to New York City, Chicago is widely regarded as the more welcoming destination for international visitors. Illinois is a good state to visit because it is home to 19 of the safest cities in the United States, as ranked by Neighborhood Scout.

Some of the friendliest people you'll encounter in the United States are from Nebraska. There is a palpable sense of community everywhere you look, with people lending a hand to those in need. If you can master the "one finger" wave while driving, 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 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.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in the Midwest. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. Moreover, it's a fantastic destination for families thanks to the abundance of fun things to do here that children will love.

Hawaii places a premium on its tourist industry, so visitors can expect exceptional service. Those who visit praise its "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet will greet you with a friendly smile, as if living in paradise actually had a positive effect on the human psyche.

The Big Friendly isn't a nickname for Oklahoma City's capital without good reason; Oklahoma truly is one of the friendliest states in the Union. There is a constant desire to strike up a conversation, and the people here will always look out for their own. In addition to being welcoming to locals, they extend the same warmth to tourists.

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. The warmth of the locals toward visitors is one of the state's greatest attractions.

Colorado has some of the friendliest people in the world in addition to its progressive culture. 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.

Hoosiers are known for their generous nature and "Hoosier hospitality," the state's unique brand of "hospitality." 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.

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 stranger to help you carry your groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. Don't bother getting out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. Small-town friendliness is amplified in its major cities by the friendly locals who will make you feel right at home.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina has all the friendliness and hospitality associated with the South in spades.

Tennessee is a great example of classic Southern hospitality, with friendly locals who are always eager to show visitors around. It's already one of the friendliest states in America, but when you factor in its thriving music scene, it's easy to see why.

In addition, the most welcoming state in the United States is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals.