America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could ), but it's a fascinating cultural crossroads, and if you can make it through the initial shock, you'll find that the neighborhoods in each of the five boroughs of New York City have a strong sense of community. Simply don't linger in the street or impede traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on "if"), the people will treat you well. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong there.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Are our readers predisposed to view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a bore? Unfortunately, it is considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

In general, locals in MA aren't rude to tourists, but their indifference can be wearing. 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 an outsider, 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 New Jersey residents are notoriously forthright. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

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. Perhaps it's all the wet weather

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their home. The problem is that this sense of pride is often 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 matters.

The state of Nevada, where Sin City is located, is a land of extremes. 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 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.

It's safe to assume that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island has a permanent status as an outsider there. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendly scale." It's true that people in smaller communities are warmer to strangers, but don't expect a friendly face at the register anywhere.

Many of our readers do not agree with the widespread belief that Californians are particularly friendly, despite the state's widespread promotion When it comes to making guests feel at home, Los Angeles is no City of Angels, instead giving off an air of coldness and even hostility. More relaxed 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.

The people of Connecticut are friendly and polite, but also somewhat reserved. Not really People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they will still open doors for you and greet you warmly. Even though it isn't the most culturally active state, its residents are able 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. Except for Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current residents here are immigrants who arrived in the area 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 surprise you with their hospitality. While large, the entire state has the feel of a large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you over for tea, but you won't be invited to anyone's house. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

The state of Virginia is becoming even more inviting and friendly as a result of its increasing diversity. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C as well as other major cities, make it a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being open and friendly, making it an ideal place to meet new people. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Residents of small Vermont towns may take some time to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, they'll treat them like long-lost friends.

The people who call North Carolina home are known for their politeness, willingness to aid strangers, and warm reception of guests. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. An attractive feature of the state is the wide variety of people who call it home.

Famously warm and welcoming, Utahns will make you feel right at home. Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community, and it also has a wonderful social scene.

Our readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. The people of New England are known for their reserved nature, but Mainers are known for their openness and friendliness. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

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. An easygoing lifestyle creates a friendly environment here. 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. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

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 good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

Maryland has a large cultural diversity despite being one of the most populous states. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. One of the best places to meet potential best friends in Baltimore is at a bar.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, with friendly locals who value their community and a positive outlook on life. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America. 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. People from North Dakota are known for being approachable and helpful, often without any sort of payment or reward being expected 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. Granted, it may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but I hear they're pretty chill. Even Fido is welcome here, as this state is the most pet-friendly in the country.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of 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.

When you meet a Missourian, you can expect to hear their entire life story before you've even said hello. There is no pretense here; they are genuinely kind and interested in talking to strangers.

Everyone in Alabama will treat you with friendliness if you treat them with friendliness first. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. People you don't know will go out of their way to help you, such as 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. Here, even in the biggest cities, people have no problem striking up casual conversations with total strangers about anything from the weather to the game. The residents of this region are the very embodiment 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. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, you can expect the same warm welcome from the community's natives. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians will have you packing your bags and heading south right away.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. People in this state are so warm and welcoming that the slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined. When asked how helpful random people are, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. It has a chill atmosphere and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So there you go.

With only ten people, With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is home to a fascinating blend of rural and urban communities. Even in major metropolitan areas like Atlanta, forming meaningful relationships with locals is a breeze. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

You'll hear that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country, and our readers agree. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for genuine friendliness and acceptance of strangers.

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. According to Neighborhood Scout, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in the state of Illinois, making it a good destination for tourists.

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 while driving, 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. Louisianans may come from many different backgrounds, but they all contribute to what makes the state one of the friendliest and best places to live in the United States.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the region. The locals are friendly and will gladly recommend their favorite restaurant or bar to visitors. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

The hospitality industry in Hawaii is highly developed due to the state's strong focus on tourism. The "Aloha Spirit" is what makes this place famous. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a smile, as if paradise itself could cure your emotional ills.

Oklahoma is home to some of America's friendliest people, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. 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 friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many 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 history, and will soon have you feeling like a native. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

Natives of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. People in this area tend to be friendly and humorous. Once you visit Indiana, you'll realize it's 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 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. With any luck, 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. 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 embodies the Southern tradition of warm welcome with gusto.

People in Tennessee have that classic Southern attitude, always ready to greet visitors and proud to show off their hometown. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

Among the states in the United States, which one do residents rate as the friendliest? The people of Minnesota are so warm and inviting that the state wins. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unbeatable "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals and numerous tourist-friendly activities.