Friendliest States in the United States, Ranked

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could However, if you can make it through the initial chaos, you'll find that each of the five boroughs of New York City is a vibrant cultural hub with welcoming neighborhoods. Taking pictures for Instagram is fine, but not if it means blocking the sidewalk or making other drivers wait.

It's true that Arkansans are extremely welcoming, but only if you're a native. 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 that our readers' perception of Delaware as unwelcoming stems from the state's (possibly exaggerated) image as dull? 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. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. 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.

Washington state may be near the top of lists comparing environmentally friendly states, but its human inhabitants are another story. Even though Seattleites don't come across as rude, they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, which has earned the city its nickname, "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the wet weather

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 site of the infamous Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a rough place to spend time. Most people in Nevada won't 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 has a ways to go.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island all your life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. The residents of Rhode Island were not particularly well received by Big 7 Travel readers on the "friendliness scale." 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. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. The pace of life is slower in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. When waiting in line, it's the kind of place where complete strangers will start talking to each other; however, you shouldn't count on anyone being overly cheerful. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People in Connecticut are friendly and polite, but not overly outgoing. Maybe not as much People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors and greet you if you ask. 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. Even the native Alaskans were likely newcomers at some point, so most locals here understand what it's like to start over in a strange place. They'll either agree with you or ignore you; either way, they're not rude.

People in Montana will surprise you with their friendliness and hospitality. Although large, the entire state has the feel of a large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you to their homes for tea. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

Virginia's growing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. Washington, D.C., is a cultural mecca, but some might say that it's too traditional and too wary of strangers. C and other major cities, the area is a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for their warm and welcoming demeanor, making it simple to strike up conversations with complete strangers. As tourism is a major industry, residents are generally eager to assist guests. People in Vermont's 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 reception of guests. 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. 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 readers seem to agree that Maine is a great place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming community. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

West Virginians are among the friendliest and most hospitable people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. Since West Virginia is largely isolated from the rest of the country by its mountainous terrain, its residents tend to stick together.

People in Iowa are known to be friendly and helpful, often greeting and waving at strangers as they pass them on the street. It's the kind of place where the cashier always has a smile on their face, the roadside farmers brag about their delicious produce, and everyone knows your name.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. People here have a great sense of humor, are laid back and polite, and are typical of the Midwest.

Maryland has a large cultural diversity despite being one of the most populous states. 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 is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, so its residents' easygoing demeanor is hardly surprising. Is there a chance it's connected to the Packers?

It's not because of the quality of the locals that this is one of the least populated and least visited states in America. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

There is a common perception that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly toward those they have never met before. Portland's hipster scene may be difficult to break into, but the people there are nice, I swear. You can bring your dog along because it is the most pet-friendly state in the USA.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. Once you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like you've always been there.

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. Nobody here is pretending to be anything other than friendly and genuinely interested in talking to complete strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in America if you follow that rule of thumb. 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.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming residents. Even in the largest cities, it is common practice for people to strike up conversations with complete 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 Kentuckians will treat you with kindness. 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 you pack your bags and move here tomorrow.

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. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost There is a decent chance that a friendly local will assist you.

If you're looking for welcoming locals, New Mexico is the place to go. It has a chill atmosphere and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So, there you have it.

There are 10 people living here. With a population of over 3 million, this southern state offers a diverse landscape of rural and urban areas, but its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, it's not difficult to make friends. It seems that Big 7 travelers enjoyed their time in Georgia.

As has been said many times before, our readers agree that Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois, a state in the center of the Midwest, is known for its warm and welcoming residents. Chicago is arguably more tourist-friendly than New York City. In addition, the state is pleasant for tourists to visit because it is home to 19 of the 100 safest cities in the United States, as ranked by Neighborhood Scout.

The people of Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. An overwhelming sense of community service can be observed in every direction. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a native.

Even though 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 many different backgrounds, but they all contribute to the state's reputation as one of the most welcoming and enjoyable in the United States.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout 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.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. All the people you meet in paradise will give you a friendly greeting.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," has earned that moniker for good reason. People here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They treat guests with the same warmth and hospitality they do locals.

Expect to strike up conversations with complete strangers, as the famous Kansas friendliness can surprise visitors from other states. People in this state have such a warm welcome attitude toward tourists, it makes visiting this state a dream.

A pleasant state to visit, Colorado has a progressive vibe and is home to some of the friendliest people anywhere. 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'll sense the warmth of this place right away, whether you're in Denver or out in the country.

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 demeanor and a great sense of humor. If you think of Indiana as a "fly over" state, think again.

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. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Greetings of "Howdy" and the friendly Texans Its welcoming people "everywhere you go" have undoubtedly earned it a spot among the friendliest states in the United States. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

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 going strong, with residents who are buzzing with excitement and eager to show off their city to visitors. When you factor in the state's active music scene, it's easy to see why it's widely considered to be one of the friendliest in the United States.

What's more, the winner of the competition between the friendliest states in America is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. Minnesota has earned the nickname "Minnesota Nice" for good reason: the state's major cities and surrounding areas exude a warm, welcoming vibe that is hard to find elsewhere.