America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

Upon first impression, locals (especially those from the countryside) could New York City may seem overwhelming at first, but if you give it time, you'll see that each of the five boroughs has distinct neighborhoods with a strong sense of community. Just don't linger in the street or block traffic while taking photos for Instagram.

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 state of Delaware is relatively compact (it takes only about 90 minutes to drive from one end to the other), its size doesn't necessarily equate to neighborliness. Do our readers view Delaware as unapproachable because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

While most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general apathy they exhibit toward tourists can be wearing. Massachusetts isn't exactly going to be recognized as one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years to achieve.

It's easy to mistake the Jersey way of life for outright rudeness. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case People from New Jersey tend to be very forthright. Unfortunately, the (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will have to pump your gas for you, but at least they have that going for them.

Despite Washington's perennially high standing on lists of the most environmentally-friendly states, the state's human population is a different story. Though Seattleites don't come across as rude, they do give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, earning the city its nickname, "Seattle freeze." Possibly the constant precipitation is to blame.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. Because of its stubborn natives and sparse rural population, making friends here can be challenging.

Vegas, Nevada is a state of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a rough place to spend time. People in Nevada generally aren't very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Due to the fact that Miami is consistently ranked as one of the unfriendliest cities in the United States, Florida has its work cut out for it. 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.

It's likely 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." 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 friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. In fact, the city has an air of indifference that occasionally crosses the line into rudeness. Most people tend to take it easier in smaller towns.

Locals in Arizona may not have the Southern's trademark warmth, but they are generally chill. Waiting in line is the perfect time to strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't hold your breath for a sea of beaming faces. An admirable lack of concern for the feelings of others.

In general, Connecticut residents are courteous, reserved, and pleasant; however, they can be downright warm and welcoming to visitors. No, not really People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors and greet you if you ask. While not the most culturally rich state, its residents are able to come together at open mike nights and other community events.

Although Alaska is quite remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, so locals are always happy to see visitors. Aside from Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current residents here were once foreigners, so they understand what it's like to start over in a strange place. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you, but in either case they are not rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their friendliness and hospitality. Despite its large size, the whole state feels more like a large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. Greetings to visitors are met with a friendly attitude and lighthearted banter between the towns.

Virginia's growing diversity is making the state's already warm and inviting culture even more so. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of newcomers. C and other major cities, it's a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for their warm and welcoming demeanor, making it simple to strike up conversations with complete strangers. As tourism is a major industry, residents are generally eager to assist guests. Newcomers to Vermont's smaller communities may have to wait a while before they're fully accepted, but once they do, they'll have friends for life.

The people who call North Carolina home are known for their politeness, willingness to aid strangers, and warm reception of guests. Just about anywhere, from Walmart to the parking lot to a stoplight, you'll hear someone say "hi." One of the best things about the state is how diverse its population is.

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 welcoming large cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community, and it also has a wonderful social scene.

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 the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

Traveling across the United States, you'll find that West Virginians are among the most warm and friendly people you'll meet. A relaxed way of life creates a friendly environment here. The mountains in West Virginia create a strong sense of community by isolating the state from the rest of the country.

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. There's a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling fresh produce on the side of the road.

Even though Michiganders like to think of themselves as a welcoming and sociable people, some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be difficult to get to know. Most locals have a healthy dose of good humor and laid-back, polite Midwestern niceness.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. A welcoming atmosphere for strangers makes this a fun and lively hangout. 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 residents 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. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

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 generosity. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

Oregonians have a reputation for friendliness toward strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. Even Fido is welcome here, as this state is the most pet-friendly in the country.

Charming and full of Southern sweetness, Mississippi is a wonderful place to visit. The friendliness of the locals is often cited as a point of surprise for visitors to Mississippi. Once you refrain from bragging about how great it is "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like you've always been there.

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

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. If you follow that simple guideline, you'll soon 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 complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. Midwest nice is practically a synonym for the people who live here.

Everyone in Kentucky is friendly no matter what. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. A certain kind of friendliness unique to Kentuckians will have you packing your bags and heading 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; locals truly are friendly. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers rated it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Almost everywhere you go in New Mexico, you'll find nice people. It's chill and full of different cultures. Not only that, but two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people made it onto the Top 20 Cities list this year! Thus, the conclusion

In a town of only 10 people, With a population of over 3 million, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban communities, but its residents are warm and welcoming no matter where you go. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, it's not hard to strike up conversations with locals. The citizens of Georgia received favorable reviews from Big 7 Travel readers.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation as a welcoming and friendly place for visitors.

The people of Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the United States' "Midwest," are Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. As an added bonus, 19 of the safest cities in the United States can be found in Illinois, making it a great state 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 one another, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. If you can master the "one finger" wave while driving, you'll blend in 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.

There is no better representation of good manners and genuine friendliness towards strangers than Ohio. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. Moreover, it's a fantastic destination for families thanks to the abundance of fun things to do here that children will love.

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.

One of the friendliest states in the USA, Oklahoma City deserves its moniker "The Big Friendly." The locals are always up for a chat and will do whatever they can to protect their own. They treat visitors with the same warmth and hospitality as locals.

Kansas is known for its welcoming residents and visitors alike, so don't be surprised if you strike up a conversation with a complete stranger. Local’s openheartedness towards strangers makes the state such a beautiful place to visit

The welcoming locals and progressive culture of Colorado make it a great 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. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their legendary "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. Here, you'll find friendly, humorous people. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

Though Wyoming is generally a calm state, its residents make it a lively and entertaining destination. Large urban areas still have a strong sense of community; it's not unusual for a stranger to help you carry groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. Don't bother getting out of the car. All things considered, it's probably going to make it.

Locals in Texas are always upbeat and ready with a "Howdy" or "Howdy, neighbor!" Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. There's a touch of small-town friendliness in the country's major cities.

The warm hospitality of South Carolinians is well-known, and this is one of the many reasons the state is a great vacation destination. South Carolina embodies the Southern tradition of warmth and friendliness that has made the region famous.

Tennessee has a lively attitude and the locals are excited 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.

And the winner is among America's friendliest states The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. It's not without good reason that the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond have an exceptionally warm welcome for visitors.