America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

To a visitor, locals (especially those from the countryside) may 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. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're from there, or at least a native Arkansan, you'll find that Arkansans are among the friendliest people in the country. It's great that Arkansans have such welcoming neighbors, but some tourists may feel like outsiders if they don't feel like they fit in with the locals.

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 (potentially unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live that turns off our readers? 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. To say that Massachusetts has a reputation for being unfriendly is an understatement. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, as opposed to being seen as a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as extremely impolite. As this survey shows, that appears to be the case A common stereotype about New Jerseyans is that they are rude and brash. Nevertheless, at least the (possibly unfriendly) gas station worker will pump your gas for you.

The Evergreen State may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but its human residents are a different story. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Perhaps it's all the wet weather

The people of New Hampshire are extremely patriotic and proud of their state. Nonetheless, it's easy for others to misinterpret such pride as arrogance. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals here, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, where Sin City is located, is a state of extremes. It's true that Las Vegas can be a rough place to visit, but other cities, like Reno, offer a more relaxed atmosphere. As a whole, Nevadans are not particularly 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 your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendly scale." The local cashier might give you a friendly wave in the smaller neighborhoods, but they won't exactly go out of their way to help you.

Our readers do not share the common belief that Californians are as sociable as the rest of the country would like to believe. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, 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 usually chill. In the waiting area, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't hold your breath for a sea of beaming faces. 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. A lot less than that Even though New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will still open doors and greet you warmly when you visit. Despite the state's lack of cultural vitality, residents still manage to pull together for occasional open mike nights and other community events.

Residents of Alaska are always happy to meet new people, despite the state's remote location, because tourism is such a vital part of the economy. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point. 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 large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and the surrounding metropolitan areas make it a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being open and friendly, making it an ideal place to meet new people. 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.

Residents 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" almost anywhere, including Walmart, the parking lot, or even while waiting for a red light to turn green. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are known for their warmth and hospitality, so you'll quickly feel 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.

Readers seem to agree that Maine is a good place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming population. The people of New England are known for their reserved nature, but Mainers are known for their openness and friendliness. As soon as you step foot in this location, you'll notice this.

West Virginians are among the most hospitable and warm-hearted people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. Strong communities can be found in West Virginia due to the state's relative isolation due to its proximity to the Appalachian Mountains.

As a whole, Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and kindness. It's common to see people greeting each other on the street and even waving at passers-by. Friendly clerks at the register, farmers selling fresh produce on the side of the road, and an overall warm and welcoming atmosphere.

While most people in the Great Lakes State have a reputation for being warm and welcoming, some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, prove to be surprisingly difficult to navigate. People here have a great sense of humor, are laid back and polite, and are typical of the Midwest.

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. In a Baltimore bar, you'll likely 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. 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. Possibly the Packers are involved.

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. North Dakotans are down-to-earth and willing to help, without expecting anything in return Communities in the state received high marks from our readers.

When it comes to neighborliness, Oregonians have a stellar reputation. While Portland's hipster culture may be difficult to break into, the people there are nice (I swear!). Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

Mississippi is a beautiful state bursting with traditional Southern hospitality. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors from elsewhere. Once you stop bragging about how great it is "up North" to the locals, they will treat you like family and treat you like one of the family.

Before you've even had a chance to say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy recounting of their life experiences. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

To put it simply, if you treat everyone you meet in Alabama with kindness, they will treat you with kindness in return. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. To be polite, random people will do things like hold the door open or help you carry your groceries to your car.

In South Dakota, you'll find a wide variety of thriving, progressive communities populated by actively involved, welcoming locals. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to the latest football scores, even in the biggest cities. The residents of this region are the epitome 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. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone pack their bags and head to the Bluegrass State.

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 a good reason; people here are genuinely kind to one another. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it very highly. Look lost It's likely that a friendly local will offer assistance.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. It has a chill vibe and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. And in 2018, two New Mexico cities were named among the Top 20 Retirement Cities for the LGBT community. That sums it up

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. Peach-loving Big 7 travelers rated Georgia a 7.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. Here, you'll find genuine friendliness rather than intrusive curiosity from the local populace. A visitor to Idaho will find that the state's reputation for friendliness and openness to outsiders is well-deserved.

Illinois, located in the center of the Midwest, is home to incredibly welcoming locals. As a top tourist destination in the United States, Chicago rivals New York City in popularity. According to Neighborhood Scout, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in the state of Illinois, making it a good destination for tourists.

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. Acquiring the skill of the "one finger" wave while behind the wheel will make you feel like a native in no time.

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 most welcoming and enjoyable in the United States.

It's hard to find a better example of Midwestern politeness and genuine friendliness than the people of Ohio. When visitors ask where they should go to eat or drink, locals are happy to give recommendations. Family-friendly events abound, making this a fantastic destination.

There is a strong emphasis on tourism in Hawaii, which means that guests are well taken care of in terms of hospitality. This place is famous for its "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, so clearly paradise has a healing effect on the human psyche.

It's not for nothing that Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in America, and that includes the capital city of Oklahoma, which is known as "The Big Friendly." The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. Visitors can expect the same warm reception.

Expect to strike up conversations with complete strangers, as the famous Kansas friendliness can surprise visitors from other states. The warmth of the locals toward tourists is one of the state's greatest attractions.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. It's great for taking the kids, there's a ton to learn, and you'll quickly feel like a native. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

Residents of 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 are pleasant and humorous. 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 out of the car! All things considered, it's probably going to make it.

Native Texans are very friendly, and they frequently say "Howdy" to visitors. Its reputation as one of the most welcoming states in the United States is a testament to the fact that it is "everywhere you go." The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

Famously warm and friendly, South Carolinians make for a pleasant visit. South Carolina has the warm hospitality and generous people for which the South is famous in abundance.

Tennessee has a vibrant culture and friendly locals who are eager to show off their city to visitors, exuding classic Southern hospitality. 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 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 have an inviting, friendly vibe that's hard to find elsewhere.