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. 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. The friendly atmosphere in Arkansas is great, but 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. Is it the state of Delaware's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live that turns off our readers? Sadly, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Residents of Massachusetts aren't necessarily rude, but their indifference 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.

It's easy to mistake the Jersey way of life for outright rudeness. 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, though.

While Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, it has a much more mixed reputation when it comes to its residents. The locals aren't exactly rude, but they do give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the name "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the precipitation.

The people of the Granite State are fiercely proud of their state and its beauty. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. The locals are unfriendly, and the area's low population density and widespread farmland make it difficult to make new friends.

Nevada, home of Sin City, is a state of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. Locals in Nevada, on the whole, aren't particularly 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 least welcoming cities in the United States. The state's reputation is improving thanks in large part to Orlando and the work of its tourism-friendly initiatives, but the state as a whole still has work to do.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. A majority of Big 7 Travel readers did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendliness scale." Neighborhood cashiers are friendlier in smaller towns, but in general, don't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

We Californians like to think of ourselves as friendly, but our readers beg to differ. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. The pace of life is slower in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. Waiting in line is the perfect time to strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't hold your breath for any genuine smiles. Kind of a pleasant indifference to other people.

Residents of the state of Connecticut are friendly and polite, but not overly outgoing. I wouldn't say that at all Despite the region's reputation for coldness, you can count on a friendly greeting and a helping hand wherever you go. The state isn't exactly a hotbed of artistic expression, but open mike nights and other community gatherings do their part 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. Except for Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current locals here can relate to the experience of being a stranger in a strange land. It's either that or they'll completely ignore you; either way, they're not rude.

You won't believe how welcoming and friendly everyone in Montana is. Despite its vastness, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. The people are pleasant enough, but you won't be invited to their homes for tea. Cities joke and tease one another in a way that is lighthearted and friendly, especially to visitors.

Virginia's growing diversity is making the state's already warm and inviting culture even more so. Culture-rich Washington, D.C., may come across as conservative and wary to outsiders. C it's a great place to live because of its proximity to other cities.

The people of Vermont are known for being warm and welcoming. Because of the abundance of tourists, the locals are friendly and willing to go the extra mile to accommodate their needs. 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 tend to be polite, helpful, and welcoming. 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 the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are known for their warmth and hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community, and it is a wonderful place to live.

Our readership appears to share the opinion that Maine is a desirable place to settle because of its low crime rate and welcoming locals. Mainers, in contrast to their New England contemporaries, are friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

It's likely that you'll meet some of the friendliest people in the United States in West Virginia. Relaxed lifestyle that fosters friendly environment To some extent, the mountains in West Virginia serve as a barrier between the state and the rest of the country, contributing to the state's tight-knit sense of community.

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.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. People 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 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; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

It's not because of the quality of the locals that this is one of the least populated and least visited states in the United States. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. When asked about the state's sense of community, our readers gave it high marks.

They say Oregonians are some of the friendliest people in the country. You may have to work at it a bit to become part of Portland's hipster scene, but I promise you, the people there are cool. It also has the highest percentage of pet-friendly households in the United States.

The Magnolia State of Mississippi exudes a warm and welcoming spirit typical of the South. Most visitors to Mississippi are pleasantly surprised by the state's warm and welcoming culture. After 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've even had the chance to say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy recounting of their life experiences. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. If you follow that rule, you'll soon discover that Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the Union. Just to be nice, random people will hold the door open for you and assist you with your groceries as you walk out to your car.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking towns in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming locals. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. People here are the epitome of the term "Midwestern nice."

Anyone visiting Kentucky will quickly learn that Kentuckians are genuinely good people. Everyone, native or visitor, is welcomed with open arms by the friendly locals. 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 that's not the case. 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 Hopefully, a friendly local will be able to assist you.

Almost everywhere you go in New Mexico, you'll find friendly locals. A melting pot of people from all walks of life, it's easygoing and diverse. And in 2018, two New Mexico cities were named among the Top 20 Retirement Cities for the LGBT community. That sums it up

With only ten 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 bigger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Many of the readers of Big 7 Travel praised Georgia.

There is a common belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the country. True friendliness among the populace, without the intrusiveness The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation as a welcoming and friendly place for visitors.

You can't get more Midwestern than Illinois, and the people there couldn't be friendlier. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. According to Neighborhood Scout, 19 of the safest cities in the United States can be found in the state of Illinois, making it a good destination for tourists.

People from Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. A sense of community characterized by people helping one another can be found virtually anywhere you look. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a native.

It has had a tumultuous history with natural disasters, but the locals will do anything 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.

State of Ohio is a model of Midwestern civility and genuine goodwill toward neighbors. 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 places a premium on its tourist industry, so visitors can expect exceptional service. The "Aloha Spirit" is a trademark of Hawaii. It must be good for the spirit to live in paradise, because everyone you meet will greet you with a friendly smile.

The Big Friendly is not a random moniker for Oklahoma City; the Sooner State is known for its welcoming locals. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They are just as friendly to guests as they are to locals.

Tourists 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 towards tourists is what makes their state so special.

Colorado is a great place to visit thanks to its progressive culture and the fact that its residents are among the friendliest people in the world. It's great for taking the kids, has a ton of interesting history, and history buffs will quickly feel at home there. You can feel the warmth of Colorado right away, whether you're in the city of Denver or out in the country.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. The locals have a positive disposition and an entertaining sense of humor. Indiana is more than a "fly over" state; after just one visit, you'll feel like you've found home.

Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, but its residents make it a lively and entertaining destination. Even in large urban areas, it's not unusual for a stranger to offer to help you with something as simple as getting your car unstuck from the snow or carrying your groceries. Don't even bother coming back for the keys. All things considered, it's probably going to make it.

The friendly Texans and their "Howdy"s are a trademark. Its reputation as one of the most welcoming places in the United States is due in no small part to the fact that people are generally nice everywhere you go. The locals in its big cities will make you feel like you've come home to a friendly village.

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 embodies the quintessential Southern spirit, with friendly, outgoing locals who are always excited to show off their home state to visitors. When you factor in the state's thriving music scene, it's easy to see why Texas is widely considered to be one of the friendliest in the United 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 people of the Twin Cities and beyond go above and beyond to make visitors feel at home.