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

At first, 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 impede traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you're a local in Arkansas, you'll find that the people are very welcoming. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

Although 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.

The people of Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, but their apathy toward tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts may not be one of the friendliest states in America, but that isn't because its residents are known for ignoring them. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, as opposed to a temporary resident, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can 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 (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

Even though Washington state consistently performs well on lists of environmentally-friendly states, it fares much worse when it comes to its human inhabitants. Though Seattleites don't come across as rude, they do give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, earning the city its nickname, "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's the constant downpours.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. However, this sense of pride is often misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. Locals tend to be unyielding, and the area's low population density and lack of urban centers can make it difficult to make new friends.

Nevada, the state where Sin City is located, is full of extremes. Las Vegas is a place where "dog eats dog," but neighborly Reno is a better option. In general, Nevadans are not very willing to go out of their way to assist 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. Florida's reputation is slowly but surely improving thanks to cities like Orlando and their tourist-friendly initiatives, but the state as a whole still has some work to do.

Some people who aren't native Rhode Islanders just can't shake the feeling that they don't belong there. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendly scale." While the local cashier is more likely to smile in a smaller town, this is not the case in larger cities.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. When it comes to friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. Casual lifestyles prevail in smaller urban centers.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as gregarious as those in the South, but they're usually chill about most things. When waiting in line, it's the kind of place where total strangers will start talking to each other; however, you shouldn't count on anyone being overly cheerful. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

The people of Connecticut are friendly, though they tend to be reserved. Not really 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. Not the most culturally rich state, but open mike nights and other community gatherings help keep people connected.

Although Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, the state relies heavily on tourism, so its residents 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 in their lives. Or they'll simply ignore you, which isn't rude.

It will come as a pleasant surprise to you how welcoming and friendly people in Montana are. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. It's unlikely that anyone will invite you over for tea, but you'll find that these people are friendly. Each town has its own unique sense of humor and welcomes visitors with open arms.

Virginia's growing 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. Because tourism is so important to the area's economy, residents are typically eager to go the extra mile to accommodate visitors. Newcomers to Vermont's small towns may have to wait a while before they're accepted, but once they are, they tend to stick around.

The people who call North Carolina home are known for their politeness, willingness to aid strangers, and warm welcome to visitors. Just about anywhere, from Walmart to the parking lot to a stoplight, you'll hear someone say "hi." An attractive feature of the state is the wide variety 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. Being one of the most LGBTQ-friendly major cities in the United States, Salt Lake City is a wonderful place to live if you're looking for a lively and social environment.

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 contemporaries, are 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. It's a close-knit community because the mountains isolate West Virginia from the rest of the country.

People in Iowa have a reputation for being friendly and helpful, often stopping to say hello to people they don't know on the street and waving as they pass by. There is a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling fresh produce from 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.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. Since it welcomes visitors from all over the world, it is a lively and engaging place to spend time with friends. In a Baltimore bar, you are sure to meet some of your new closest friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, with friendly, polite citizens who value their communities and enjoy life. 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?

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. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. When asked about the state's sense of community, our readers gave it high marks.

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. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

Typical of the South, Mississippi exudes a warm and welcoming vibe. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. The locals are extremely friendly, and they will make you feel at home as long as you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North."

Before you've even said "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy recounting of their life experiences. Not only are they friendly, but they also genuinely care about what complete strangers have to say.

Everyone 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. Just because they want to be nice, strangers will do nice 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. The residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

People in Kentucky are generally pleasant no matter what. People here are friendly whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

Even though Philadelphia and Pittsburgh might not be the first cities that come to mind when you think of "friendly," that is exactly what they are. 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 ranked it highly. Look lost Hopefully, a friendly local will be able to assist you.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. It has a chill vibe and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. Also, two New Mexico cities made it into the Top 20 Retirement Cities for LGBT people in 2018. Now you know

Home to just 10 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. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. In a survey conducted by Big 7 Travel, Georgia received a score of 4.5 out of 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 is as welcoming and friendly as its reputation suggests.

Illinois, located in the middle of the United States, is home to incredibly warm and welcoming people. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. In addition, the state is pleasant for tourists to visit because it is home to 19 of the 100 safest cities in the United States, as ranked by Neighborhood Scout.

Some of the nicest people you'll ever meet in the United States are from Nebraska. There's a real sense of community here, with people pitching in to help one another. If you can perfect 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 the state's reputation as one of the most welcoming and enjoyable in the United States.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of the Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. The "Aloha Spirit" is what makes this place famous. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, so clearly paradise has a healing effect on the human psyche.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in America, 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 warmth of the local people toward visitors is one of the state's greatest attractions.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. It's great for families, is relatively risk-free, and has so much history and tradition that tourists quickly begin to feel at home. A sense of welcome is something you'll notice right away, whether you're in Denver or the suburbs.

Hoosiers are famously helpful and friendly to visitors, earning the state's nickname of "Hoosier Hospitality." The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. Indiana is more than just a passing state; it will forever hold a special place in your heart after just one visit.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. Even in the largest of cities, 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 getting the keys out of the car. Possibilities are high that everything will be fine.

Residents of Texas are very friendly, and they often greet visitors with a hearty "Howdy!" Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. The locals in its big 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 embodies the warm hospitality and generous spirit that have come to define the Southern states.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its citizens are always excited to show visitors around. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

Finally, the winner among the most welcoming U.S. states is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals.