America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could ), but it's a great place to experience a wide range of different cultures in one place, and if you can make it through the initial chaos, you'll find that the neighborhoods in each of the five boroughs of New York City have a strong sense of community Just don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking pictures for Instagram.

If you're a local in Arkansas, the locals will treat you like family. 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 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 aren't intentionally rude, but their apathy toward tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts is not exactly 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.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. In fact, according to the results of this poll, that appears to be the situation The people of New Jersey are notorious for being very forthright. The gas station attendant may not be very friendly, but at least they'll 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. While Seattleites aren't outright rude, they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe (hence the "Seattle freeze"). Perhaps 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. The locals are unfriendly, and the area's low population density and widespread farmland make it difficult to make new friends.

Nevada, the site of Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. In contrast to the cutthroat atmosphere of Las Vegas, more relaxed destinations like Reno offer a more pleasant vacation experience. Locals in the state of Nevada, on the whole, are not particularly willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Considering Miami's reputation as one of the friendliest U.S. cities, 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.

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 didn't give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "friendliness scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn'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.

It's not like the people of Arizona are as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're 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. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly, if a bit reserved. Not really 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.

While Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, its residents are more than happy to open their arms to visitors because the tourism industry is so important to the state's 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.

It will come as a pleasant surprise to you how welcoming and friendly people in Montana are. In spite of its considerable size, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. The townspeople joke around and welcome visitors with open arms.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. The cultural mecca of Washington, D.C., may come across as traditional and wary to outsiders. C and the other major cities make it a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. Because of the abundance of tourists, the locals are extremely friendly and willing to assist foreigners. 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.

In my experience, natives of North Carolina are polite, helpful, and welcoming to anyone. Hi's are commonplace in public places like Walmart or the parking lot, or even while waiting at a red light. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are 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 readers seem to agree that the low crime rate and welcoming nature of Mainers contribute to the state's popularity as a relocation destination. Mainers, in contrast to their New England contemporaries, are friendly and outgoing. This is something you'll notice as soon as you step foot in the door.

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. 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, often stopping to say hello to those they pass on the street and waving as they pass. There is a genuine sense of community there, with 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. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

Maryland has a large cultural diversity despite being one of the most populous states. A welcoming atmosphere for strangers makes this a fun and lively hangout. Making new best friends in a Baltimore bar is a breeze.

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. What role, if any, do the Packers play in this?

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 community spirit in the state was highly rated by our readers.

Famous for its residents' friendliness toward total strangers, Oregon has earned a national reputation. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to break into, but the people there are nice, I swear. It also has the highest percentage of pet-friendly households in the United States.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. The friendliness of Mississippians 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 you always belonged there.

When you meet a Missourian, you can expect to hear their entire life story before you've even said hello. They are genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. Just because they want to be nice, strangers will do nice things like hold the door open and help you carry your groceries to your car.

Everywhere you look in South Dakota, you'll find progressive, forward-thinking towns populated by actively involved, welcoming locals. Strangers here will talk to one another freely about anything from the weather to the latest football game, even in the biggest cities. The residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

Anyone visiting Kentucky will quickly learn that Kentuckians are genuinely good people. Everyone, native or visitor, is welcomed with open arms by the friendly locals. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities whose reputations for friendliness may not be as high as they deserve. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; the locals really are as warm and welcoming as they sound. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. A melting pot of people from all walks of life, it's easygoing and diverse. In addition, two New Mexico cities ranked among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. You now have the full picture

With only ten people, With a population of over 3 million, this southern state offers a diverse landscape of rural and urban areas, but its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. The citizens of Georgia were highly regarded by 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. Idaho's reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors is well-deserved.

You can't get more Midwestern than Illinois, and the people there couldn't be friendlier. When compared to New York City, Chicago is widely regarded as one of the most tourist-friendly cities in the United States. Illinois is a great tourist destination because it is home to 19 of the safest cities in the United States, as ranked by Neighborhood Scout.

Nebraskans are among the friendliest people you'll meet 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 at the wheel, 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. Louisianans may come from a wide variety of backgrounds, but they all contribute to what makes the state one of the friendliest and best places to live in the United States.

A state that epitomizes Midwestern courtesy and genuine goodwill toward others is Ohio. Tourists can confidently ask locals for recommendations on where to eat or drink, as the people living there are friendly and open. The abundance of fun things to do here with children make it a fantastic destination for families.

Because tourism is Hawaii's top industry, visitors can expect exceptional service. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, so clearly paradise has a healing effect on the human psyche.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is aptly named. Locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. 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 friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

An enjoyable state to visit, Colorado has a progressive vibe and some of the friendliest people in the world as a bonus. 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. 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. Those who live in this area have a positive demeanor and a great sense of humor. After just one trip, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. Even in large cities, it is not unusual for a stranger to help you carry your groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. Don't bother getting out of the car. The odds are good that it will arrive undamaged.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" are a trademark. Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

People in South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which is one of the reasons the state is so enjoyable to visit. South Carolina has the warm hospitality and friendly people for which the South is famous in abundance.

Traditional Southern hospitality is alive and well in Tennessee, where residents are energized by the presence of visitors and proud to show off their hometown. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of the most welcoming states in the United States.

As for the most welcoming state in the Union, it is The people of Minnesota are the friendliest in the country. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals and numerous visitor-friendly attractions.