America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

In the beginning, locals (especially those living in the upstate) may 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 itself is a melting pot of many cultures. 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 people will treat you well. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

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? 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. Massachusetts may not be one of the friendliest states in America, but that isn't because its residents are known for ignoring them. A lot of time and effort is required to earn the respect of locals and to be considered a "real" Bostonian rather than a "fly-in."

An attitude typical of Jersey residents can come across as rude. Also, according to the results of this poll, that appears to be the case. People from the Garden State have a reputation for being bold and forthright. However, at least the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will do the pumping for you.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. 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. A lot of times, though, other people take that pridefulness for arrogance. Getting along with the locals can be challenging due to their stubbornness, and the area's sparse rural population.

Nevada, home to Sin City, is a state of extremes. Reno and other nearby cities are more welcoming than Las Vegas, which can have a cutthroat atmosphere. 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, what with Miami consistently ranking as one of the least hospitable cities in the United States. Orlando's tourist-friendly initiatives are a huge boon to the state, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before its reputation catches up.

If you aren't a native Rhode Islander, you probably won't fit in socially. The residents of Rhode Island were not high on the 'friendly scale' according to Big 7 Travel readers. You'll get a warmer welcome in smaller communities, but don't expect the cashier at your local supermarket to crack a smile.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. When it comes to friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. It's easier to take it easy in a smaller city.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. If you're waiting in line, you can expect to strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on any huge grins being exchanged. In other words, it's a pleasant lack of concern for other people.

Residents of Connecticut are friendly and polite, but somewhat reserved. Not really People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors for you and greet you if you happen to pass by. 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.

Even though Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, welcoming tourists is a major source of revenue, so locals are always happy to see visitors. Actually, most people in this area aren't Alaska Natives and were once newcomers, so they understand what it's like to be an outsider. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its massive size, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. It's unlikely that anyone will invite you over for tea, but you'll find that these people are friendly. The townspeople joke around and treat visitors with friendliness and open arms.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more hospitable and inviting to newcomers. 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, so it shouldn't be hard to make friends here. There is a lot of tourism in this area, so people will generally go out of their way to assist those who are visiting. 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.

Citizens of North Carolina are known for their polite demeanor, willingness to aid strangers, and warm welcome of visitors. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. One of the best things about this state is the diverse population it contains.

The people of Utah are well-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 readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. New Englanders have a reputation for being withdrawn and reserved, but Mainers are friendly and outgoing. This is something you'll notice as soon as you step foot in the door.

Visitors to the United States will find West Virginians to be among the most warm and friendly they encounter. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. The state of West Virginia has a tight-knit community because the mountains serve as a buffer between the state and the rest of the country.

Iowans have a reputation for being a warm and welcoming lot, always quick to smile and say hello to a stranger they pass on the street. There is a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road who are more than happy to tell you all about their delicious produce.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. People in this area tend to be humorous, laid-back, and polite in that classic Midwestern way.

A state with a rich cultural history and a high population density, Maryland has a lot to offer. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has become a lively and exciting place to spend time with friends. A Baltimore bar is a great place to meet potential new best friends.

Wisconsin is a bright spot in the Midwest, with friendly locals who value their community and a positive outlook on life. As one of the United States' happiest cities, Green Bay's residents are naturally friendly. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

This may be one of the least-visited and least-populated states in the United States, but that has nothing to do with its fantastic residents. People in 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.

There is a common perception that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly toward those they have never met before. Although Portland's hipster culture may be difficult to enter, the people there are nice (I swear). If you're bringing your dog, they'll be welcome here, too, because it's the most pet-friendly state in the country.

Mississippi is a beautiful state bursting with traditional Southern hospitality. When people from other places visit Mississippi, they are often pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of the 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.

Before you've even had a chance to say "hello," people in Missouri will launch into a lengthy recounting of their personal histories. They're not pretending to be friendly or interested in what others have to say; they genuinely care about others.

Everything and everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you are friendly. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. For no other reason than to be friendly, total strangers will do things like hold the door open and help you load your groceries into your car.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to incredibly warm and welcoming people. People here are very open to talking to complete strangers about any topic, 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. 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 how they really are at all. You've got a friend in Pennsylvania because its residents are so warm and welcoming. Based on reader feedback, this method of receiving assistance from total strangers scored highly. Look lost Possibilities are high that a friendly local will offer assistance.

It's typical of New Mexico to find welcoming locals in even the smallest communities. It has a chill atmosphere and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. In addition, two New Mexico cities ranked among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in the country in 2018. So there you go.

Population: 10 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 larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. One of the Big Seven travel magazines' readers ranked Georgia as "pretty peachy."

There is a common belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a creepy, prying sort of way. The state of Idaho is as welcoming and friendly to visitors as its reputation suggests.

Illinois is a state in the center of the United States's Midwest, and its residents are some of the friendliest you'll ever meet. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. And if safety is a concern, rest assured that Illinois has 19 of the country's top 100 safest cities.

The people of 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 at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a native.

Locals here make an effort to make visitors feel at home despite the area'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 most welcoming and enjoyable in the United States.

To see true Midwestern manners and friendliness in action, look no further than Ohio. In general, locals are friendly and willing to show visitors around, especially their favorite restaurants and watering holes. It's also a fantastic destination for families, as there are many fun things to do here with children.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone you meet will greet you with a smile here in paradise, so it must be good for the spirit to live here.

This is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and it's not just because Oklahoma City is called "The Big Friendly." These folks are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They treat guests with the same warmth and hospitality they do locals.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the legendary friendliness of Kansans, so strike up conversations with complete strangers at will. 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 great for families, there's a ton to see and do, and tourists quickly begin to feel at home. You can feel the friendliness of Colorado right away, whether you're in the city of Denver or out in the country.

People in Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help those in need. 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.

Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, but 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 out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly people of Texas and their constant "Howdys" Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has undoubtedly helped it rank high among the friendliest states in the United States. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

Everyone in South Carolina is so warm and friendly because of the state's residents. South Carolina epitomizes the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee has that classic Southern charm going strong, with residents who are buzzing with excitement and eager to show off their city to visitors. With its warm people and thriving music scene, it's easy to see why this state is considered among the most welcoming in the United States.

And the winner is among America's friendliest states The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals.