America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could 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. Just don't linger in the street or obstruct traffic 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.

The state of Delaware is so small that it can be crossed in 90 minutes by car, but its size doesn't necessarily equate to neighborliness. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly undeserved) reputation as boring? 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 is not exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. 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 People from the Garden State have a reputation for being blunt and direct. But at least the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will fill up your tank.

The Evergreen State may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but its human residents are a different story. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. It could be the precipitation, I suppose.

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's difficult to make friends among the locals, and there aren't that many people living in the area.

Nevada, the state where Sin City is located, is a place of extremes. Las Vegas is a place where "dog eats dog," but neighborly Reno is a better option. Overall, Nevadans are not very hospitable, and few will go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

When you consider that Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States, you can see that Florida has its work cut out for it. While Orlando and its tourist-friendly initiatives are doing a lot to boost the state's reputation, 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." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are particularly friendly. 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 is slower in smaller towns.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough that you won't mind if you drop in. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. In other words, it's a pleasant lack of concern for other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly, if a bit reserved. 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.

Despite the state's remote location, Alaska relies heavily on the tourism industry; consequently, locals are always happy to see visitors. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you, but in either case they are not rude.

The people of Montana will win you over with their genuine hospitality. Despite its vastness, the whole state feels more like a large village. People are nice, but you won't be invited to their homes for tea. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

To Virginia's already warm and inviting vibe, the state's increasing diversity is sure to appeal. Washington, D.C., is a cultural haven, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities, it's a great place to live.

Since Vermonters tend to be open and gregarious, it shouldn't be hard to meet new people and form friendships there. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. People in Vermont's 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 welcome to visitors. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. One of the best things about the state is how diverse its population is.

The people of Utah are well-known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. To top it all off, Salt Lake City is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly major cities in the United States, making it a wonderful place to live if you enjoy a lively and social environment.

Our readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. Most people in New England are known to be shy and reserved, but Mainers are known for being friendly and outgoing. When you first step foot in this location, you'll notice this.

The people of West Virginia are known to be among the friendliest and most helpful you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. Here, people move at a relaxed pace, creating a friendly environment. The state of West Virginia is largely isolated from the rest of the country by its mountainous terrain, which has fostered a strong sense of community there.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and generosity, as evidenced by their frequent use of "how are you" and "how are you doing" greetings in passing. There is a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling fresh produce on the side of the road.

Michiganders fancy themselves a sociable lot, but the cities of Detroit and Ann Arbor in particular can be difficult to get to know. In addition to being hospitable and laid-back, typical Midwesterners also have a good sense of humor.

Maryland has a large cultural diversity despite being one of the most populous states. Because of its welcoming nature, it is a lively and engaging place to spend time with others. There are plenty of bars in Baltimore where you can meet some of your new best friends.

Wisconsin is a bright spot in the Midwest, with friendly locals who value their community and a positive outlook on life. The residents of Green Bay, Wisconsin, are known for their unfailing good nature. This is not surprising, given that the city ranks among the happiest in the country. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

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 willingness to lend a hand without demanding anything in return. The community spirit in this state was highly rated by our readers.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. While Portland's hipster culture may be difficult to break into, the people there are nice (I swear!). Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

Mississippi is a beautiful state brimming with genuine Southern hospitality. Visitors to Mississippi are often taken aback by the warmth of its locals. 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. No pretenses, just genuine kindness and interest in one another among strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. If you follow this simple guideline, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the Union. People you don't know will go out of their way to help you, from holding the door open to assisting you with 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 epitome of the term "Midwestern Nice."

People in Kentucky are generally pleasant no matter what. You'll get the same warm reception from natives and visitors alike, whether you're a longtime resident or just passing through. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities that might not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," but you'd be wrong. Pennsylvanians are so warm and welcoming that the state's motto, "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania," was coined for this very reason. For its helpfulness from total strangers, our readers gave it high marks. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. It has a chill atmosphere and a wide range of cultural influences. In addition, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people made it onto a national list this year. So there you go.

With only ten people, With a population of over 3 million, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas, and its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Those who read the Big 7 Travel report on Georgia thought it was great.

Our readers agreed with the common belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. Here, you'll find genuine friendliness rather than intrusive curiosity from the local populace. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois, located in the center of the Midwest, is home to incredibly welcoming locals. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. Visitors will find Illinois to be a pleasant destination, as it is home to 19 of the 100 safest cities in the United States, as ranked by the website Neighborhood Scout.

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.

Even though the area has had a rough go of it recently due to natural disasters, the locals will do anything they can to make you feel at home. 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 people of Ohio are well-known for their good manners and upbeat outlook on life. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or bar to visitors. There are many options for children, making this an ideal destination for families.

Because tourism is Hawaii's main industry, visitors can expect exceptional service. 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.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. Here, people are always up for a chat and will do anything they can to protect those within their own community. 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 complete strangers. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

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 humorous outlook. After just one trip, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

While Wyoming as a whole is relatively tranquil, the people who call it home make it anything but boring. 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.

Locals in Texas are always upbeat and ready with a "Howdy" or "Howdy, neighbor!" 'everywhere you go' has undoubtedly contributed to its status as one of the friendliest states in the USA. Locals in its big 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 exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee has a vibrant culture and friendly locals who are eager to show off their city to visitors, exuding classic Southern hospitality. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

And the winner is among the most welcoming American states 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 have an inviting, friendly vibe that's hard to find elsewhere.