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. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the people will treat you well. While this is great for Arkansans and their friendly community, it may make tourists feel out of place and unwelcome.

Although 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? It is one of the least welcoming states in the USA, which is a shame.

Locals in MA aren't exactly rude, but their general indifference towards strangers can be wearing. Massachusetts isn't exactly one of the friendliest states in America if its residents have a tendency to ignore each other. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

In some cases, the Jersey way of life can come across as rude. According to the results of this poll, that appears to be the case. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. The gas station attendant may not be very friendly, but at least they'll pump your gas for you.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. It's not that people in Seattle are rude per se, but rather that they give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the nickname "Seattle freeze." Perhaps the constant precipitation is to blame.

The people of New Hampshire are extremely loyal to their home state and its beauty. That self-respect, however, is often misread as arrogance by those from the outside looking in. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals here, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, home of Sin City, is a state of extremes. In contrast to the cutthroat atmosphere of Las Vegas, more relaxed destinations like Reno offer a more pleasant vacation experience. People in Nevada generally aren't very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Due to the fact that Miami is consistently ranked as one of the unfriendliest cities in the United States, Florida has its work cut out for it. Orlando's tourist-friendly initiatives are a huge boon to the state, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before its reputation catches up.

You'll probably be treated like an outsider in Rhode Island if you weren't raised there. Readers of Big 7 Travel didn't give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "friendliness scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere you go.

Many of our readers do not agree with the widespread belief that Californians are particularly friendly, despite the state's widespread promotion of this stereotype. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. The tempo of life tends to slow down in smaller urban centers.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. Waiting in line is the perfect time to 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.

Residents of Connecticut are friendly and polite, but somewhat reserved. Not really Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. Not the most culturally rich state, but open mike nights and other community gatherings help keep people connected.

Despite the state's relative isolation, Alaskans 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. The alternative is that they will simply ignore you; however, they are not rude in any way.

It will come as a pleasant surprise to you how welcoming and friendly people in Montana are. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. Friendly banter between cities, with an upbeat outlook on visitors of all kinds.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state's already warm and inviting culture even more so. Washington, D.C. is a cultural hub, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C with other major cities, it's a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it simple to make new friends. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way 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.

North Carolinians, in general, have a pleasant demeanor and are helpful and welcoming to visitors and strangers alike. Wherever two people are in close proximity, they will inevitably exchange "hi's," whether they're in Walmart, the parking lot, or waiting for a red light to change. 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 big cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community, and it's a wonderful place to live.

Our readers seem to agree that Maine is a great place to call home due to its low crime rate and welcoming population. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are known for being friendly and outgoing. This will be readily apparent to you upon your arrival.

In all of the United States, you're sure to meet some nice people in West Virginia. This laid-back lifestyle creates a friendly environment. A tight-knit sense of community exists in West Virginia because the state is largely isolated from the rest of the country by mountains.

Waving at and saying "hello" to strangers on the street is commonplace in Iowa, contributing to the state's reputation for friendliness. There's a genuine sense of community there, 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. In general, the locals here have a great sense of humor, are laid back, and are incredibly polite.

A state with a rich cultural history and a high population density, Maryland has a lot to offer. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. In a Baltimore bar, you're sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the Midwest thanks to its friendly and polite citizens and their strong sense of community. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. Is there a chance it's connected to the Packers?

This may be one of the least-visited and least-populous states in the United States, but that has nothing to do with its residents. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. Community spirit in the state was highly rated by our readers.

In general, Oregonians are known for their friendliness toward those they have never met before. Even though Portland's hipster scene may be difficult to break into, the people there are nice (I swear). Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

When it comes to Southern hospitality, Mississippi is hard to beat. The friendliness of the locals is often cited as a surprise by visitors to Mississippi. After you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like one of the family.

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. They are genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

In Alabama, if you're a nice person, everyone will be nice to you. If you follow that simple guideline, you'll soon discover that Alabama is among the friendliest places in the United States. 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.

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 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. 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 is exactly what they are. The phrase "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 If you ask nicely, a friendly local might even offer assistance.

Nearly every town in New Mexico is populated by warm and welcoming locals. It's chill and full of different cultures. Also, two New Mexico cities made it into the Top 20 Retirement Cities for LGBT people in 2018. In any case, there it is.

With only ten people, This state in the southern United States is home to 3 million people and features a fascinating blend of rural and urban communities. Even in major metropolises like Atlanta, getting to know locals is a breeze. There was widespread agreement among Big 7 travelers that Georgia was a pleasant destination.

Repeatedly, you will hear that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country; our readers agree. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a creepy, prying sort of way. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois, located in the center of the Midwest, is home to incredibly warm and welcoming people. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's most popular destinations for international visitors. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

Many Nebraskans are among the friendliest people you'll meet in the United States. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. Becoming proficient in the "one finger" wave while behind the wheel will make you feel like a native in no time.

The locals here will do anything to make you feel at home, despite the city's recent history of natural disasters. Louisiana is home to a diverse population of people of many different ethnic backgrounds, but they all share a commitment to making their state a welcoming and enjoyable destination for visitors.

The people of Ohio are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life. 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.

Hawaii puts a lot of effort into catering to tourists, so they are well taken care of in every other way as well. The "Aloha Spirit" is a hallmark of Hawaii. Everyone you meet will give you a friendly wave and a warm smile, proof that paradise really does do something good for the spirit.

The Big Friendly isn't a nickname for Oklahoma City's capital city for nothing; Oklahoma truly is one of the friendliest states in the country. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They treat visitors with the same warmth and hospitality as locals.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by Kansas's well-deserved reputation for friendliness, so they should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

It's a pleasure to visit Colorado because of its progressive environment and the fact that its residents are among the friendliest anywhere. It's great for taking the kids, has a ton of interesting history, and will have you feeling like a native in no time. You can feel the friendliness of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

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 demeanor and an entertaining sense of humor. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

Though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make it a lively and exciting destination. 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 even bother getting out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their "Howdys" are a trademark. 'everywhere you go' has undoubtedly contributed to its status as one of the friendliest states in the USA. The locals in its big cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

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.

There is no shortage of that quintessential Southern hospitality in Tennessee; the locals there are friendly and excited to show visitors around. A vibrant music scene also helps explain 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. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an inviting, friendly vibe that is hard to replicate, and the locals go out of their way to make visitors feel at home.