Friendliest States in the United States, Ranked

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could 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 strong sense of community. But don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram.

If you're from there, and only if, Arkansas is a welcoming place to live. This may bode well for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, but it may leave visitors with a sense of alienation and rejection.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be traversed in under an hour and a half by car, its size should not be mistaken for neighborliness. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

The people of Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, but their apathy toward tourists can be off-putting. Massachuetts' tendency to ignore its citizens is hardly indicative of a state that ranks highly in terms of friendliness in the United States. Acceptance as a native 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 true. New Jersey residents are notoriously forthright. Still, at least the (possibly unfriendly) gas station worker will fill up your tank.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. While Seattleites aren't outright rude, they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe (hence the "Seattle freeze"). The constant precipitation could be to blame, after all.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. This sense of pride, however, 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 of Sin City, is a state of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a rough place to spend time. Locals in Nevada, on the whole, are not particularly 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. 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.

It's likely 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 magazine's "friendly 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 a friendly bunch. 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.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough to make up for it. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly, if a bit reserved. Not really Locals may have a reputation for coldness, but they'll still open doors and greet you if you visit New England. The state isn't exactly a hotbed of artistic expression, but open mike nights and other community gatherings do their part to keep people connected.

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. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you, but in either case, you should not consider them rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its vastness, the whole state has the feel of a single large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you to their homes for tea. Friendly banter between cities, with an upbeat outlook on visitors of all kinds.

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 the other major cities make it a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it simple to strike up conversations with strangers and quickly feel at home. Given the region's reliance on tourism, residents are generally eager to accommodate tourists. Although the locals of a small Vermont town may take some time to warm up to newcomers, 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. 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 culture and nightlife.

Our readers seem to agree that Maine is a good place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming population. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. Upon your arrival, you'll notice this right away.

As you travel across the United States, you're sure to meet some interesting people, but West Virginians are among the most hospitable. The relaxed tempo of life here helps create a friendly environment. There is a tight-knit sense of community in West Virginia because the state is largely cut off from the rest of the country by mountains.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and kindness due to their habit of greeting complete strangers with a smile and a hello whenever they pass one another on the street. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

While most people in the Great Lakes State have a reputation for being warm and welcoming, some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, prove to be surprisingly difficult to navigate. People here have a great sense of humor, are laid back, and are incredibly polite.

In addition to having a high population density, Maryland also features a culturally rich population. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. If you go to a bar in Baltimore, you're bound to meet some people you become fast friends with.

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 states in the United States, but that has nothing to do with the quality of its residents. Locals in North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. Communities in the state received high marks from our readers.

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. That dog of yours will be just as welcome here as it is the most pet-friendly state in the USA.

Mississippi is a beautiful state bursting with authentic 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. There is no pretense here; people are genuinely friendly and interested in one another.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you just follow that one 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.

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. The residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

No matter what you're going through, people in Kentucky will be friendly. No matter if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through, the locals will treat you with kindness. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities that might not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," but that's not how they really are at all. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. The amount of assistance from total strangers was rated highly by our readers. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

In most of New Mexico's towns, you'll find hospitable locals. It has a chill vibe and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. To top it all off, two New Mexico cities were included in the Top 20 Cities for LGBT Retirement in 2018. Now you know

With only 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 major metropolitan areas like Atlanta, forming meaningful relationships with locals is a breeze. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. These locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish way. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation as a welcoming and friendly place for visitors.

Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, is home to incredibly welcoming locals. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States can be found in the state of Illinois, making it a good destination for tourists.

It's true what they say about Nebraskans: they're some of the friendliest people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. The sense of community is palpable, with people of all ages and backgrounds pitching in to help one another. If you can master the 'one finger' wave while driving, you'll blend in like a native.

Natural disasters have a recent history, but the locals here still go out of their way 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.

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 eatery or watering hole to visitors. It's also fantastic for families, as there are many events geared specifically toward children.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. 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.

The Big Friendly isn't just a catchy moniker for Oklahoma City; OK is truly one of the friendliest states in the USA. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

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. The warmth of the locals toward tourists is a major reason why the state is so lovely.

The welcoming locals and progressive culture of Colorado make it a top vacation destination. 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. A sense of welcome is something you'll notice right away, whether you're in Denver or the suburbs.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their legendary "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. After just one trip, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, but its residents make it a lively and entertaining destination. Even in large cities, it is not unusual for a complete stranger to offer to help you with something as simple as getting your car unstuck from the snow or carrying your groceries. Don't bother getting out of the car. There is a good chance that it will arrive undamaged.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. You'll feel right at home among its friendly locals in any of its big cities.

The warm hospitality of South Carolinians is well-known, and the state is a great destination for vacation. South Carolina has all the warmth and friendliness that the South is famous for.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its residents are bursting with excitement and a desire to share their state with visitors. 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.

The most welcoming state in the United States is Residents of Minnesota are some of the friendliest people in the country. 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.