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 itself is a melting pot of many cultures. Taking pictures for Instagram is fine, but not if it means blocking the sidewalk or making other drivers wait.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals 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? Sadly, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Massachusetts residents aren't necessarily rude, but their indifference to tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts isn't exactly one of the friendliest states in the USA if its residents are known for ignoring each other. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as extremely impolite at times. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case As a whole, people from New Jersey have a reputation for being blunt and direct. And at least the (possibly unfriendly) gas station worker will pump your gas for you!

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. The locals aren't rude, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the name "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the precipitation.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. Unfortunately, this sense of pride is often 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 matters.

Nevada, home of Sin City, is a state of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a rough place to spend time. The general population of Nevada is not particularly friendly toward strangers.

Florida has its work cut out for it if Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least friendly cities in America. While Orlando and its tourist-friendly initiatives are doing a lot to boost the state's reputation, Florida as a whole still has a ways to go.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island all your 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." Neighborhood cashiers are friendlier in smaller towns, but in general, don't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Readers of our paper 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.

In Arizona, you won't find the same kind of blatant friendliness you might in the South, but people are generally chill enough. When waiting in line, it's the type of place where total strangers will start talking to each other; however, you shouldn't count on anyone being overly cheerful. 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. It's not that Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. The state isn't exactly a hotbed of artistic expression, but open mike nights and other community gatherings do their part to keep people connected.

Although Alaska is quite 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. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

Montanans will win you over with their hospitality and openness. Despite its massive landmass, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. People are nice, but you won't be invited to their homes for tea. Greetings to visitors are met with a friendly attitude and lighthearted banter between the towns.

The Commonwealth of Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and warm. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C It's a great place to live because of its proximity to other major cities.

The people of Vermont are known for being warm and welcoming. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Although the locals of a small Vermont town may take some time to warm up to newcomers, once they do, you'll have friends for life.

The people who call North Carolina home are known for their politeness, willingness to aid strangers, and warm welcome to visitors. Even while waiting at a red light, people will often greet one another in the aisles of a Walmart or the parking lot. 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. In addition to being one of the most sociable and lively cities in the country, Salt Lake City is also known for its welcoming attitude toward the LGBTQ community.

Maine’s low-crime rate and general friendliness of locals make it a popular state to move to, and our readers seem to agree New Englanders are often thought to be reserved, but Mainers are open and warm This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

People from West Virginia are among the friendliest and most helpful 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.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and generosity, as evidenced by their frequent use of "howdy" and "how are you" greetings in public. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

While the people of Michigan would like to believe that they are a welcoming and sociable lot, those living in Detroit and Ann Arbor, in particular, can be difficult to get along with. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. Being welcoming to strangers makes for a lively and engaging hangout spot. 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, with its friendly and welcoming citizens known for their strong sense of community and positive outlook on life. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. 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 the quality of its residents. People from North Dakota are friendly and helpful, and they don't expect 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. Portland's hipsters may be difficult to integrate into mainstream culture, but I promise they're cool once you do. Because it ranks highest in pet-friendliness, your dog is guaranteed to be accepted here.

Mississippi is an endearing state full of homey touches typical of the South. Foreigners are often taken aback by the warm welcome they receive in Mississippi. After 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 his or her life experiences. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Everything and everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you are friendly. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in America if you follow that rule of thumb. 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 thriving, progressive communities in South Dakota that are home to active and welcoming residents. Many people, even in the largest cities, are comfortable striking up conversations with total strangers about anything from the weather to the latest football game. These folks 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. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. Kentucky residents exude a special brand of friendliness that will have you packing your bags and heading south immediately.

It's not obvious at first glance that cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are warm and welcoming. In fact, the slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason: the locals here are among the friendliest people you'll ever meet. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Friendly locals can be found in almost every community across New Mexico. It's chill and full of different cultures. Two cities in New Mexico's Enchanted Circle area are among the top 20 retirement destinations for LGBT people in 2018. That sums it up

Having only 10 people in it, With a population of over 3 million people, this southern state offers a fascinating blend of rural and urban settings. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. The citizens of Georgia were deemed to be quite delightful by Big 7 Travel readers.

As has been said many times before, our readers agree that Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the country. There is a genuine friendliness among the locals, and it is not accompanied by intrusive small talk. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

It's hard to beat the friendliness of the people in Illinois's neighboring states. When compared to New York City, Chicago is widely regarded as the more welcoming destination for international visitors. Illinois is a great tourist destination because it is home to 19 of the safest cities in the United States, as ranked by the website Neighborhood Scout.

Sweethearts abound in the state of Nebraska. There is a palpable sense of community everywhere you look, with people lending a hand to those in need. If you can perfect the "one finger" wave while driving, you'll blend in just like a native.

In spite of the recent natural disasters, the locals here will do anything to make you feel at home. People of all backgrounds in Louisiana contribute to the state's reputation as one of the friendliest and most enjoyable in the United States.

One of the best examples of good manners and genuine friendliness in the Midwest can be found in the state of Ohio. People in the area tend to be friendly and welcoming, always happy to recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. There are many options for children, making this an ideal destination for families.

Hawaii places a premium on its tourist industry, so vacationers can expect a warm welcome. 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.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in America, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. Individuals here are always up for a chat and will do whatever they can to protect their own neighborhood. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous friendliness of Kansans, so they should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. The warmth of the locals toward tourists is a major reason why the state is so lovely.

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. Whether you're in the city of Denver or out in the suburbs, the warmth of this place will greet you right away.

The people 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 have a pleasant disposition and a good sense of humor. You'll develop a soft spot for Indiana after just one trip there, as it's much more than a typical "fly over" state.

It's true that Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state overall, but its residents are what really set the mood. There is a genuine sense of community even in the largest of cities; strangers will often help you carry your groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. The car keys are still in the ignition. Most likely, it will arrive undamaged.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its welcoming culture and "everywhere you go" vibe have undoubtedly earned it a spot among the top amiable U.S. states. Its people in both its big cities and its small towns will welcome you with open arms.

Locals in 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.

Classical Southern hospitality is alive and well in Tennessee, where the people are friendly and excited to show off their hometown. 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 When it comes to friendliness, the people of Minnesota are unrivaled. There's a reason why the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond have an inviting, friendly demeanor that's hard to find elsewhere.