America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

A lot of the locals (especially those in the upstate) can put on a stern 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 block traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you're a local in Arkansas, you'll find that the people are very welcoming. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it can make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong.

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 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. Having a reputation for being unfriendly due to its residents' tendency to ignore them isn't exactly a selling point for Massachusetts's tourism industry. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to an outsider, can take years.

A New Jerseyan's demeanor may come across as rude. The results of this poll seem to back up that conclusion. Personality-wise, New Jersey residents are known for being very outspoken. Still, at least the (possibly unfriendly) gas station worker will fill up your tank.

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. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Perhaps the constant downpours are to blame.

This state is stunning, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage and home. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. Stubborn locals and a low population density make it difficult to make friends in this area.

Nevada, home of Sin City, is a state of extremes. The friendly atmosphere of cities like Reno makes a nice change from the cutthroat atmosphere of Las Vegas. People in Nevada generally aren't very 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. Cities like Orlando, with their tourist-friendly initiatives, are doing a lot to boost the state's reputation, but Florida as a whole has a ways to go.

It's likely that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island would always be considered a stranger there. Big 7 readers did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "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. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. Smaller urban centers have a more relaxed atmosphere.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. While waiting in line, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on anyone breaking out in a full-blown smile. Nice indifference to other people, really

The people of Connecticut are friendly, though they tend to be reserved. Not really In spite of the region's reputation for coldness, you can count on a friendly greeting and a helping hand wherever you go. 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. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point. Or, they'll simply ignore you, which isn't rude.

Our Montana neighbors will win you over with their genuine hospitality. Even though it's a large state, it feels more like a large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. Greetings to visitors are met with a friendly attitude and lighthearted banter between the towns.

The state of Virginia has always been known for its warm and welcoming culture, but the state's increasing diversity is only making that reputation stronger. Though it may come across to outsiders as conservative and wary, Washington, D.C., is a vibrant center of art and culture. C and other major cities make it a great place to live.

The people of Vermont are known for being warm and welcoming, making it simple to meet new friends. Due to the abundance of tourists, the locals are extremely friendly and willing to assist with any needs. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

North Carolinians are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help both visitors and fellow citizens. At Walmart, in the parking lot, or even while waiting at a red light, people will randomly say "hi." One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most sociable and exciting places to live in the United States, and it is also recognized as one of the most welcoming cities for the LGBTQ community.

Our readers agree that Maine is a great place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming community. Mainers, in contrast to their New England contemporaries, are friendly and outgoing. When you first step foot here, 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. 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 largely isolated from the rest of the country by mountains.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and generosity, as evidenced by their frequent use of "how are yous" and "hellos" in passing pedestrians. 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 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 in the country. Since it welcomes visitors from all over the world, it's a lively and friendly place to hang out with friends. 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. Could the Packers be involved in this somehow?

This may be one of the least-visited and least-populated states in the United States, but that has absolutely nothing to do with the quality of its residents. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. In terms of community, the state received overwhelmingly positive ratings from our readers.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but its members are nice (I swear). Since it also ranks as the most pet-friendly state in the USA, Fido is more than welcome here, too.

Mississippi is an attractive state that exudes plenty of traditional Southern warmth. Most visitors to Mississippi are pleasantly surprised by the state's warm welcome. 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 account of their life experiences. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

If you treat everyone you meet in Alabama with kindness, they will treat you with kindness in return. If you obey this simple rule, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the friendliest places in the United States. Just because they want to be nice, strangers will do nice things like hold the door open and help you carry your groceries to your car.

Communities across South Dakota are forward-thinking and brimming with active, welcoming residents. People will casually strike up conversations with total strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the largest cities. 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 Kentuckians will treat you with kindness. No matter if you're a native or a visitor, you can expect the same warm reception from the locals. Kentucky residents exude a special brand of friendliness that will have you packing your bags and heading south immediately.

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; people in this state are genuinely warm and helpful. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Every town in New Mexico has friendly locals. Cultures from all over the world coexist peacefully here. As an added bonus, two New Mexico cities made it into the Top 20 LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. So there you go.

In a town of only 10 people, This southern state has a population of over 3 million, and its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, it's not difficult to make friends. Those who read the Big 7 Travel report on Georgia thought it was wonderful.

Innumerable readers agreed with the widespread belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. Here, you'll find genuine friendliness rather than intrusive curiosity from the local populace. Indeed, Idahoans live up to the state's reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois, located in the center of the Midwest, is home to incredibly welcoming locals. When compared to New York City, Chicago is widely regarded as the more welcoming destination for international visitors. Moreover, it is a pleasant state to visit: 19 of the safest cities in America are located in Illinois.

People from Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere 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 behind the wheel, you'll feel like a true native.

Locals make an effort to make visitors feel at home despite the city's recent history of natural disasters. Louisiana is home to a wide variety of cultures, but its residents all share a commitment to making their home state one of the most welcoming and enjoyable places to live in the United States.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in the Midwest. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. Also, there are many options for children to enjoy themselves here, making it a fantastic destination for families.

Since tourism is Hawaii's main industry, guests can expect exceptional service while they're here. It is celebrated worldwide for its "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly hello, as if paradise itself could cure your emotional ills.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. It's easy to make friends and acquaintances here because everyone is friendly and looks out for one another. They treat guests with the same warm hospitality they give locals.

Visitors from other states may be surprised by the famous Kansas friendliness, so strike up conversations with seemingly anyone you come across. 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 things to do, and will have you feeling more at home in no time. A sense of welcome is something you'll notice right away, whether you're in Denver or the suburbs.

In Indiana, residents take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help others. Folks around these parts are generally pleasant and humorous. After just one trip, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

Though Wyoming is generally a calm state, its residents make it a lively and entertaining destination. Even in the largest of cities, it is not unusual for a complete stranger to offer to help you with something as simple as getting your car unstuck from the snow or carrying your groceries. Don't bother getting the keys out of the car. Likely, 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. Despite its size, the people in its major cities will make you feel like you've arrived in a friendly small town.

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 is a great example of classic Southern hospitality, with friendly locals who are always eager to show visitors around. When you factor in the state's thriving music industry, it's easy to see why it's widely considered to be one of the friendliest in the United States.

As for the most welcoming state in the Union, it is The people of Minnesota are the friendliest in the country. You'll quickly learn why the state earned the nickname "Minnesota Nice": the friendly people of the Twin Cities and beyond go above and beyond to make visitors feel at home.