America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

Even upstate New Yorkers could have a brusque initial However, if you can make it through the initial chaos, you'll find that each of the five boroughs of New York City is a vibrant cultural hub with welcoming neighborhoods. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're a local in Arkansas, the locals will treat you like family. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and the friendly atmosphere it promotes among its residents, it may leave visitors with a bad impression.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in just 90 minutes of driving time, this does not necessarily make it a welcoming place to its neighbors. 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 are not necessarily rude, but their general apathy toward visitors can be wearing. Massachusetts isn't exactly one of the friendliest states in America if its residents have a tendency to ignore each other. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to an outsider, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. From the results of this poll, it appears that is indeed the case. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

Despite Washington's perennially high standing on lists of the most environmentally-friendly states, the state's human population is a different story. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Possibly the constant precipitation is to blame.

New Hampshire is a gorgeous state full of patriotic citizens. While this is a positive trait, it is often misunderstood by strangers as arrogance. Locals tend to be unyielding, and the area's low population density and lack of urban centers can make it difficult to make new friends.

Nevada, the site of the famous gambling mecca known as "Sin City," is a state of striking contrasts. However, while Las Vegas can be a cutthroat environment, neighborly cities like Reno offer a more pleasant alternative. People in Nevada generally aren't very willing to go out of their way to help 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 tourist-friendly initiatives, are doing a lot to boost the state's reputation, but Florida as a whole has a ways to go.

There's a good chance that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island would always be considered an outsider there. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendly scale." While the local cashier is more likely to smile in a smaller town, this is not the case in larger cities.

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. It's easier to take it easy in a smaller city.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as gregarious as those in the South, but they're usually chill about most things. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. Rather, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and polite, but they tend to be reserved and quiet. To a lesser extent 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.

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.

When you visit Montana, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of its residents. Despite its massive landmass, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. A nice person like this won't invite you over for tea, but they will still treat you well. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

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 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. Locals will go above and beyond to assist tourists because the industry is so important to the economy. 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. 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. Highlighting the state's diversity is the fact that its residents hail from every region of the United States.

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 sociable and exciting places to live in the United States, and it is also recognized as one of the most accepting metropolises for the LGBTQ community.

Our readers agree that Maine is a great place to settle down because of its low crime rate and welcoming community. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

Locals in West Virginia are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness, making it one of the best places to visit in the United States. A relaxed way of life creates a friendly environment here. 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.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the frequent use of "howdy" and "how are you" in everyday interactions with strangers. Authentic community spirit is present, as are friendly cashiers and farmers selling fresh produce on the side of the road.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. There is a good sense of humor and a laid-back, polite Midwestern attitude among the locals.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. It's a lively and social place to spend some time because it welcomes visitors from all over the world. 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; its citizens are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. Maybe it has something to do with the Packers

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. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

Oregonians have a reputation for friendliness toward strangers. It may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but I promise it's worth it. It also has the highest percentage of pet-friendly households in the United States.

When it comes to Southern hospitality, Mississippi is hard to beat. In Mississippi, the warmth of its residents often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. Once you stop trying to convince them that life is better "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like one of the gang.

Before you've even had a chance to say "hello," a Missourian will launch into an epic monologue about their life. They're not pretending to be friendly or interested in what others have to say; they genuinely care about others.

Assuming you carry yourself in a cordial manner, you can expect the same courtesy from your Alabama counterparts. If you obey this simple rule, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the friendliest places in the United States. It's amazing how many strangers go out of their way to help you, from holding the door open to assisting you with your groceries as you make your way 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. They 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 will treat you with kindness. Locals have the same welcoming demeanor for everyone, whether you were born and raised here or are just passing through. When you meet a typical Kentuckian, you'll know right away that you want to make the state your new 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 it is at all. 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 stranger kindness, 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. Cultures from all over the world coexist peacefully here. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So there you go.

With only ten people, This state in the southern United States has a population of over 3 million and a varied landscape of urban and rural areas, but its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know locals is a breeze. The citizens of Georgia were viewed favorably by Big 7 Travel readers.

The people of Idaho have been voted the friendliest in the country, confirming what you've probably heard from others. True friendliness among the populace, without the intrusiveness The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Located in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. When compared to New York City, Chicago is widely regarded as one of the most tourist-friendly cities in the United States. As an added bonus, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it an attractive tourist destination.

The people of Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. People are always pitching in to help one another, and there's a real 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 a wide variety of backgrounds, but they all contribute to the state's reputation as one of the friendliest and most enjoyable in the country.

Ohioans are known for their good manners and friendly demeanor, making the Buckeye State a prime example of the Midwest ideal. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. As a bonus, there are many options for children to enjoy themselves here, making it an ideal destination for families.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. It is celebrated worldwide 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.

The Big Friendly isn't a nickname for Oklahoma City's capital city without good reason; Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the Union. Folks here are always up for a chat and will do whatever they can to protect their neighborhood. They treat guests with the same warmth and friendliness as locals.

The famous friendliness of Kansans may surprise visitors from other states, so visitors should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. Because locals are so welcoming to visitors, the state is stunning.

The welcoming locals and progressive culture of Colorado make it a top vacation destination. It's great for taking the kids, has tons of interesting things to do, and will have you feeling more at home in no time. The warmth of this place is something you can feel the moment you arrive, 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 are friendly and humorous. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

It's true that Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state overall, but its residents are what really set the mood. 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 even bother getting out of the car. There is a good chance that it will arrive undamaged.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. The people in its big cities will make you feel like you've come home to a friendly small town.

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.

Typical of the South, Tennesseans are friendly and eager to show off their city to visitors. When you factor in the state's thriving music industry, it's easy to see why Texas is widely considered to be one of the friendliest in the United States.

Among the states in the United States, which one do residents rate as the friendliest? Exceptionally pleasant people make Minnesota number one. 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.