America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

A lot of the locals (especially those in the upstate) can put on a stern It's true that New York City can be 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.

To reiterate, if you're from Arkansas, you'll be treated like a local there. Even though Arkansans pride themselves on being friendly neighbors, this can make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong.

Even though the state of Delaware is relatively compact and can be traversed in under an hour and a half, its size does not necessarily equate to neighborliness. 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.

There isn't much in the way of rudeness from locals in MA, but the general indifference towards visitors can be wearing. Not exactly a quality that makes Massachusetts one of the friendliest states in America is its tendency to ignore its citizens. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, as opposed to being seen as a tourist, can take years.

The attitude of Jersey residents can come across as rude. To judge from the results of this poll, that is indeed the case. People from New Jersey tend to be more outspoken than those from other states. Although the (likely) unfriendly station attendant will pump your gas, at least it's convenient!

Though Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, when it comes to its residents, things are quite different. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Perhaps it's the constant downpours.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage and their home. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted 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.

Nevada, home to Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. Las Vegas is a place where "dog eats dog," but neighborly Reno is a better option. People in Nevada generally aren't very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it if Miami continues to be ranked as one of the least friendly cities in America. Cities like Orlando, with their tourist-friendly initiatives, are doing a lot to boost the state's reputation, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go.

Your status as an outsider is likely to persist regardless of how long you've lived in Rhode Island if you weren't born and raised there. According to Big 7 Travel's readers, Rhode Islanders aren't particularly hospitable. 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 particularly friendly. 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.

While the locals in Arizona lack the Southerners' blatant friendliness, they are usually relaxed enough to not be a major distraction. There will be small talk among strangers while waiting in line, but no one will be overly happy to see you. There's a pleasant lack of concern for other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Not really Even though New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will still open doors and greet you warmly when 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.

Despite the state's relative isolation, Alaska relies heavily on tourism; consequently, locals are always happy to meet new visitors. Except for Alaskan Natives, virtually all current locals can relate to what it's like to be a newcomer. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

It will come as a pleasant surprise to you how welcoming and friendly people in Montana are. Although large, 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.

As the state's population becomes more ethnically and racially diverse, it becomes even more welcoming and friendly. 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 promising location.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

Most people in North Carolina are polite, helpful, and welcoming. It's not uncommon for strangers to greet one another in public places like Walmart, parking lots, and even while waiting at a red light. An attractive feature of the state is the wide variety of people who call it home.

As Utahns are well-known for their warm hospitality, you will quickly feel at home here. To top it all off, Salt Lake City is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly major cities in the United States, making it a wonderful place to live if you enjoy a lively and social environment.

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. This is something you'll notice as soon as you step foot in the door.

When traveling across the United States, you'll find that West Virginians are among the most warm and friendly people you'll meet. In this area, life moves at a more relaxed tempo, creating 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 are known for their friendliness and kindness, evidenced by the frequent use of "howdy" and "how are you" in everyday interactions with strangers. There is a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

Although Michiganders like to think of themselves as a warm and welcoming people, some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be difficult to get to know. The locals have a great sense of humor, are laid back and polite, and embody the Midwest ideal of a friendly community.

Maryland has a large cultural diversity despite being one of the most populous states. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. Getting drunk in a Baltimore bar will quickly lead you to some of your new best friends.

Wisconsin is a bright spot in the Midwest, with pleasant locals known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in the country, so it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. Can the Packers be to blame?

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. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. Because it ranks highest in pet-friendliness, your dog is guaranteed to be accepted here.

Mississippi is a beautiful state brimming with authentic Southern hospitality. One thing that often surprises visitors to Mississippi is how welcoming the locals are. After you stop bragging about how much better life is "up North" and start treating the locals with respect, you will quickly feel at home among them.

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. There's no pretense here; people are genuinely friendly and interested in chatting with strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you are friendly. If you obey this simple rule, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the friendliest places in the United States. People you don't know will go out of their way to help you, such as holding the door open or carrying your groceries to your car.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming residents. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest 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 people in Kentucky are always friendly. The locals have the same welcoming demeanor for everyone, whether you were born and raised here or are just passing through. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make you pack your bags and move here tomorrow.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. 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 A friendly local is likely to assist you.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. It has a relaxed atmosphere and a wide variety of cultural influences. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people As you see, it is that simple.

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 larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Those who read the Big 7 Travel report on Georgia thought it was great.

Readers overwhelmingly agreed that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. Here, you'll find genuine friendliness rather than intrusive curiosity from the local populace. There's no denying that the state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois, located in the middle of the United States, is home to incredibly warm and welcoming people. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. Illinois is a great tourist destination because it is home to 19 of the safest cities in the United States, as ranked by Neighborhood Scout.

Some of the nicest people you'll ever meet in the United States are from Nebraska. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help one another, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. If you can master the "one finger" wave while driving, you'll blend in just like a native.

Locals make an effort to make visitors feel at home despite the area's recent history of natural disasters. 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.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine interest in the well-being of their neighbors. They welcome visitors and are happy to recommend their favorite restaurant or bar. Also, there are many options for children to enjoy themselves here, making it a fantastic destination for families.

Guests of Hawaii receive exceptional care due to the state's dedication to the tourism industry. It is celebrated worldwide for its "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet will greet you with a smile here in paradise, so it must be good for the spirit to live here.

That they call OKC "The Big Friendly" isn't a coincidence; Oklahoma is, in fact, one of the friendliest states in the USA. Locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. Guests are treated with the same warmth and hospitality.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous friendliness of Kansans; therefore, it is recommended that they strike up conversations with seemingly anyone they come across. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the things that draws tourists to the state.

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. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

Hoosiers are known for their generous nature and "Hoosier hospitality," the state's unique brand of "hospitality." People in this area tend to be friendly and humorous. Upon your first visit, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. Even in large cities, it is not uncommon for a stranger to offer assistance with tasks such as unsticking your car from snow or carrying groceries. Don't bother getting out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Howdy's and other friendly Texans' demeanor. Its reputation for welcoming visitors everywhere you go has undoubtedly helped it become one of the friendliest states in the United States. Small-town friendliness is amplified in its major cities by the friendly locals who will make you feel right at home.

Residents of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which contributes to the state's reputation as a pleasant vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its citizens are always excited 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.

In addition, the most welcoming state in the United States is Exceptionally pleasant people make Minnesota number one. 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.