America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

At first, locals (especially upstate) might come across as a little brusque. 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 strong sense of community. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

It's true that Arkansans are extremely welcoming, but only if you're a native. Even though Arkansans pride themselves on being friendly neighbors, this can make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong.

While the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? Sadly, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Residents of Massachusetts aren't necessarily rude, but their indifference 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. A lot of time and effort is required to earn the respect of locals and to be considered a "real" Bostonian rather than a "fly-in."

The Jersey way of life can come off as rude and impolite. And based on the results of this survey, it appears to be the case Those who hail from New Jersey are often stereotyped as being loud and brash. 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. Perhaps it's the constant precipitation.

There is a lot of beauty in New Hampshire, and the people there are very proud of their state. However, this sense of pride is often 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.

Las Vegas, Nevada is in a state of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a rough place to spend time. It's safe to say that most Nevadans wouldn't go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it if Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least friendly cities in America. 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.

You'll probably be treated like an outsider in Rhode Island if you weren't raised there. The residents of Rhode Island weren't high on the 'friendly scale' according to Big 7 Travel readers. 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 a friendly bunch. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles is no City of Angels, instead giving off an air of coldness and even hostility. The pace of life is slower in smaller towns.

Arizona certainly doesn't have the Southern-style openness, but the locals are generally chill. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. An admirable lack of concern for the feelings of others.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. I wouldn't say that at all Although New Englanders have a reputation for being distant, they will still open doors for you and greet you warmly. It's not the most culturally rich state, but people still manage to have fun and get 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. In fact, with the exception of Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of the locals here are immigrants who arrived in the area 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. In spite of its considerable size, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you over for tea, but you won't be invited to anyone's house. The townspeople joke and tease each other in a lighthearted manner, and they welcome visitors with open arms.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. Washington, D.C. is a cultural hub, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C as well as other major cities, make it a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being open-minded and friendly, making it a great place to meet new people. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to accommodate 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.

Natives of 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, including Walmart, the parking lot, or even while waiting for a red light to turn green. One of the state's best features is the eclectic mix of people who call it home.

The people of Utah are well-known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. The LGBTQ community can feel safe and accepted in Salt Lake City, as it is consistently ranked as one of the most welcoming large cities in the United States.

Our readership appears to share the opinion that Maine is a desirable place to settle because of its low crime rate and welcoming locals. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are known for being friendly and outgoing. When you first step foot here, you'll notice this.

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. The state of West Virginia has a tight-knit community because the mountains serve as a buffer between the state and 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. The locals are very friendly, from the cashiers to the roadside farmers who will gladly tell you all about their delicious produce.

Although Michiganders like to think of themselves as a warm and welcoming people, some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be difficult to get to know. People in this region are known for their laid-back demeanor, good sense of humor, and Midwestern politeness.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. 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, with its friendly locals and strong sense of community. 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 and least-populated states in the United States, but that has nothing to do with the quality of its residents. In North Dakota, people are friendly and helpful, even if they don't get anything in return. Those of you who rated the state on its friendliness as a community gave it high marks.

Oregonians have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming to visitors. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to break into, but the people there are nice, I swear. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

Mississippi is an attractive state that exudes plenty of traditional Southern warmth. The friendliness of Mississippians is one of the state's most common points of surprise for visitors. Once you stop bragging about how much better it is "up North" and start acting like one of the locals, the locals here will treat you like family.

Before you've even had a chance to say "hello," people in Missouri will launch into a detailed account of their entire lives. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Every person you meet in Alabama will treat you with kindness if you treat them with kindness first. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. For no other reason than to be friendly, total strangers will do things like hold the door open and help you carry your groceries 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. This town is the epitome of "Midwestern nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that Kentuckians are always friendly. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. Friendly Kentuckians have a special quality that will make you want to settle here permanently.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities that might not immediately spring to mind when you think "friendly cities," but that's not how they 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. It received high marks from our readers for the amount of assistance it provided from total strangers. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

People in almost every town in New Mexico are warm and welcoming. It's chill and full of different cultures. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So there you go.

Population: 10 With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, it's not hard to strike up conversations with locals. There was widespread agreement among Big 7 travelers that Georgia was a pleasant destination.

Readers overwhelmingly agreed that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. Those who visit Idaho will find that the state lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to outsiders.

Illinois, located in the center of the Midwest, is home to incredibly welcoming locals. Chicago is arguably more tourist-friendly than New York City. The state is also relatively safe for tourists, with 19 of the country's Safest Cities located in Illinois.

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 behind the wheel, you'll feel like a true native.

Recent natural disasters haven't stopped locals from making visitors feel at home here, however. Louisianans may come from many different backgrounds, but they all contribute to the state's reputation as one of the most welcoming and enjoyable in the United States.

People in Ohio have impeccable manners and a genuine enthusiasm for life. When visitors ask where they should go to eat or drink, locals are happy to give recommendations. 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. This place is famous for its "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly wave and a positive attitude suggests that there must be some psychological benefit to living in paradise.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. The 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.

With its progressive culture and welcoming locals, Colorado is a great vacation destination. It's great for families, is relatively risk-free, and has so much history and tradition that tourists quickly begin to feel at home. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

Hoosiers are known far and wide for their generous spirit and warm welcome. The locals have a positive demeanor and a great sense of humor. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

Although Wyoming is a relatively calm state, its residents make it a great place to visit. Even in the most populated areas, 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 coming back to get the keys. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The jovial Texans and their "Howdys" are a trademark. Its reputation as one of the most welcoming states in the United States is due in no small part to the fact that people are generally nice there. 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 warm hospitality and generous people for which the South is famous in abundance.

The state of Tennessee exudes quintessential Southern hospitality, and its citizens are always excited to show visitors around. It's already one of the friendliest states in America, but when you factor in its thriving music scene, it's easy to see why.

The most welcoming state in the United States is The people of Minnesota have been voted the friendliest in the country. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an inviting, friendly vibe that is hard to replicate, and the locals go out of their way to make visitors feel at home.