Friendliest States in the United States, Ranked

At first, locals (especially upstate) might come across as a little brusque. 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. Please don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking 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 the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. What makes our readers assume that Delaware is unwelcoming? Is it its (possibly unfair) reputation as boring? Regrettably, it is considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

The people of Massachusetts are not necessarily rude, but their general apathy toward visitors can be wearing. 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.

One possible interpretation of the Jersey way of life is as blatant rudeness. It appears that is the case in this poll. Those who hail from New Jersey are often stereotyped as being loud and brash. However, the (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas for you.

Washington State may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but its human inhabitants are another story. It's not that people in Seattle are rude per se, but rather that they give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe (hence the "Seattle freeze"). Perhaps it's the constant downpours.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. Unfortunately, this sense of pride is often misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

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. 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 consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States. Cities like Orlando, with their many tourist-friendly initiatives, are doing a lot to boost the state's reputation, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go.

It's likely that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island would always be considered a stranger there. The citizens of Rhode Island were not given high marks on the "friendliness scale" by Big 7 Travel readers. Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

A lot of people in California like to think of themselves as friendly, but our readers would disagree. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. A more relaxed pace of life can be found 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. One might even call it a pleasant indifference to other people.

Residents of Connecticut are courteous, reticent, and pleasant overall, but 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. In spite of the state's lack of cultural vitality, its residents find common ground 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. 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. Though large, 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. The townspeople joke around and treat visitors with friendliness and open arms.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. 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 warm and welcoming, making it simple to strike up conversations with strangers and quickly feel at home. 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.

People who live in North Carolina are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help visitors and fellow citizens alike. It's not uncommon for strangers to greet one another in public places like Walmart, parking lots, and even while waiting for a red light to turn green. Among the many great things about this state is the eclectic mix of people who call it home.

Utahns are well-known for their warmth and hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at ease in your new surroundings. 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 share the opinion that Maine is a great place to settle down because of its low crime rate and welcoming population. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

When traveling across the United States, you'll find that West Virginians are among the most warm and friendly people you'll meet. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly ambiance. Since West Virginia is somewhat sheltered from the rest of the country by its mountainous terrain, the people who live there tend to be very close-knit.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the frequent use of "how are yous" and "hellos" in everyday situations. There is a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling fresh produce from the side of the road.

There's a perception that Michiganders are a warm and welcoming people, but the cities of Detroit and Ann Arbor in particular can be difficult to navigate. People in this region are known for their laid-back demeanor, good sense of humor, and Midwestern politeness.

Maryland has one of the highest population densities in the country and is also a cultural melting pot. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving and friendly atmosphere. You can find your new best friends in a bar in Baltimore with little effort.

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 ranks among the happiest cities in America, so its residents' natural disposition is one of friendliness. Is there a chance it's related to the Packers?

This may be one of the least-visited and least-populated states in the USA, but that has nothing to do with the quality of its residents. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. The community spirit in the state was highly rated by our readers.

The people of Oregon are known for their friendliness toward total strangers. It may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but I promise it's worth it. And your dog is sure to fit right in, as this state is ranked highest in the nation for its pet-friendliness.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. After you stop bragging about how much better life is "up North" and start treating the locals with respect, you will quickly feel at home among them.

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

In Alabama, if you're a nice person, everyone will be nice to you. 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, from holding the door open to assisting you with your groceries to the car.

Everywhere you look in South Dakota, you'll find progressive, forward-thinking towns populated by actively involved, welcoming locals. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. 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 Kentuckians will treat you with kindness. People here are friendly regardless of whether you were born and raised here or are just passing through. A certain kind of friendliness unique to Kentuckians will have you packing your bags and heading here tomorrow.

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 stranger kindness, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost If you ask nicely, a friendly local might even offer assistance.

The people of New Mexico are among the friendliest you'll meet anywhere. Cultures from all over the world coexist peacefully here. In addition, two New Mexico cities ranked among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. 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. In even the most populous places, like Atlanta, forming meaningful relationships with locals is a breeze. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

Readers overwhelmingly agreed that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. A visitor to Idaho will find that the state's reputation for friendliness and openness to outsiders is well-deserved.

Illinois, located in the center of the Midwest, is home to incredibly welcoming locals. Chicago is arguably more welcoming to visitors than New York City. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

You won't find a nicer group of people anywhere in the United States than in Nebraska. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. Become an almost native driver by learning the "one finger" wave.

It has had a tumultuous history with natural disasters, but the locals will do anything to make you feel at home. Louisiana is home to a wide variety of cultures, but its residents all share a commitment to making their home state one of the most welcoming and enjoyable places to live in the United States.

Ohioans are known for their good manners and friendly demeanor across the region. Those who live there are friendly and willing to give visitors recommendations on where to eat and drink. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

Guests of Hawaii receive exceptional care due to the state's dedication to the tourism industry. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. There must be something about paradise that's good for the spirit, because everyone you meet will be smiling at you.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in America, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," has earned that moniker for good reason. A local's priority is always their own neighborhood, and they're always up for a chat. Their hospitality extends to outsiders.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous Kansas friendliness, so strike up a conversation with seemingly anyone you come across. 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 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.

Locals in Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," where they go out of their way to help strangers. 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 large cities, it is not unusual for a stranger to help you carry your groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. Don't bother getting out of the car. In all likelihood, everything will be fine.

All the friendly Texans and their "Howdys" This state's reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has undoubtedly earned it a spot among the top ten friendliest in the United States. Its locals will welcome you with open arms and bring a sense of small-town friendliness to its big cities.

Locals in 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.

Tennessee has a lively attitude and the locals are excited 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.

Finally, 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 is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice" by visitors: the Twin Cities and surrounding areas exude a genuine warmth and friendly welcome that can't be found elsewhere.