America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

At first, the 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 itself is a melting pot of many cultures. 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), the locals will treat you well. However, 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 quite compact and can be traversed in under an hour and a half, its size should not be mistaken for neighborliness. Have our readers' perceptions of Delaware's friendliness been colored by the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? It is one of the least welcoming states in the Union, which is a shame.

Residents of Massachusetts aren't necessarily rude, but their indifference toward tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts is not exactly the friendliest state in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Becoming a recognized member of the Boston community rather than viewed as a temporary resident can take years.

The Jersey way of thinking can come across as rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case People from New Jersey tend to have bold and forthright characters. The gas station attendant may not be very friendly, but at least they'll pump your gas for you.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of eco-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Could be the constant downpours.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. But that pride can easily be misinterpreted by strangers as arrogance. Getting along with the locals can be challenging due to their stubbornness, and the area's sparse rural population.

Nevada, the site of the infamous city of Las Vegas, is a state of striking contrasts. It's true that Las Vegas can be a cutthroat environment, but neighborly cities like Reno offer a more pleasant alternative. Nevadans, on the whole, are not particularly willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Considering Miami's reputation as one of the friendliest U.S. cities, Florida has its work cut out for it. Orlando's tourist-friendly initiatives are a huge boon to the state, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before its reputation catches up.

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." You'll get a warmer welcome in smaller communities, but don't expect the cashier at your local supermarket to crack a smile.

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 be slower in smaller urban centers.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. When waiting in line, it's the type of place where total strangers will start talking to each other; however, you shouldn't count on anyone being overly cheerful. To be more precise, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

The people of Connecticut are not only friendly, but also polite, reserved, and nice. Not really Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. 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.

Though Alaska is remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, so locals are always happy to see visitors. To the contrary, with the exception of Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of the locals are immigrants who have experienced life as a newcomer at some point. They might do that, or they might just ignore you, but either way, they're not rude.

It will come as a pleasant surprise to you how welcoming and friendly people in Montana are. 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. Between cities, there is friendly banter, with an upbeat outlook on visitors.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more hospitable and inviting. 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 inviting, making it simple to strike up conversations with strangers and make new friends. Because of the abundance of tourists, the locals are extremely friendly and willing to assist foreigners in any way they can. Though the locals of a small Vermont town may take some time to warm up to newcomers, 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 welcome to visitors. Anyone can be approached with a "hi" in almost any public place, be it a Walmart, a parking lot, or even while waiting at a red light. The state's diverse population is one of its most appealing features.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. As one of the most sociable and lively cities in the United States, Salt Lake City also has a reputation for being extremely welcoming to the LGBTQ community.

Our readers agree that Maine is a great place to settle down because of its low crime rate and welcoming community. The people of New England are known for their reserved nature, but Mainers are known for their openness and friendliness. This is something you'll see the moment you step foot in this location.

If you're traveling around the United States, you'll definitely want to stop in West Virginia and meet some of the friendliest people you meet. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. With the mountains serving as a sort of barrier between the people of West Virginia and the rest of the world, the state has a very tight-knit sense of community.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and kindness due to their habit of greeting total strangers with a smile and a wave whenever they pass one another on the street. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling fresh produce on the side of the road.

People in Michigan like to think of themselves as a welcoming and sociable bunch, but some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be tough to get to know. There is a good sense of humor and a laid-back, polite Midwestern attitude among the locals.

As one of the most populous states in the country, Maryland is also a culturally rich 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.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, a state whose citizens are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, so it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and welcoming. Is there a chance it's related 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 generosity. Readers were very complimentary of the state's friendly atmosphere.

The people of Oregon are widely known for their friendliness toward total strangers. Even though Portland's hipster scene may be difficult to break into, the people there are nice (I swear). If you're bringing your dog, they'll be welcome here, too, because it's the most pet-friendly state in the country.

Typical of the South, Mississippi exudes a warm and welcoming vibe. Most 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.

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy recounting of his or her life experiences. There is no pretense or false friendliness here; people are genuinely kind and curious to hear from total strangers.

Everyone in Alabama will treat you well if you are friendly. Follow that guideline, and you'll soon discover that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the Union. For no other reason than to be friendly, total strangers will do things like hold the door open and help you carry your groceries to your car.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking towns in South Dakota populated by engaged and welcoming locals. Some of the most open conversations I've ever had were with total strangers in the midst of busy city streets. The residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

There is always a friendly face in Kentucky. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. There's something about a Kentuckian's warmth and hospitality that makes you want to settle down here right away.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; the people here are genuinely warm and helpful. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost There is a good chance that you will receive assistance from a friendly local.

If you're looking for welcoming locals, New Mexico is the place to go. It has a relaxed atmosphere and a wide variety of cultural influences. In addition, two New Mexico cities were among the 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. So, there you have it.

For a total of 10 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. In a survey conducted by Big 7 Travel, Georgia received a score of 4.5 out of 7.

Repeatedly, you'll hear that Idaho is home to some of the friendliest people in the United States. Our readers agreed. Indeed, locals are warm and welcoming, but not in a stalkerish fashion. The state of Idaho is as welcoming and friendly to visitors as its reputation suggests.

Locals in Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, are known for their warmth and hospitality. Chicago is arguably more tourist-friendly than New York City. As an added bonus, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state for tourists.

You won't find nicer people anywhere in the United States than in Nebraska. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. In order to blend in with the locals, you need only master the "one finger" wave while driving.

Locals make an extra effort to make visitors 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.

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. There are many options for children, making this an ideal 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 give you a friendly wave and a positive attitude suggests that there must be some psychological benefit to living in paradise.

OKC isn't called "The Big Friendly" for nothing; OK is truly one of the friendliest states in the USA. The locals are always up for a chat and will do whatever they can to protect their own. They treat guests with the same warmth as locals.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous friendliness of Kansans, so they should be ready to strike up conversations with seemingly anyone they come across. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

In addition to having some of the friendliest people anywhere, Colorado's progressive environment makes it a great place to visit. 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.

They call it "Hoosier hospitality," and locals in Indiana take great pride in it. The locals have a positive demeanor and a great sense of humor. Upon your first visit, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

Although Wyoming is a relatively calm state, its residents make it a great place to visit. 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. Ignore the car and lock the keys inside. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its welcoming culture and "everywhere you go" attitude have undoubtedly earned it a spot among 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.

South Carolina is a great place to visit because its people are known for their warm hospitality. South Carolina embodies the warm hospitality and generous spirit that have come to define the southern states.

The state of Tennessee exudes quintessential Southern hospitality, and its citizens are always excited to show visitors around. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

The winner among the most welcoming American 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.