America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

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

It's true that Arkansans are extremely welcoming, but only if you're a native. Good for Arkansas locals and their friendly atmosphere, but it may make tourists feel out of place and unwelcome.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be traversed in under an hour and a half by car, the small size of the state has not translated into a particularly neighborly reputation. Why do some of our readers view Delaware negatively? Is it because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? Unfortunately, it is 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. To say that Massachusetts has a reputation for being unfriendly is an understatement. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, as opposed to a temporary resident, is a lengthy process as well.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be true. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. 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. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Who knows, maybe it's the constant downpour.

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. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, home of Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. Locals in Nevada, on the whole, aren't 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 image, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go.

People who aren't native Rhode Islanders have a difficult time accepting those who moved there as friends or family. 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 this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are particularly friendly. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. Compared to larger cities, those in the countryside tend to have a more relaxed vibe.

There's no denying that Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough to make up for it. 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 approachable despite their politeness, reserve, and general niceness. In any case Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. Even though it isn't the most culturally active state, residents still manage to pull together through open mike nights and other community gatherings.

Even though Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, welcoming tourists is a major source of revenue, 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.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. The people are pleasant enough, but you won't be invited to their homes for tea. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view it as conservative and wary. C and other major cities, the area is a great place to live.

Because of the welcoming nature of Vermonters, making new friends is a breeze. People here go out of their way to assist tourists because the industry is so important to the local economy. The people of Vermont's small towns can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

North Carolinians, in general, are polite, helpful, and welcoming. People say "hi" everywhere, even at red lights and in Walmart parking lots. One of the best things about the state is how it serves as a dumping ground for people from all over the country.

Utahns are well-known for their warm hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at ease. 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 Maine is a good place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming population. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. If you come here, you'll notice this right away.

You won't find a more hospitable or friendly group of people anywhere in the United States than West Virginians. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. A tight-knit sense of community exists in West Virginia because the state is largely isolated from the rest of the country by mountains.

People in Iowa are known to be friendly and helpful, often greeting and waving at strangers as they pass them on the street. 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. People here have a great sense of humor, are laid back, and are incredibly polite.

The population density of Maryland is high, and the state is also home to a wide range of cultural traditions. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving and friendly atmosphere. Baltimore bars are great places to meet potential 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. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. Is there a chance it's related to 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. Natives of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. The state's community spirit received high marks from our readers.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. Portland's hipster scene may be difficult to break into, but the people there are nice, I swear. The state is the most pet-friendly in the country, so Fido can come along, too.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. Most visitors to Mississippi are pleasantly surprised by the state's warm and welcoming culture. 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 can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. People here are genuine in both their friendliness and interest in the perspectives of total strangers.

The people of Alabama, in general, are very nice if you present yourself as such. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. People you don't know will go out of their way to be helpful, holding doors open and even offering to carry your groceries to your car.

A lot of South Dakota's towns and cities are thriving hubs of progressive thought and progressive people. Even in the largest cities, it is common practice for people to strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to the latest football game. The residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

People in Kentucky are generally pleasant no matter what. 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 anyone consider making the state their permanent 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 they really are at all. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. According to polls, it has a high rating for readers who value assistance from total strangers. Look lost Hopefully, a friendly local will be able to assist you.

In most of New Mexico's towns, you'll find hospitable locals. It has a chill vibe and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people Now you know

With only ten 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. It's not hard to make friends, even in larger cities like Atlanta. The citizens of Georgia were deemed to be quite delightful 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. In contrast to other places, the locals here are genuinely warm and welcoming. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation as a welcoming and friendly place for visitors.

Locationally, Illinois is right in the middle of the Midwest, and its people are some of the friendliest you'll ever meet. The number of tourists visiting Chicago annually exceeds that of New York City. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

You won't find nicer people anywhere in America than in Nebraska. There is a genuine sense of community, with people constantly pitching in to help one another. Acquiring the skill of the "one finger" wave while behind the wheel will make you feel like a native in no time.

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.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of the Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. When visitors ask where they should go to eat or drink, locals are happy to give recommendations. With so many options geared toward younger visitors, it's also a fantastic destination for families.

The hospitality industry in Hawaii is thriving because of the state's strong focus on tourism. 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.

The Big Friendly isn't a nickname for Oklahoma City's capital city for nothing; Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the country. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They are also very welcoming of outsiders.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous friendliness of Kansans, so they should be prepared to strike up conversations with complete strangers. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

Colorado has some of the friendliest people in the world and a progressive environment that makes it a great place to visit. 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. Feeling welcome here is something you'll notice right away, 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 have a positive disposition and a great 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. You can still find a strong sense of community even in the largest of cities, with complete strangers often offering to help you with mundane tasks like unsticking your car from snow or carrying your groceries. Don't even bother getting the keys out of the ignition. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Locals in Texas are always upbeat and ready to say "Howdy" to anyone passing by. The warm welcomes you receive "everywhere you go" have undoubtedly helped make this state one of the friendliest in the United States. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

The warm hospitality of South Carolinians is well known, and it's one of the reasons the state is so enjoyable to visit. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

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.

And the winner is among the most welcoming American states People in Minnesota are known for being some of the friendliest in the country. Minnesota has earned the nickname "Minnesota Nice" because the state as a whole exudes a warm and welcoming vibe that is difficult to match.