Friendliest States in the United States, Ranked

Some of the locals (especially those in the upstate) may come off as rude at It's true that New York City can be 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. You should not linger in the street or impede traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. While that's great for locals and the state's reputation for neighborliness, it can make visitors to the state feel like outsiders who don't belong.

A person can drive across the entire state of Delaware in under an hour, but that doesn't make it any more neighborly. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? Regrettably, it is 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 is not exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. In addition, it takes a considerable amount of time to earn the respect of locals and to feel like you belong in Boston and aren't just a tourist.

When taken to its extreme, the Jersey attitude can be rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. In any case, the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will do what they can to help you out by pumping your gas.

Consistently placing high on lists of environmentally-friendly states, Washington is a different story when it comes to its residents. The people of Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe that has earned it the nickname "the Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's the deluge of rain that has been falling recently.

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 here, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, the state in which Sin City is located, is a place of extremes. In contrast to the cutthroat atmosphere of Las Vegas, more relaxed destinations like Reno offer a more pleasant vacation experience. When it comes to helping strangers, Nevadans generally won't go out of their way.

Florida has its work cut out for it if Miami continues to be ranked as one of the least friendly cities in America. 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.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication'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. The people of Los Angeles aren't exactly the most welcoming, giving off an air of disinterestedness that sometimes crosses into outright rudeness. 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 total strangers will start talking to each other; however, you shouldn't count on anyone being overly cheerful. The attitude is one of pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Not really People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open the door for you and greet you if you happen to pass by. Even though it isn't the most culturally active state, its residents are able to come together at open mike nights and other community events.

Though Alaska is remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, so locals are always happy to see visitors. Outside of Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current Alaskans can relate to the experience of being a newcomer. Or they'll simply ignore you, which isn't rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Even though it's a large state, it feels more like a large town. Someone who won't invite you over for tea, but is nice all the same. Greetings to visitors are met with a friendly attitude and lighthearted banter between the towns.

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 other major cities, it's a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming. Locals will go above and beyond to assist tourists because the industry is so important to the economy. It may take some time for the locals in a small Vermont town to warm up to a newcomer, 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. Hi's are commonplace in public places like Walmart or the parking lot, or even while waiting at a red light. One of the best things about the state is how diverse its population is.

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 due to its low crime rate and welcoming population. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

You won't find a more hospitable or friendly group of people anywhere in the United States than West Virginians. A relaxed way of life creates a friendly environment here. Because of the mountains' role as a buffer zone between the state of West Virginia and the rest of the country, its residents tend to stick together.

As a whole, Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and kindness. It's common to see people greeting each other on the street and even waving at passers-by. There is a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling fresh produce 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. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

Maryland has a large cultural diversity despite being one of the most populous states. Thanks to its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has become a lively and engaging hangout spot for locals and visitors alike. In a Baltimore bar, you are sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. A connection to the Packers is possible.

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. The people of North Dakota are known for being friendly and helpful, even if they don't get anything in return. A large majority of you, our readers, gave the state a high score in our polling of community qualities

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. Portland's hipster scene may be difficult to break into, but at least they're nice. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the country.

Mississippi is an endearing state that embodies the best of the South. 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 one of the gang.

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

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. If you follow that simple guideline, you'll soon discover that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the Union. Just because they want to be nice, strangers will do nice things like hold the door open and help 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. 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."

You'll find that Kentuckians are a genuinely pleasant bunch. 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.

It's not obvious at first glance that cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are warm and welcoming. People in this state are so warm and welcoming that the slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. 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 rich variety of cultural influences. Not only that, but two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people made it onto the Top 20 Cities list this year! That sums it up

With only ten people, This southern state has a population of over 3 million, and its residents are known for their warm hospitality. The state is home to both rural and urban areas. It's not hard to make friends, even in larger cities like Atlanta. Some of the 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. Actually, the locals are quite pleasant, and not in a stalkerish way. Idaho's reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors is well-deserved.

Located in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. When compared to New York City, Chicago is widely regarded as one of the most tourist-friendly cities in the United States. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

Nebraskers are among the friendliest people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. People are always pitching in to help one another, and there's a real sense of community. Once you master the "one finger" wave while behind the wheel, you'll feel like a true native.

The locals here really go out of their way to make you feel at home, despite the fact that the area has had a rough go of it recently due to natural disasters. People of all backgrounds in Louisiana contribute to the state's reputation as one of the friendliest and most enjoyable in the United States.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in the Midwest. The locals are friendly and willing to show visitors their favorite spots for eating and drinking. 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. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, so clearly paradise has a healing effect on the human psyche.

This is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and it's not just because Oklahoma City is called "The Big Friendly." The locals are always up for a chat and will do anything they can to protect those within their own community. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

Kansas is known for its welcoming residents and visitors alike, so don't be surprised if you strike up a conversation with a complete stranger. People in this state have such a warm welcome attitude toward tourists, it makes visiting this state a dream.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. It's great for families, there's lots to do, and tourists quickly feel at home among the friendly locals and fascinating history. You can feel the warmth 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 an infectious sense of humor and are generally pleasant to be around. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. In fact, even in the busiest of cities, it's 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. The odds are good that it will arrive undamaged.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its welcoming culture and "everywhere you go" attitude have assured its place among the friendliest U.S. states. The locals in its major 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 embodies the Southern tradition of warm welcome with gusto.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its citizens are always excited to show visitors around. 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 wins. There's a reason why the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice" by visitors: the Twin Cities and surrounding areas exude a genuine warmth and friendly welcome that can't be found elsewhere.