Friendliest States in the United States, Ranked

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 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 by taking Instagram photos too slowly.

If you're from there, or at least a native Arkansan, you'll find that Arkansans are among the friendliest people in the country. Although this bodes well 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. Is it the (possibly unfair) stereotype of Delawareans as unsociable that causes our readers to form such an opinion? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

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 the country because its residents tend to ignore them. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. Based on the results of this poll, it appears that is the case. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. Although the (likely) unfriendly station attendant will pump your gas, at least it's convenient!

The Evergreen State may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but its human residents are a different story. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Perhaps it's all the wet weather

In addition to its natural beauty, New Hampshire is home to a population that is justifiably proud of its state. This sense of pride, however, is often misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. As a rural area with a stubborn local population, this can be a challenge.

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. Residents of the Silver State typically aren't 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. Orlando's tourist-friendly initiatives are a huge boon to the state, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before its reputation catches up.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. 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.

Readers of our paper 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. The pace of life tends to slow down in smaller urban centers.

Although the locals in Arizona lack the Southerners' blatant friendliness, they are usually relaxed enough to not be a major distraction. In the waiting area, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't hold your breath for a sea of beaming faces. An admirable lack of concern for the feelings of others.

In general, Connecticut residents are courteous, reserved, and pleasant; however, they can be downright warm and welcoming to visitors. Not really Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. The state isn't exactly a hotbed of artistic expression, but open mike nights and other community gatherings do their part to keep people connected.

Though Alaska is remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, so locals are always happy to see visitors. To the contrary, with the exception of Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of the locals are immigrants who have experienced life as a newcomer at some point. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you, but in either case, they are not rude.

People in Montana are surprisingly friendly and welcoming. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you over for tea, but you won't be invited to anyone's house. Positive attitudes toward visitors and tourists are shared among the towns, and there is a lot of playful back and forth between them.

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

It's not hard to meet new people and form friendships in Vermont because of the state's affable populace. Since tourism is so important to the area's economy, residents are generally eager to accommodate visitors. Some Vermonters in smaller communities may take some time to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

The people who call North Carolina home are known for their politeness, willingness to aid strangers, and warm welcome to visitors. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. The diversity of its residents is one of the state's most notable features.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. As one of the most sociable and lively cities in the United States, Salt Lake City also has a reputation for being extremely welcoming to the LGBTQ community.

The low crime rate and welcoming nature of Mainers have made this state a favorite among our readers. Most people in New England are known to be shy and reserved, but Mainers are known for being friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

People from West Virginia are among the friendliest and most helpful you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. Life here is relaxed, making for a friendly ambiance. Due in part to the state's geographical isolation, West Virginia is home to a tight-knit community.

The people of Iowa are known for their friendliness and politeness; it's common to see them greet complete strangers as they pass one another on the street and even wave. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

People in Michigan like to think of themselves as a welcoming and sociable bunch, but some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be tough to get to know. People here have a good sense of humor and are laid back and polite in that classic Midwestern way.

Population-wise, Maryland is high up there with the rest of the states, and the state is also home to a wide range of cultural traditions. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving and friendly atmosphere. In a Baltimore bar, you are guaranteed to meet some of your new best friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, with its friendly locals, strong sense of community, and carefree outlook. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest places in the United States, so it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

One of the least populous and least visited states in the United States, and not because of its residents. People from North Dakota are known for being friendly and helpful, even if they don't get anything in return. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. It may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but the people there are nice, I swear. Even Fido is welcome here, as this state is the most pet-friendly in the country.

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 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've even had a chance to say hello, a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life. They're genuine in their friendliness, and they seem to enjoy hearing from total strangers.

To put it simply, if you treat everyone you meet in Alabama with kindness, they will treat you with kindness in return. If you follow that simple rule, you'll soon discover that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the Union. You can count on complete strangers to do nice things for you, like holding the door open or helping you carry your groceries to your car.

South Dakota is home to many progressive, forward-thinking towns whose engaged and friendly residents are shaping the state's bright future. People here will strike up casual conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. People in this region are the epitome of the term "Midwestern nice."

You'll find that Kentuckians, regardless of their background or circumstances, are a friendly bunch. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. 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, are, in fact, quite welcoming. 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 A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. Casual and rich in cultural variety. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So, there you have it.

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. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Peach-loving Big 7 travelers rated Georgia a 7.

Idahoans are known nationwide as some of the friendliest people in the United States, and our readers agree. It's true that everyone here is warm and welcoming, and not in a nosy or intrusive way. As a state, Idaho truly lives up to its reputation for genuine friendliness and openness to visitors.

You can't get more Midwestern than Illinois, and the people there couldn't be friendlier. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, Chicago is often ranked above even New York City. To top it all off, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state for tourists to visit.

The people of Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. There's a real sense of community here, with people lending a hand to those in need wherever you look. 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. Louisianans may come from many different 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.

For good manners and a genuine willingness to help others, look no further than Ohio, a model of 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.

Because tourism is Hawaii's main industry, visitors can expect exceptional service. The "Aloha Spirit" is a trademark of Hawaii. 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.

Kansas is known for its welcoming residents and visitors alike, so don't be surprised if you strike up a conversation with a total stranger. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

This state has some of the friendliest people in the world and a progressive environment that makes for a great vacation. It's great for taking the kids, has a ton of interesting history, and will have you feeling like a native 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.

Hoosiers are known for their generous nature and "Hoosier hospitality," the state's unique brand of "hospitality." The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. Once you visit Indiana, you'll realize it's 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 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. Just drive off without your keys. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its welcoming people "everywhere you go" have undoubtedly earned it a spot among the friendliest states in the United States. 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 it's one of the reasons the state is so enjoyable to visit. South Carolina has the warm hospitality and generous people for which the South is famous in abundance.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its residents 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.

Which state in America is the most welcoming? 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 unbeatable "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals who go out of their way to make visitors feel at home.