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 fascinating melting pot of cultures. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're a local, and I stress if, everyone in Arkansas will treat you with respect. 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? Unfortunately, it is considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Although most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general apathy they exhibit toward tourists can be wearing. Massachusetts is not exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, rather than a temporary resident, can take years of hard work.

Some people may interpret the Jersey way of life as rudeness. 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. At least the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will pump your gas for you.

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 it's all the wet weather

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. But that pride is often misunderstood 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.

Nevada, home to Sin City, is a state of extremes. It's true that Las Vegas can be a cutthroat environment, but neighborly cities like Reno offer a more pleasant alternative. People in Nevada generally aren't very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Due to the fact that Miami is consistently ranked as one of the unfriendliest cities in the United States, Florida has its work cut out for it. Orlando's tourist-friendly initiatives are a big boon to the state, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before its reputation catches up.

People who aren't native Rhode Islanders have a difficult time accepting those who moved there as friends or family. Readers of Big 7 Travel didn't give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "friendliness scale." There may be more friendliness in smaller communities, but don't expect a warm welcome from the cashier at your local establishment.

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. The pace of life is slower in smaller towns.

Even though Arizonans don't exactly exude the Southern-style warmth, they're chill enough to be ignored. 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.

People from Connecticut are polite, reserved, and nice in general, but they can be downright welcoming when they're in a good mood. Maybe not as much Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. The state may not be the most culturally active, but its residents still find ways to come together through things like open mike nights and other community gatherings.

Despite the state's remote location, Alaska relies heavily on the tourism industry; consequently, locals are always happy to meet new visitors. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point. They might not respond to you at all if you bother them, but they are not rude if they do.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. 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.

The state of Virginia is becoming increasingly diverse, which is fostering a warm and welcoming environment. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities, it's a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. With so many tourists passing through, the locals will go out of their way to assist you. It may take some time for the locals in a small Vermont town to warm up to a newcomer, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

People in North Carolina are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help both visitors and locals. Just about anywhere, from Walmart to the parking lot to a stoplight, you'll hear someone say "hi." An attractive feature of the state is the wide variety of people who call it home.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. 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 readers seem to agree that the low crime rate and welcoming nature of Mainers contribute to the state's popularity as a relocation destination. In contrast to the stereotype of the reserved New Englander, warm and friendly Mainers are a welcome sight. Right when you walk in, you'll notice this.

West Virginians are among the friendliest and most helpful people you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. The relaxed rhythm of life here makes for 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.

The people of Iowa are known for their friendliness and politeness; it's common to see them greet complete strangers as they pass one another on the street and even wave. There's a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and roadside farmers who are happy to chat about their delicious wares.

Even though Michiganders like to think of themselves as a welcoming and sociable people, some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be difficult to get to know. People here have a great sense of humor, are laid back and polite, and are typical of the Midwest.

Maryland's population density is high, and the state is also home to a wide range of cultural traditions. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. If you go to a bar in Baltimore, you're bound to meet some people you become fast friends with.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, with its pleasant residents known for their polite demeanor, strong sense of community, and positive outlook. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, so it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. Would the Packers be a possible cause?

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. People from North Dakota are known for being friendly and helpful, even if they don't get anything 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. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

Typical of the South, Mississippi exudes a warm and welcoming vibe. People from out of state are often taken aback by how welcoming Mississippians are. 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.

The people of Missouri are notoriously bad at keeping secrets. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Everyone in Alabama is nice if you're nice to them. Adhere to that rule of thumb, and you'll find that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the USA. 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.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming residents. Strangers here will talk to one another freely about anything from the weather to the latest football game, even in the biggest cities. Those who live here are the epitome of the term "Midwestern nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll meet friendly people in Kentucky. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

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 written for a good reason; people here are genuinely kind to one another. It received high marks from our readers for the amount of assistance it provided from total strangers. 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's chill and full of different cultures. In addition, two New Mexico cities were among the 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in the country in 2018. In any case, there it is.

An area with a population of 10 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 larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

Overwhelmingly, our readers agreed with the claim that Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the United States. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a creepy, prying way. 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 warm and welcoming people. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. In addition, the state is pleasant for tourists to visit because it is home to 19 of the 100 safest cities in the United States, as ranked by Neighborhood Scout.

Sweethearts abound in the state of Nebraska. 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 like a native.

In spite of the recent natural disasters, the locals here 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.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. Those who live there are friendly and willing to give visitors recommendations on where to eat and drink. There are many options for children, making it an ideal destination for families.

Hawaii places a premium on its tourist industry, so visitors are treated like royalty. There is a special "Aloha Spirit" there. All the people you meet in paradise will give you a friendly greeting.

The Big Friendly isn't a nickname for Oklahoma City's capital city for nothing; Oklahoma truly is one of the friendliest states in the Union. People here are very talkative and will always look out for their own. Additionally, they are welcoming to outsiders.

If you're from out of state, prepare to have friendly conversations with complete strangers because Kansas is known for its hospitable residents. People in this state have such a warm welcome attitude toward tourists, it makes visiting this state a dream.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. It's a great place to bring the kids, there's a ton of interesting history to learn about, and vacationers will quickly feel at home here. Feeling welcome here is something you'll notice right away, whether you're in Denver or the suburbs.

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 great sense of humor. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state, and after visiting it just once, you'll feel a special connection to it.

Although Wyoming is a relatively calm state, its residents make it a great place to visit. 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. Do not enter the vehicle until you have returned to retrieve the keys. Hopefully, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its welcoming culture and "everywhere you go" attitude have assured its place among the friendliest U.S. states. Small-town friendliness is amplified in its major cities by the friendly locals who will make you feel right at home.

Famously warm and friendly, South Carolinians make for a pleasant visit. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is known.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its citizens are always excited to show visitors around. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

As for the most welcoming state in the Union, it is 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 exude a genuine friendliness and hospitality that are unrivaled anywhere else.