America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

In the beginning, locals (especially those living 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 strong sense of community. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

Those who are native to the state will find Arkansas to be a welcoming place. Though this bodes well 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 unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? Regrettably, it is considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

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 an outsider, can take years.

The Jersey way of life has been characterized as rudeness. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case Personality-wise, New Jersey residents are known for being very outspoken. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

If you're looking at environmental friendliness, the state of Washington may always be near the top of the list. This "polite but unfriendly" atmosphere is what gives Seattle its nickname, "the Seattle freeze," even though the locals themselves aren't rude. Perhaps it's all the wet weather

The residents of New Hampshire take great pride in their state and its natural beauty. This sense of pride, however, is often misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. It can be challenging to make friends among the locals here due to their stubbornness and the area's low population density.

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

The state of Florida has its work cut out for it, as Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States. 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.

Being an outsider is something you can expect to always be labeled as if you weren't born and raised in Rhode Island. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendliness scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

We Californians like to think of ourselves as friendly, but our readers beg to differ. The people of Los Angeles aren't exactly the most welcoming, giving off an air of disinterestedness verging on hostility. The pace of life is slower 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. There's a pleasant lack of concern for other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Unfortunately, that's not the case. It's true that New Englanders have a rep for being cold and unfriendly, but you'll still be greeted warmly and offered assistance getting through doorways. It's not the most culturally rich state, but people still manage to come together at open mike nights and other community events.

Although Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, the state relies heavily on tourism, so its residents 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; either way, they are not rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, the whole state feels more like a large town. The people are pleasant enough, but you won't be invited to their homes for tea. The towns all joke around with each other and treat visitors with friendliness.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, despite the fact that some may view it as quite traditional and wary of strangers. C It's a great place to live because of its proximity to other major cities.

Vermonters are known for being open-minded and friendly, making it a great place to meet new people. Because of the abundance of tourists, the locals are friendly and willing to go the extra mile to accommodate their needs. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

Most people in North Carolina are polite, helpful, and welcoming. Just about anywhere, from Walmart to the parking lot to a stoplight, you'll hear someone say "hi." One interesting feature of the state is the wide variety of people who call it home.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at ease in your new surroundings. It is widely acknowledged that Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community.

According to your responses, Mainers' low crime rate and general friendliness make it a desirable place to settle down. The people of New England are known for their reserved nature, but Mainers are known for their openness and friendliness. As soon as 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 moves at a relaxed pace, creating a friendly environment. Because of the mountains' role as a buffer zone between the state of West Virginia and the rest of the country, the people who live there tend to stick together.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and kindness due to their habit of greeting complete strangers with a smile and a hello whenever they pass one another on the street. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares 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. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

With a population density that ranks high among the states, Maryland represents a cross-section of American society. The welcoming atmosphere and abundance of people make it a great destination for a fun outing or social gathering. Bars in Baltimore 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. Was it possibly 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. Locals in North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. A large majority of you, our readers, gave the state a high score in our polling of community qualities.

The citizens of Oregon have earned a reputation for being friendly toward those they have never met before. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are cool, I swear. It also has the highest percentage of pet-friendly households in the United States.

The Magnolia State of Mississippi is a delightful place, full of warmth and 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.

Before you've even had a chance to say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy recounting of their life experiences. Sincerity and genuine interest in one another's company are not in short supply among these people.

All the people you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you are friendly. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. Some random person will hold the door open for you, and others will offer to help you carry your groceries out to your car.

You can find progressive, forward-thinking communities full of involved and welcoming people all over South Dakota. 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. These folks are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern nice."

Whatever the situation, you'll find that Kentuckians are friendly. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. Kentucky residents exude a special brand of friendliness that will have you packing your bags and heading south immediately.

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. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers gave it high marks. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. It has a relaxed atmosphere and a wide variety of cultural influences. Additionally, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So there you go.

With only ten people, With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas. Getting to know people here is simple, even in major metropolises like Atlanta. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

You'll hear that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country, and our readers agree. Here, you'll find genuine friendliness rather than intrusive curiosity from the local populace. True to its reputation, Idaho welcomes visitors with open arms and genuine kindness.

Chicago and the rest of Illinois, and the rest of the Midwest, are home to incredibly warm and welcoming people. As a top tourist destination in the United States, Chicago rivals New York City in popularity. 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.

The people of Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. Anywhere you look, you'll find people 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 just like a native.

The locals here will do anything to make you feel at home, despite the city's recent history of natural disasters. Louisianans may come from many different backgrounds, but they all contribute to what makes the state one of the friendliest and best places to live in the United States.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. Most locals are friendly and willing to show visitors around, including recommending their favorite restaurants and bars. In addition to being a fantastic destination for couples, it also caters to families with a wide variety of fun things to do.

Since tourism is Hawaii's main industry, visitors can expect exceptional service while they're here. The "Aloha Spirit" is a trademark of Hawaii. Everyone you meet will give you a friendly smile, suggesting that paradise has some sort of healing effect on the human psyche.

The Big Friendly is not a random moniker for Oklahoma City; the Sooner State is known for its welcoming locals. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. It's not just locals who treat guests well.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the legendary friendliness of Kansans, so strike up conversations with complete strangers at will. Locals' warm welcome of visitors is one of the state's many attractive features.

To top off its progressive vibe, Colorado is home to some of the friendliest people on the planet, making for a fantastic vacation destination. 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.

Indiana residents take great pride in their famously generous "Hoosier hospitality," which is known worldwide. The locals have a positive disposition 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 offer assistance with tasks such as unsticking your car from snow or carrying groceries. Do not enter the vehicle until you have returned to retrieve the keys. With any luck, everything will be fine.

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. The people of its big cities will make you feel right at home, as if you'd traveled to one of the smaller towns in the region.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, making the state a pleasant destination. South Carolina is a shining example of the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee is a great example of classic Southern hospitality, with friendly locals who are always eager to show visitors around. Adding in the vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of the most welcoming states in the United States.

Finally, the most welcoming state in the United States is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. There is a reason why the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond have an inviting, friendly demeanor that is hard to find elsewhere.