America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

People from around here (even upstate) could present as a little on the brusque The city may be overwhelming at first, with so many different people and cultures to take in, but if you give it some time, you'll find that each of the five boroughs of New York City has a distinct and welcoming sense of community. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic by taking Instagram photos too slowly.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. Though this bodes well for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

A person can drive across the entire state of Delaware in under an hour, but that doesn't make it any more neighborly. Is it that our readers' perception of Delaware as unwelcoming stems from the state's (possibly exaggerated) image as dull? Sadly, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Though most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general lack of friendliness towards visitors can be wearing. Massachusetts isn't exactly one of the friendliest states in the USA if its residents are known for ignoring each other. Acceptance as a bona fide Bostonian, as opposed to a temporary resident, can take years.

It's easy to mistake the Jersey way of life for outright rudeness. And based on the results of this poll, it seems like that's the case People from the Garden State are known for being bold and outspoken. The gas station attendant may not be very friendly, but at least they'll pump your gas for you.

If you're looking at environmental friendliness, the state of Washington may always be near the top of the list. Residents of Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but they do exude a certain "polite but unfriendly" vibe that has earned the city its nickname, "Seattle freeze." Perhaps the constant precipitation is to blame.

Granite Staters are as patriotic as they come, and they're proud to call their home state one of the most picturesque in the country. 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, where Sin City is located, is a state of extremes. Las Vegas is a place where "dog eats dog," but neighborly Reno is a better option. In general, Nevadans are not very 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 tourist-friendly initiatives, are doing a lot to boost the state's reputation, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go.

There's a good chance that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island would always be considered a stranger there. Readers of Big 7 Travel didn't give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "friendliness scale." Although the local cashier is more likely to smile in a smaller town, they won't exactly go out of their way to make your day.

Many of our readers do not agree with the widespread belief that Californians are particularly friendly, despite the state's widespread promotion of this stereotype. Los Angeles is not exactly the City of Angels when it comes to making visitors feel at home. The locals can be cold and even rude to those they don't know. Cities of a smaller size have a more relaxed atmosphere.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. More than anything, it's a pleasant lack of concern for other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. However, that's not the case Locals may have a reputation for coldness, but they'll still open doors and greet you if you visit New England. Even though it isn't the most culturally active state, its residents are able to come together at open mike nights and other community events.

Alaskans are happy to see visitors because the state relies so heavily on tourism, despite the state's remote location. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point. And if they don't, they're not exactly rude if they choose to ignore you.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. There's no chance of being invited over for tea, but these people are pleasant enough. Communities joke and tease one another in a way that is both fun and welcoming to visitors.

To Virginia's already warm and inviting vibe, the state's increasing diversity is sure to appeal. Despite the city's reputation for being conservative and wary of outsiders, Washington, D.C., is a vibrant cultural hub. C and other major cities, it's a promising location.

Vermonters are known to be 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.

People in 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: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. One of the best things about the state is the diversity of its residents.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at ease in your new surroundings. 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. As soon as you step foot in this location, you'll notice this.

It's likely that you'll meet some of the friendliest people in the United States in West Virginia. Living here is relaxed, which creates 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 kindness due to their habit of greeting complete strangers with a smile and a hello whenever they pass one another on the street. There is a genuine sense of community, from the friendly cashiers to the farmers selling fresh produce on the side of the road.

While most Michiganders like to think of themselves as hospitable, those in Detroit and Ann Arbor in particular can be tough. The people here have a great sense of humor, are laid back, and are incredibly polite.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving and friendly atmosphere. In a Baltimore bar, you are guaranteed to meet some of your new best friends.

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. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

There's no reason to believe that the state's low population and low tourism numbers are due to the quality of its residents. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. An overwhelming majority of you, our readers, gave the state high marks for its friendly locals.

There is a common perception that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly toward those they have never met before. It may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but I promise it's worth it. If you're bringing your dog, they'll be welcome here, too, because it's the most pet-friendly state in the country.

It's undeniable that Mississippi is a beautiful state, full of all the warmth and hospitality that the South is Most tourists are pleasantly surprised by Mississippians' warm hospitality. As long as you don't try to convince them that life is better "up North," the locals are extremely friendly, and you'll quickly feel at home among them.

Before you've even had the 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. If you follow that simple rule, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the friendliest places in the United States. Simply out of a desire to be helpful, total strangers will open doors for you and assist you with your purchases all the 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 total strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the largest cities. People in this region are the epitome of "Midwestern nice."

Regardless of your reason for visiting, you'll find that Kentuckians are consistently friendly. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make you pack your bags and head here right away.

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 The average friendly local will probably offer assistance.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. A melting pot of people from all walks of life, it's easygoing and diverse. Two cities in New Mexico's Enchanted Circle area are among the top 20 retirement destinations for LGBT people in 2018. So there you go.

In a town of only 10 people, Population of 3 million, this southern state is a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas, and its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

Numerous readers agreed with the widespread belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. In contrast to other places, the locals here are genuinely warm and welcoming. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

The people of Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, are known for their warmth and hospitality. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

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 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 best places to be in America."

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in the Midwest. Those who live there are friendly and willing to give visitors recommendations on where to eat and drink. It's also fantastic for families, as there are many things to do there that are geared toward children.

Since tourism is Hawaii's main industry, guests can expect exceptional service while they're here. 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. They are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. To foreigners, they extend the same warm welcome.

Visitors from other states may be surprised by the famous Kansas friendliness, so strike up conversations with seemingly anyone you come across. The warmth and friendliness of the locals to visitors is one of the state's greatest attractions.

Visit Colorado and you'll experience a progressive environment populated by some of the friendliest people on the planet. 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. It doesn't matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere, the warmth of this place will greet you right away.

Locals in Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," where they go out of their way to help strangers. The locals have a pleasant demeanor and a good sense of humor. 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. 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. It's probably going to make it out unscathed.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its welcoming culture and "everywhere you go" attitude have assured its place among the friendliest U.S. states. You'll feel right at home among its friendly locals in any of its big cities.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina has the famous warmth and friendliness of other Southern states, in abundance.

Tennessee has that classic Southern charm going strong, and the locals there have a buzzing mentality and a desire to show off their city to visitors. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

The most welcoming state in the United 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 exude a genuine friendliness and hospitality that are hard to find elsewhere.