Friendliest States in the United States, Ranked

At first glance, the locals (especially those in the upstate) may New York City may be overwhelming at first, but if you give it time, you'll find that each borough's neighborhoods have a sense of community and that the city itself is a melting pot of many cultures. You should not linger in the street or impede traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

You'll find a warm welcome in Arkansas if you're a local. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

You can drive across the entire state of Delaware in under an hour, but that doesn't make it any more neighborly. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? This is one of the least welcoming states in the Union, unfortunately.

Massachusetts residents 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 can come across as rude. This survey seems to confirm that to be the case. The state's residents are known for being bold and forthright. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will at least pump your gas for you, though.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. The people of Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a certain "polite but unfriendly" air about them, hence the nickname "the Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's due to the deluge of recent days

New Hampshire is a stunning state full of devoted citizens who take great pride in their heritage. The problem is that 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, home to "Sin City," is a state of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. People in Nevada generally aren't very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it, as Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States. While Orlando and its tourist-friendly initiatives are doing a lot to boost the state's reputation, Florida as a whole still has a ways to go.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. According to Big 7 Travel's readers, Rhode Islanders aren't particularly hospitable. Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are particularly friendly. With an overall aloofness that borders on rudeness, Los Angeles is not exactly the City of Angels when it comes to making visitors feel at home. Less hectic lifestyles can be found in smaller towns.

While the locals in Arizona lack the Southerners' blatant friendliness, they are usually relaxed enough to not be a major distraction. There will be small talk among strangers while waiting in line, but no one will be overly happy to see you. To be more precise, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Not really Even though New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will still open doors and greet you warmly when you visit. It's not the most culturally rich state, but people still manage to have fun and get 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. Aside from Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current residents here were once foreigners, so they understand what it's like to start over in a strange place. One of two things will happen; either that, or they will simply ignore you; in either case, they are 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. People are nice, but you won't be invited to their houses for tea. The townspeople joke around and welcome visitors with 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 It's a great place to live because of its proximity to other major cities.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. As tourism is a major industry, residents are generally eager 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.

The people who call North Carolina home are known for their politeness, willingness to aid strangers, and warm welcome to visitors. A person can hear a "hi" almost anywhere, including the grocery store, the parking lot, or even while waiting for a red light to turn green. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. Salt Lake City is a great place to live because of its vivacious culture and welcoming atmosphere toward the LGBTQ community.

Our readers seem to agree that the low crime rate and welcoming nature of Mainers contribute to the state's popularity as a relocation destination. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are known for being friendly and outgoing. When you first step foot here, you'll notice this.

Visitors to the United States will find West Virginians to be among the most warm and friendly they encounter. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. The state of West Virginia is characterized by a tight-knit community due in part to the state's natural barrier of mountains.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the prevalence of "hellos" and "waves" to passers-by. People are friendly and helpful (even the cashiers), and you can buy fresh produce directly from farmers along 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 in this region are known for their laid-back demeanor, good sense of humor, and Midwestern politeness.

Maryland has a large cultural diversity despite being one of the most populous states. Due to its welcoming nature, it is a lively and engaging place to spend time with others. In a Baltimore bar, you are sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a bright spot in the Midwest, populated by friendly people with a strong sense of community and a positive outlook. 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?

It's not because of the quality of the locals that this is one of the least populated and least visited states in the United States. People from North Dakota are friendly and helpful, and they don't expect anything in return. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

As a state, Oregon is known for its residents' friendliness toward those they have never met before. Sure, it may be difficult to break into Portland's hipster scene, but the people there are nice (I swear!). Also, your dog is guaranteed to be accepted here, as this state is ranked highest in the country for pet friendliness.

Typical of the South, Mississippi exudes a warm and welcoming vibe. Most visitors to Mississippi are pleasantly surprised by the state's warm welcome. The natives 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."

If you meet a Missourian and you don't say "hello," you will hear their entire life story. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you with kindness if you treat them with kindness first. 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.

Everywhere you look in South Dakota, you'll find progressive, forward-thinking towns populated by actively involved, welcoming locals. Even in the largest cities, it is common practice for people to strike up conversations with total strangers about anything from the weather to the latest football game. 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. Everyone who meets a Kentuckian will want to make the state their permanent home because of the warmth and hospitality of its people.

You might not immediately associate cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with friendliness, but you'd be wrong. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was written for a good reason; people here are genuinely kind to one another. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost If you ask nicely, a friendly local might even offer assistance.

Friendly locals can be found in almost every community across New Mexico. Relaxed and rich in cultural variety. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people And there you have it

With only ten people, This southern state has a population of 3 million and a diverse landscape of rural and urban areas, but its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, it is not difficult to make new friends. Travelers who read Big 7's recommendations deemed Georgia to be quite pleasant.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. People are genuinely nice here, and not in a stalkerish manner. The state of Idaho is just as welcoming and friendly as its reputation suggests.

Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, is home to incredibly warm and welcoming people. If you're looking for a city that welcomes tourists more than New York City, look no further than Chicago. Illinois is a great tourist destination because it is home to 19 of the safest cities in America, as ranked by Neighborhood Scout.

The people of Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. There is a palpable sense of community, with people of all walks of life pitching in to help out those in need. Master the 'one finger' wave behind the wheel, and you'll blend in just like a native.

While the area has had a rough go of it recently due to natural disasters, the locals will do anything they can to make you feel at home. Louisianans may come from a wide variety of 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.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. All visitors are welcome in the eyes of the locals, and they will gladly recommend their favorite restaurant or bar. There are many options for children, making this an ideal destination for families.

With Hawaii's strong emphasis on tourism, guests are well taken care of in every aspect of their stay. The "Aloha Spirit" is a hallmark of this region. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, so clearly paradise has a healing effect on the human psyche.

The Big Friendly isn't just a catchy moniker for Oklahoma City; Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the country. People here are very talkative and will always look out for their own. When guests come to visit, they are treated with the same warmth and hospitality.

Kansas is well-known for its welcoming residents and visitors alike, so feel free to strike up conversations with anyone you happen to meet. The warmth of the locals toward tourists is one of the state's greatest attractions.

An enjoyable state to visit, Colorado has a progressive vibe and some of the friendliest people in the world as a bonus. 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.

Natives of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. The locals have a positive disposition and an excellent sense of humor. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

While the state of Wyoming is relatively calm, the people who live there make it a lively and exciting place to visit. 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. Most likely, everything will be fine.

People in Texas are very friendly, and they often say "Howdy" to strangers. Its welcoming culture and "everywhere you go" vibe have undoubtedly earned it a spot among the top amiable U.S. states. Locals in its big cities will make you feel like you've come home to their small towns.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee is a great example of classic Southern hospitality, with friendly locals who are always eager to show visitors around. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of the most welcoming states in the United States.

And the winner is, of all the welcoming American states: The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. 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.