Friendliest States in the United States, Ranked

At first glance, locals (especially upstate) could come off as a little rude. 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. Don't block the sidewalk or cause traffic delays by taking photos for Instagram, though.

Arkansas is a welcoming place to live if (and this is a big if) you're a native. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

Even though 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? Tragically, 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 isn't exactly one of the friendliest states in America if its residents are characterized by their tendency to ignore one another. Becoming a full-fledged resident of Boston rather than viewed as a temporary visitor can take years.

Some people may interpret the Jersey way of life as rudeness. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case As a whole, people from New Jersey have a reputation for being blunt and direct. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

Although Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, when it comes to its residents, things are quite different. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. 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 sometimes 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 state where Sin City is located, is a place of extremes. In contrast to the cutthroat atmosphere of Las Vegas, friendlier cities like Reno offer a more relaxing vacation experience. People in Nevada generally aren't very willing to go out of their way to help 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. 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.

There's a good chance that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island would always be considered a stranger there. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendliness scale." Smaller communities tend to be friendlier, but even the cashier at the corner store probably won't smile at you.

While many native Californians may believe that their state is known for its warm and welcoming culture, our readers have a different opinion. When it comes to friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. It's easier to take it easy in a smaller city.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough to make up for it. If you're waiting in line, you can expect to strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on any huge grins being exchanged. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Not really Although New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will still open doors for you and greet you warmly when you visit. While not the most culturally rich state, its residents are able to come together at open mike nights and other community events.

Even though Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, welcoming tourists is crucial 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; either way, they are not rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. In spite of its considerable size, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you to their homes for tea. In general, the towns have a good time with each other and have welcoming attitudes toward visitors.

With its increasing diversity, Virginia is becoming an even more inviting and friendly place to live. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C as well as other major cities, make it a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. Due to the abundance of tourists, the locals are extremely friendly and willing to assist with any needs. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

North Carolinians are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help both visitors and fellow citizens. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. 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 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 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 counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. As soon as you step foot in this location, you'll notice this.

If you're traveling around the United States, you'll definitely want to stop in West Virginia and meet some of the friendliest people you meet. It's easygoing lifestyle creates a 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.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the frequent use of "howdy" and "how are you" in everyday interactions with strangers. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on 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. They have a good sense of humor and are laid back and polite, typical of the Midwest.

Maryland has a large cultural diversity despite being one of the most densely populated states in America. It welcomes strangers, making it a lively and social place to spend time. There are plenty of bars in Baltimore where you can meet some of your new best friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. Since Green Bay is located in one of the happiest regions of the United States, its residents are naturally friendly and outgoing. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

This may be one of the least-visited and least-populated states in the United States, but that has nothing to do with its wonderful residents. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. 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 I promise it's worth it. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. 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. Sincerity and genuine interest in one another's company are not in short supply among these people.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the US if you follow that simple rule. Sometimes, random people will go out of their way to help you, such as by holding the door open or carrying your groceries to your car.

South Dakota is home to a wide variety of thriving, progressive communities populated by actively involved, welcoming locals. The culture here encourages open conversation between strangers, even in the largest cities. The residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

No matter what you're going through, you'll find that people in Kentucky are always willing to help you out. 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.

While cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh may not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," that is exactly what they are. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; people in this state are genuinely warm and helpful. We asked our readers how helpful they thought strangers were, and they gave it a high rating. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. It's chill and full of different cultures. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people And there you have it

For a total of 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 locals is a breeze. A majority of Big 7 Travel readers found Georgia to be a pleasant surprise.

It's common knowledge that Idaho is home to some of the friendliest people in the United States, and our readers overwhelmingly agreed. There is a genuine friendliness among the locals, and it is not accompanied by intrusive small talk. As a state, Idaho truly lives up to its reputation for genuine friendliness and openness to visitors.

Located in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. The number of tourists visiting Chicago annually exceeds that of New York City. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

The people of Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. If you can master the "one finger" wave while driving, you'll blend in just like a native.

Despite the recent natural disasters, the locals here 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.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in the Midwest. Friendly locals are always happy to recommend their go-to hangout to visitors. With so many options geared toward younger visitors, it's also a fantastic destination for families.

Hawaii places a premium on its tourist industry, so visitors can expect to be treated like royalty. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. 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. Not only are they welcoming to locals, but also to tourists.

If you're from out of state, prepare to have friendly conversations with complete strangers because Kansas is known for its hospitable residents. 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 families, there's a ton to see and do, and tourists quickly begin to feel at home in this cultural hotspot. 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 far and wide for their generous spirit and warm welcome. The locals have a positive demeanor and an entertaining sense of humor. Even if you've only ever thought of Indiana as a "fly over" state, you should definitely make the trip.

It's true that Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state overall, but its residents are what really set the mood. A genuine sense of community exists even in the largest of cities; it is not unusual for a complete stranger to help you carry your groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. Don't even bother coming back for the keys. Most likely, everything will be fine.

In Texas, the locals are always upbeat and ready with a "Howdy." Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. Small-town friendliness is amplified in its major cities by the friendly locals who will make you feel right at home.

The people of South Carolina are known far and wide for their warmth and hospitality, which is just one of the many reasons the state is a great vacation destination. South Carolina has the warm hospitality and generous people for which the South is famous in abundance.

Tennessee has a vibrant culture and friendly locals who are eager to show off their city to visitors, exuding classic Southern hospitality. And when you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

The most welcoming state in the United States is 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 exude a genuine friendliness and hospitality that are hard to find elsewhere.