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 cultures in one place, and the neighborhoods across the five boroughs of New York City have a strong sense of community if you can make it through the initial shock. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're from here, Arkansas will treat you like family. However, while this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

While it's true that it only takes about 90 minutes to drive across the entire state of Delaware, that doesn't exactly make it a welcoming neighbor. Is it that our readers' perception of Delaware as unwelcoming stems from the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? 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. The Bay State isn't exactly known for its welcoming population because of its propensity to ignore its residents. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

A New Jerseyan's demeanor may come across as rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case People from the Garden State have a reputation for being blunt and direct. 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 all the wet weather

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. But that pride is often misunderstood 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 extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. People in Nevada generally aren't very 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. Tourist-friendly initiatives in places like Orlando are greatly enhancing the state's reputation, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before it is widely recognized.

The majority of Rhode Islanders were not born and raised there, so anyone who moves there from another state is likely to be treated as an oddity. Readers of Big 7 Travel didn't give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "friendliness scale." Local cashiers are less likely to greet you with a smile in larger cities, but they may do so in smaller ones.

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 making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. People there tend to be cold and uninviting. More relaxed lifestyles can be found in smaller towns.

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. This attitude is more of a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut tend to be friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and polite demeanor. The answer is no. People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors and greet you if you ask. Although it's not exactly a hotbed of artistic expression, open mike nights and other community gatherings help keep the state from feeling too stale.

Alaska may be remote, but the state's reliance on tourism means that locals are always happy to see visitors. And, with the exception of Alaska Natives, the vast majority of current locals can relate to the experience of being a stranger in a strange land. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

People in Montana are surprisingly friendly and welcoming. Despite its massive size, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. They're nice, but don't expect an invitation to their house for tea. Each town has its own unique sense of humor and welcomes visitors with open arms.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C 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 tourism is so important to the area's economy, residents are typically eager to go the extra mile to accommodate visitors. While it may take some time for the locals in a small Vermont town to warm up to a newcomer, once they do, you'll have friends for life.

The locals in North Carolina are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help. Just about anywhere, from Walmart to the parking lot to a stoplight, you'll hear someone say "hi." One of the best things about this state is the diverse population it contains.

The locals in Utah are known for their warm hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at ease here. Aside from being one of the most sociable and lively cities in the country, Salt Lake City also has a reputation for being extremely welcoming to the LGBTQ community.

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. The moment you step foot in this location, you'll notice this.

When traveling across the United States, you'll find that West Virginians are among the most warm and friendly people you'll meet. Life here is relaxed, making for a friendly ambiance. The state of West Virginia is largely isolated from the rest of the country by its mountainous terrain, which has fostered a strong sense of community there.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and kindness due to their habit of greeting complete strangers with a smile and a wave as they pass them on the street. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares 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.

Among the most populous states, Maryland also features a wide range of ethnic and cultural communities. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it is a lively and engaging place to spend some time with friends. It's not hard to find your new best friends in a Baltimore bar.

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?

It's not because of the quality of the locals that this is one of the least populated and least visited states in the United States. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. Yes, Portland's hipster scene can be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice (I swear) once you do. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

Mississippi is a beautiful state full of genuine Southern hospitality. When people from other places visit Mississippi, they are often pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of the locals. Once you stop bragging about how great it is "up North" to the locals, they will treat you like family and treat you like one of the family.

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.

Every person you meet in Alabama will treat you with kindness if you treat them with kindness first. If you follow this simple rule, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the most welcoming places in the United States. In the spirit of neighborliness, total strangers will do things like hold the door open and help you load your groceries into your car.

There are a lot of progressive, forward-thinking places in South Dakota where you can find engaged and welcoming locals. The culture here encourages open conversation between strangers, even in the largest cities. These folks 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 unique warmth of Kentuckians will have you packing your bags and heading south immediately.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities whose reputations for friendliness may not be as high as they deserve. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. When asked how helpful random people are, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost Most likely, a friendly local will offer assistance.

People in almost every town in New Mexico are warm and welcoming. It has a chill atmosphere and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. In addition, two New Mexico cities ranked among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. That sums it up

With only ten people, The population of this state in the southern United States is over 3 million, and its unique blend of rural and urban neighborhoods makes for a truly interesting travel experience, but the people are all very warm and welcoming. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Most of the Big 7 Travel readers who visited Georgia found it to be a pleasant experience.

It's common knowledge that Idaho is home to some of the friendliest people in the United States, and our readers overwhelmingly agreed. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. When it comes to welcoming visitors, Idaho more than lives up to its reputation.

Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, is home to incredibly welcoming locals. Chicago is widely regarded as one of the most tourist-friendly cities in the United States, rivaling or even surpassing New York City. 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.

It's true what they say about Nebraskans: they're some of the friendliest people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. You can feel the strong sense of community wherever you go because of all the people who are willing to help each other out. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, 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 a wide variety of 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.

When you think of the Midwest, Ohio is the state that comes to mind. The locals are friendly and will gladly recommend their favorite restaurant or bar to visitors. And because there are so many things to do there that are geared toward children, it's also fantastic for families.

Since tourism is Hawaii's main industry, visitors can expect exceptional service while they're here. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. 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. Not only are they welcoming to locals, but also to tourists.

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. The warmth of the locals towards tourists is what makes their state so special.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. Visitors quickly begin to feel like natives in this secure and culturally rich destination. Whether you're in the city of Denver or the suburbs, the warmth of the locals will greet you with open arms.

In Indiana, residents take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help others. 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.

Though Wyoming is generally a calm state, its residents make it a lively and entertaining destination. 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. Hopefully, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" The welcoming people you meet "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 people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee has a lively attitude and the locals are excited to show off their city to visitors, exuding classic Southern hospitality. When you consider that it also has a thriving music scene, you can see why it's considered one of the friendliest states in the United States.

The winner among the most welcoming American states is The people of Minnesota are the friendliest in the country, making the state a clear winner. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals.