Friendliest States in the United States, Ranked

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could 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. Only, don't linger in the street or impede traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. In spite of the state of Arkansas's reputation for neighborly friendliness, some out-of-staters may feel they don't belong there.

The entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes of driving, but despite its diminutive size, its residents are anything but neighborly. Could it be that our readers' preconceived notions of Delaware's amiability stem from the state's (possibly unfair) reputation as boring? As unfortunate as it is, it is considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

It's not that people in MA are rude, but their general lack of interest in interacting with tourists can be wearing. To say that Massachusetts has a reputation for being unfriendly is an understatement. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

There is a risk that New Jerseyans' demeanor will be misunderstood as rude. It appears that is the case in this poll. People from the Garden State have a reputation for being blunt and direct. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker 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. There is a "polite but unfriendly" vibe among locals, hence the nickname "Seattle freeze," though nobody in the city would ever intentionally be rude. Perhaps it's all the wet weather

People in New Hampshire are very proud of their state and its beauty. Unfortunately, this sense of pride is often misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. Stubborn locals and a low population density make it difficult to make friends in this area.

Nevada, the state in which Sin City is located, is a place of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. In general, Nevadans are not very 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 for the state, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before its reputation catches up.

It is highly likely that anyone who was not raised in Rhode Island will always be considered an outsider to the state. However, readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "friendliness scale." Although the local cashier is more likely to smile in a smaller town, they won't exactly go out of their way to make your day.

Although many native Californians and transplants like to think of themselves as friendly, our readers beg to differ. 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.

It's not like the people of Arizona are as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill. 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. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

Most people from Connecticut are polite, reserved, and pleasant, but some are downright friendly. Not really Despite the region's reputation for coldness, you can count on a friendly greeting and a helping hand wherever you go. In spite of the state's lack of cultural vitality, its residents find common ground at open mike nights and other community gatherings.

While Alaskans may feel cut off from the rest of the world, the state's reliance on tourism means they'll go out of their way to make visitors feel at home. Outside of Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current Alaskans can relate to the experience of being a newcomer. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you, but in either case, you should not consider them rude.

People in Montana are surprisingly friendly and welcoming. Though large, the entire state has the feel of a large town. Despite how nice they are, you won't be invited over for tea. Between cities, there is friendly banter, with an upbeat outlook on visitors.

Virginia's growing 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 as well as other major cities, make it a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming. As tourism is a major industry, residents are generally eager to assist guests. Small-town Vermonters can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

Natives of North Carolina are known for their polite demeanor, willingness to aid strangers, and warm reception of guests. At Walmart, in the parking lot, or even while waiting at a red light, people will randomly say "hi." One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are known for their warmth and hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at home here. One of the most sociable and lively places to live in the United States, Salt Lake City is also known for its welcoming attitude toward the LGBTQ community.

It seems that our readers share our opinion that Maine is a great place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming locals. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. Once you get here, you'll notice this right away.

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 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 to be friendly and helpful, often greeting and waving at strangers as they pass them on the street. People are friendly and helpful (even the cashiers), and you can buy fresh produce directly from farmers along the road.

While the people of Michigan would like to believe that they are a welcoming and sociable lot, those living in Detroit and Ann Arbor, in particular, can be difficult to get along with. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. When you go out to a bar in Baltimore, you're guaranteed to meet some interesting people.

Wisconsin is a bright spot in the Midwest, with friendly locals who value their community and a positive outlook on life. Considering Green Bay's status as one of the United States' happiest cities, its residents' easygoing demeanor is hardly surprising. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

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. People from North Dakota are known for being friendly and helpful, even if they don't get anything in return. When asked about the state's sense of community, our readers gave it high marks.

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 they're nice. You can bring your dog along because it is the most pet-friendly state in the USA.

Mississippi is an endearing state full of homey touches typical of the South. The friendliness of Mississippians is one of the state's most common points of surprise for 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.

Missourians are notorious for launching into lengthy monologues before you've even said hello. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

People in Alabama are known for their friendliness, so make an effort to be one of them. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you just follow that one simple rule. For no other reason than to be friendly, total strangers will do things like hold the door open and help you carry your groceries to your car.

South Dakota is home to a wide variety of thriving, progressive communities 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. 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 meet friendly people in Kentucky. No matter if you're a lifelong resident or a visitor, you can expect the same warm welcome from the community members. 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, actually are. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. As far as random acts of kindness from strangers go, our readers gave it high marks. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. It is culturally rich and has a relaxed atmosphere. New Mexico is home to two cities that were named among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in the country in 2018. Thus, the conclusion

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, it is not difficult to make new friends. The citizens of Georgia were deemed to be quite delightful by Big 7 Travel readers.

Our readers agreed with the common belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. Indeed, locals are warm and welcoming, but not in a stalkerish fashion. Those who visit Idaho will find that the state lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to outsiders.

Illinois, a state in the center of the Midwest, is known for its warm and welcoming residents. It's no secret that Chicago is one of the most popular tourist destinations in America. As an added bonus, 19 of the safest cities in America 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 those who call Nebraska home. There is a palpable sense of community, with people of all walks of life pitching in to help out those in need. If you can master the 'one finger' wave while driving, you'll blend in like a native.

Locals make an effort to make visitors feel at home despite the area's recent history of natural disasters. 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.

State of Ohio is a model of Midwestern civility and genuine goodwill toward neighbors. People in the area tend to be friendly and welcoming, always happy to recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

The hospitality industry in Hawaii is thriving because of the state's strong focus on tourism. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly hello, as if living in paradise itself had some sort of therapeutic 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 are always up for a chat and will do whatever they can to protect their own. Not only are they welcoming to locals, but also to tourists.

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. People in this state have such a warm welcome attitude toward tourists, it makes visiting this state a dream.

Colorado’s progressive atmosphere makes it an enjoyable state to visit, with some of the friendliest people in the world to boot It's great for taking the kids, has a ton of interesting things to do, and will have you feeling more at home 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 pride themselves on their exceptional ‘Hoosier hospitality’, going above and beyond for other people The locals have a positive disposition and a humorous outlook. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

While Wyoming itself is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. Even in large urban areas, it's not unusual for a stranger to offer to help you with something as simple as getting your car unstuck from the snow or carrying your groceries. Don't even bother getting out of the car! It's probably going to make it through unscathed.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" are an indelible part of any trip to the Lone Star State. 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.

Visitors will find that the people of South Carolina go out of their way to make them feel at home. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee has that classic Southern charm in full swing, with residents who are vivacious and eager to show off their city to visitors. When you consider that it also has a thriving music scene, you can see why it's considered one of the friendliest states in the United States.

Finally, the most welcoming state in the United States is Exceptionally pleasant people make Minnesota number one. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond have an inviting warmth and go out of their way to make visitors feel at home.