An Honourable Mention for the Top 50 Friendliest States in the USA

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could New York City may seem overwhelming at first, but if you give it time, you'll see that each of the five boroughs offers a diverse range of neighborhoods with a strong sense of community. Simply don't linger in the street or impede traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

Although it only takes 90 minutes to drive across Delaware, the small size of the state doesn't necessarily equate to neighborliness. Could it be that our readers' preconceived notions of Delaware's amiability stem from the state's (possibly unfair) reputation as boring? It is one of the least welcoming states in the Union, which is a shame.

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.

It's easy to mistake the Jersey way of life for outright rudeness. Based on the results of this poll, it appears that is the case. 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.

While Washington State often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, its reputation among its residents is decidedly mixed. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Perhaps it's the constant precipitation.

Stunning scenery and a fiercely patriotic populace characterize the Granite State. But that pride is often misunderstood as arrogance by those on the outside. Being a rural area with a stubborn local population, this place is not exactly teeming with opportunities to make new friends.

Nevada, the site 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. Most people in Nevada won't go out of their way to help a complete stranger.

Florida certainly has its work cut out for it if 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.

There's a good chance that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island would always be considered a stranger there. 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.

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 isn't exactly the City of Angels. It's easier to take it easy in a smaller city.

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, if a bit reserved. Not really People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors and greet you if you ask. Even though it's not the most culturally active state, residents still manage to have fun at open mike nights and other community gatherings.

Although Alaska is quite remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, 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. It's either that or they'll completely ignore you; either way, they're not rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you to their homes for tea. The townspeople joke around and treat visitors with friendliness.

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

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Vermonters in smaller communities 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. Just about anywhere, from Walmart to the parking lot to a stoplight, you'll hear someone say "hi." One of the best things about the state is the diversity of its residents.

The people of Utah are well-known for their warmth and hospitality, so you will quickly feel 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 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. This is something you'll see the moment you step foot in this location.

West Virginians are among the friendliest and most hospitable people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. West Virginia is a close-knit community due in part to the state's isolation from the rest of the country by way of the mountains.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the prevalence of "hellos" and "waves" to passers-by. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

While most Michiganders like to think of themselves as hospitable, those in Detroit and Ann Arbor in particular can be tough. 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. It welcomes strangers, making it a lively and social place to spend time. 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. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, so its residents' easygoing demeanor is hardly surprising. Is there a chance it's related to the Packers?

Despite its great people, this is one of the least populated and least visited states in the United States. People in North Dakota are friendly and helpful, often without expecting anything in return. The community spirit in this state was highly rated by our readers.

The citizens of Oregon are widely known for their friendliness toward total strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. Even Fido is welcome here, as this state is the most pet-friendly in the country.

Mississippi is an attractive state that exudes plenty of traditional Southern warmth. 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," people in Missouri will launch into a lengthy recounting of their personal histories. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

If you treat everyone you meet in Alabama with kindness, they will treat you with kindness in return. 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 help you, such as holding the door open or carrying your groceries to your car.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming residents. 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. People in this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky are friendly. No matter if you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, the locals will make you feel welcome. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; the people here are genuinely warm and helpful. 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. It is culturally diverse and has a relaxed atmosphere. Also, two New Mexico cities made it into the Top 20 Retirement Cities for LGBT people in 2018. As you see, it is that simple.

Population: 10 This state in the southern United States is home to 3 million people and features an interesting blend of rural and urban areas, but its residents are known for their warm hospitality. In even the most populous places, like Atlanta, forming meaningful relationships with locals is a breeze. Peach-loving Big 7 travelers rated Georgia a 7.

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.

Illinois is located in the center of the Midwest, and its residents are some of the friendliest you'll ever meet. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

Some of the nicest people you'll ever meet in the United States are from Nebraska. There is a palpable sense of community everywhere you look, with people lending a hand to those in need. You can pass for a true native if you just learn the "one finger" wave to use while driving.

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 cultural backgrounds, but they all contribute to the state's reputation as one of the friendliest and most enjoyable in the United States.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. Tourists can confidently ask locals for recommendations on where to eat or drink, as the people living there are friendly and open. It's also fantastic for families, as there are many things to do there that are geared toward children.

With Hawaii's strong emphasis on tourism, guests are well taken care of in every aspect of their stay. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone you meet will give you a friendly wave and a warm smile, proof that paradise really does do something good for the spirit.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. These folks are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. And they're 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.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. It's great for taking the kids, has a wealth of cultural attractions, and will quickly have you feeling like a native. A sense of welcome is something you'll notice right away, whether you're in Denver or the suburbs.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help others. Here, you'll find friendly, humorous people. When you finally make it to Indiana, you'll realize it's so much more than a "fly over" state.

The people of Wyoming make it a great place to visit, despite the state's reputation for relative tranquility. Even in large urban areas, it is not unusual for a stranger to offer to help you with something as simple as unsticking your car from the snow or carrying your groceries. Do not enter the vehicle until you have returned to retrieve the keys. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their endless "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 warm hospitality of South Carolinians is well-known, and the state is a great destination for vacation. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee has a vibrant culture and friendly locals who are eager to show off their city to visitors, exuding classic Southern hospitality. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

The most welcoming state in the United States is The people of Minnesota are the friendliest in the country, making the state a clear winner. There's a reason why the state's nickname is "Minnesota Nice": the Twin Cities and surrounding areas have an inviting, friendly vibe that's hard to find elsewhere.