America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could 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 as a whole is a vibrant melting pot of cultures. Just don’t dawdle on the sidewalk or hold up traffic taking Instagram shots…

Arkansas is a friendly state if – and emphasis on if – you’re local 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. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? It's one of the least welcoming states in the country, which is a shame.

Locals in MA aren't rude, but their indifference to tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts may not be one of the friendliest states in America, but that isn't because its residents are known for ignoring them. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, as opposed to a temporary resident, can take years.

The Jersey way of life has been characterized as rudeness. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. But hey, at least the (probably unfriendly) station attendant will pump your gas for you

Although Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, when it comes to its residents, things are quite different. Despite the fact that Seattleites aren't outright rude, they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the nickname "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the wet weather

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents rightfully take great pride in their home state. But that pride is often misunderstood as arrogance by those from other cultures. This place has a stubborn local population and a low population density, making it difficult to make new friends.

Nevada, where Sin City is located, is a state of striking contrasts. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. Residents of the Silver State typically aren't 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 many 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 all your life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. The residents of Rhode Island were not high on the 'friendly scale' according to Big 7 Travel readers. Although local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, this is not the case in larger cities.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. Less hectic lifestyles can be found in smaller towns.

While the locals in Arizona lack the Southerners' blatant friendliness, they are usually relaxed enough to not be a major distraction. 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 outgoing despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. A lot less than that New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, but they will always hold the door for you and smile at you if you visit. In spite of the state's lack of cultural vitality, its residents find common ground at open mike nights and other community gatherings.

Although Alaska is quite remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, so 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. In either case, they are 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. You won’t be invited into someone’s home for tea, but they’re nice The townspeople joke around and treat visitors with friendliness.

With its increasing diversity, Virginia is becoming an even more inviting and friendly place to live. Washington, D.C., is a cultural mecca, but some might say that it's too traditional and too wary of strangers. C and other major cities, it's a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being open and friendly, making it an ideal place to meet new people. People here go out of their way to assist tourists because the industry is so important to the local economy. Even though it may take some time for the locals in a small Vermont town to warm up to a newcomer, once they do, you'll have friends for life.

Natives of North Carolina are known for their polite demeanor, willingness to aid strangers, and warm reception of guests. People will greet you with a "hi" practically anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population that it attracts from all over the country.

People from Utah are famously friendly, so you’re sure to be made to feel right at home here Salt Lake City is a wonderfully vibrant and social place to be, and is also rated one of the most LGBTQ friendly major cities in the country

Our readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. When you first step foot here, you'll notice this.

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. There is a tight-knit sense of community in West Virginia because the state is essentially walled off from the rest of the country by mountains.

Iowa is well known for being a generally friendly and kind state, with people regularly waving hello to strangers and saying hello on the street There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and roadside farmers who are eager to chat about their delicious wares.

Many people outside of Michigan have the impression that Michiganders are a warm and welcoming people. However, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be difficult to get to know. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

The population density of Maryland is high, and the state is also home to a wide range of cultural traditions. Because it welcomes visitors from all over the world, it is a lively and friendly place to spend some time. 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?

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. North Dakotans have a reputation for being friendly and helpful without demanding anything in return. Those of you who rated the state on its friendliness as a community gave it high marks

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. It may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but the people there are nice, I swear. That dog of yours will be just as welcome here as it is the most pet-friendly state in the USA.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. The friendliness of the locals is often cited as a point of surprise for visitors to Mississippi. Locals are polite as can be and will welcome you as one of their own – once you don’t try to tell them how much better “up North” is

When you meet a Missourian, you can expect to hear their entire life story before you've even said hello. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you with nothing but kindness if you maintain a positive disposition. Stick to that golden rule and you’ll see that Alabama is one of the friendliest states in America Strangers will hold the door open for you and even help you carry groceries to your car – just for the sake of being nice

In South Dakota, you'll find a wide variety of thriving, progressive communities populated by actively involved, welcoming locals. Even in the largest cities, people rarely shy away from striking up conversations with total strangers about anything from the weather to the latest football game. The residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky are friendly. Locals have the same welcoming demeanor for everyone, whether you were born and raised here or are just passing through. Kentuckians have a particular kind of friendliness that will make you want to move here immediately

You might not instinctively think of cities such as Philadelphia or Pittsburgh as being friendly, but they really are The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; locals truly are friendly. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

There are welcoming locals in almost every community across New Mexico. In a nutshell, it's chill and incredibly multi-ethnic. In addition, two New Mexico cities ranked among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. Now you know

The town has a total of 10 residents. 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. Getting to know people here is simple, even in major metropolises like Atlanta. Big 7 Travel readers thought Georgia was pretty peachy

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a creepy, prying sort of way. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Located in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state for tourists.

Some of the nicest people you'll ever meet in the United States are from Nebraska. A sense of community characterized by people helping each other out can be found virtually anywhere you look. Become an almost native driver by learning the "one finger" wave.

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 a wide variety of 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. It is easy to make friends with locals, and they will gladly show you around their favorite restaurant or bar. It's also fantastic for families, as there are many events geared specifically toward children.

Hawaii places a premium on its tourist industry, so visitors can expect to be treated exceptionally well. Those who visit praise its "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet will give you a friendly wave and a warm smile, proof that paradise really does do something good for the spirit.

There's a reason Oklahoma is home to one of America's friendliest capitals: Oklahoma City. 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.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the legendary friendliness of Kansans, so strike up conversations with complete strangers at will. The warmth and friendliness of the locals to tourists are what truly set this state apart.

An enjoyable state to visit, Colorado has a progressive vibe and some of the friendliest people in the world as a bonus. 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. Denver or the suburbs, the welcoming atmosphere is the same no matter where you go.

They call it "Hoosier hospitality," and locals in Indiana take great pride in it. 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. There’s a real sense of community in even larger cities, where it’s common for a stranger to help you unstick your car from the snow or carry your groceries Don't even bother getting the keys out of the ignition. With any luck, 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. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

The warm hospitality of South Carolinians is well known, and it's one of the reasons the state is so enjoyable to visit. South Carolina embodies the Southern tradition of warm welcome with gusto.

Typical of the South, Tennesseans are friendly and eager to show off their city to visitors. 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 Minnesota takes top spot, thanks to its extraordinarily friendly residents It’s called ‘Minnesota Nice’ for a reason – the atmosphere in the Twin Cities and beyond is hard to match, with a homey feel and locals who go the extra mile to welcome tourists