Best 50 States to Live In

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. Just don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram.

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

The state of Delaware is so small that it can be crossed in 90 minutes by car, but its size doesn't necessarily equate to neighborliness. Is it that our readers' perception of Delaware as unwelcoming stems from the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? Sadly, it is considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

People in MA aren't necessarily rude, but their indifference to 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.

The Jersey way of life has been characterized as rudeness. It appears that is the case in this poll. People from the Garden State have a reputation for being blunt and direct. A gas station attendant (who is likely to be unfriendly) will pump your gas, though.

While Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, it has a much more mixed reputation when it comes to its residents. The locals aren't rude, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the name "Seattle freeze." Possibly the constant precipitation is to blame.

The people of the Granite State are fiercely proud of their state and its beauty. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. To make matters more difficult, the locals here are notoriously unfriendly, and the area suffers from low population density and a largely rural demographic.

Nevada, the state where Sin City is located, is a place of striking contrasts. In contrast to the cutthroat atmosphere of Las Vegas, friendlier cities like Reno offer a more relaxing vacation experience. As a whole, Nevadans are not particularly willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it if Miami is viewed as one of the least friendly 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.

Your status as an outsider is likely to persist regardless of how long you've lived in Rhode Island if you weren't born and raised there. The residents of Rhode Island were not high on the 'friendly scale' according to Big 7 Travel readers. There may be more friendliness in smaller communities, but don't expect a warm welcome from the cashier at your local establishment.

Many of our readers do not agree with the widespread belief that Californians are particularly friendly, despite the state's widespread promotion of this stereotype. 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.

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. As a whole, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. That's not the case at all Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. 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 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. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you, but in either case they are not rude.

I think you'll find that Montanans are some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. Despite its vastness, the whole state has the feel of a single large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you to their homes for tea. Between cities, there is friendly banter, with an upbeat outlook on visitors.

It's clear that Virginia's growing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly to newcomers. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities make it a promising location to live in

Vermonters are known for being open-minded and friendly, making it a great place to meet new people. Because tourism is so important to the area's economy, residents are generally eager to go the extra mile to accommodate visitors. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

In my experience, natives of North Carolina are polite, helpful, and welcoming to anyone. The supermarket, the parking lot, and even the intersection at a red light are just some of the places where you might hear someone say "hi." It's great that people from all over the United States can congregate in this one state.

The people of Utah are known for their warmth and hospitality, so you will quickly feel at home here. Among the most social and lively cities in the United States, Salt Lake City also happens to be one of the most welcoming to the LGBTQ community.

Our readers seem to agree that Maine is an attractive state to relocate to because of its low crime rate and generally welcoming locals. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. This will be readily apparent to you upon your arrival.

West Virginians are among the most hospitable and warm-hearted people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. Relaxed lifestyle that fosters friendly environment There is a tight-knit sense of community in West Virginia because the state is largely isolated from the rest of the country by mountains.

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. Everyone is friendly and helpful, whether you're at the register or talking to a roadside farmer about his or her delicious produce.

It's a common misconception that all Michiganders are warm and welcoming; in fact, some of the state's largest cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be downright unapproachable. Most locals have a healthy dose of good humor and laid-back, polite Midwestern niceness.

As one of the most populous states in the country, Maryland is also culturally rich. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. In a Baltimore bar, you're sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, with friendly locals who value their community and a positive outlook on life. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America. Perhaps the Packers have something to do with it.

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. North Dakotans are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly toward total strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, 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.

The Magnolia State of Mississippi exudes a warm and welcoming spirit typical of the South. 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 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.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. In case you hadn't heard, Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the Union so long as you remember to "Just Say 'Hello.'" 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. Some of the most open conversations I've ever had were with total strangers in the midst of busy city streets. In many ways, the residents of 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. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. There's something about a Kentuckian's warmth and hospitality that makes you want to settle down here right away.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually 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 Most likely, a friendly local will offer assistance.

Nearly every town in New Mexico is populated by warm and welcoming locals. It has a chill atmosphere and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people In any case, there it is.

With only ten people, This state in the southern United States is home to 3 million people and features a diverse collection of urban and rural communities, as well as welcoming residents. 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.

Readers overwhelmingly agreed that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. Indeed, Idahoans live up to the state's reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Located in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. Chicago is arguably more tourist-friendly than 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.

The people of Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. Strong community spirit permeates the air, with people of all ages and backgrounds pitching in to help one another. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a native.

Despite the region's recent history of natural disasters, the locals will do anything to make you feel at home. Louisiana is home to a wide variety of cultures, but its residents share a common trait that makes it a great place to live: their welcoming nature.

For good manners and a genuine willingness to help others, look no further than Ohio, a model of the Midwest. Many locals are more than happy to show visitors around their favorite restaurant or bar. There are many options for children, making this an ideal destination for families.

Hawaii places a premium on its tourism industry, so visitors can expect to be treated like royalty while they're here. It is famous for its "Aloha Spirit." 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 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. It's a great place to visit because locals are so welcoming to tourists.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. It's great for families, there's lots to do, and newcomers will quickly feel at home among the friendly locals. One of the first things you'll notice about Colorado, whether in the city of Denver or out in the country, is how friendly the people are.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their legendary "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. The residents of this area are friendly and humorous. Once you visit Indiana, you'll realize it's so much more than a "fly over" state.

The people of Wyoming are what really make this state exciting, even if it is a relatively quiet place. In fact, even in the busiest of cities, it's 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 bother getting out of the car. Likely, 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.

Residents of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which contributes to the state's reputation as a pleasant vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Typical of the South, Tennesseans are friendly and eager to show off their city to visitors. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

And the winner is, of all the welcoming American states: The people of Minnesota are the friendliest in the country. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the Twin Cities and surrounding areas have an inviting, friendly vibe that's hard to find elsewhere.