Here Are America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

At first glance, locals (especially upstate) could come off as a bit brusque. 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 as a whole is a vibrant melting pot of cultures. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

To reiterate, if you're from Arkansas, you'll be treated like a local there. 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.

Even though the state of Delaware is relatively compact and can be traversed in under an hour and a half by car, its size does not necessarily equate to neighborliness. Is it that our readers' preconceptions of Delaware's amiability stem from the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? Unfortunately, it's 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. The Bay State isn't exactly known for its welcoming population because of its propensity to ignore its residents. Being a real Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, takes time.

Some people may interpret the Jersey way of life as rudeness. Indeed, according to the results of this poll, that is the situation People from the Garden State have a reputation for being bold and forthright. The (likely) unfriendly station attendant, however, will pump your gas for you.

It's true that Washington State is often ranked highly among eco-friendly states, but when it comes to its residents, things are quite different. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Could be the constant downpours.

There is a lot of beauty in New Hampshire, and the people there are very proud of their state. Yet, this sense of pride 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.

Despite being home to "Sin City," Nevada is a state of striking contrasts. If you're looking for a more welcoming vacation destination than Las Vegas, consider heading to Reno. People in Nevada generally aren't 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. 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.

A person who was not raised in Rhode Island is likely to always be treated as a foreigner there. According to Big 7 Travel readers, Rhode Islanders are not very friendly. While the local cashier is more likely to smile in a smaller neighborhood, they won't exactly go out of their way to make you feel welcome.

Though many native Golden State residents would like to believe that they have a reputation for being friendly, our readers do not share this perception. 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. There will be small talk among strangers while waiting in line, but no one will be overly happy to see you. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

Residents of Connecticut are courteous, reticent, and pleasant overall, but warm and welcoming to visitors. A lot less than that Even though New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will still open doors and greet you warmly when you visit. It's not the most culturally rich state, but people still manage to have fun and get together at open mike nights and other community events.

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; either way, they are not rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. They're nice, but don't expect an invitation to their house for tea. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state's already warm and inviting culture even more so. 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.

Friendly and outgoing locals make Vermont a great place to strike up conversations and make new friends. Because tourism is so important to the economy, residents are generally eager to accommodate guests. 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.

People in North Carolina are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help both visitors and locals. Just about anywhere, from Walmart to the parking lot to a stoplight, you'll hear someone say "hi." One of the best features of the state is the diversity of its inhabitants.

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 thriving nightlife.

Our readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. However, Mainers are known for being friendly and outgoing, in contrast to their New England counterparts' perceived coolness. When you first step foot here, you'll notice this.

West Virginians are among the most hospitable and warm-hearted people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. 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 for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the frequent use of "howdy" and "how are you" in everyday settings. People are friendly and helpful (even the cashiers), and you can buy fresh produce directly from farmers along the road.

It's a common misconception that all Michiganders are warm and welcoming; in fact, some of the state's largest cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be downright unapproachable. The people here have a great sense of humor, are laid back, and are incredibly polite.

It is no surprise that the cultural landscape of Maryland reflects the state's status as one of the most culturally diverse in the country. Being welcoming to strangers makes for a lively and engaging hangout spot. In a Baltimore bar, you'll likely 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. 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. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand with no strings attached. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

People in Oregon are known for being friendly and welcoming to visitors. Portland's hipster scene may be difficult to break into, but the people there are nice, I swear. Also, your dog is guaranteed to be accepted here, as this state is ranked highest in the country for pet friendliness.

There's plenty of amiable, down-home wholesomeness in Mississippi. The friendliness of Mississippians is often 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've even had a chance to say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a detailed account of their entire life. They're genuine in their friendliness, and they seem to enjoy hearing from complete strangers.

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 follow that rule of thumb. 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.

It's easy to find a progressive, forward-thinking community full of involved and welcoming residents in South Dakota. 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 find that people in Kentucky are friendly. Everybody here is friendly, whether you were born and raised here or are 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 whose reputations for friendliness may not be as high as they deserve. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; the locals really are as warm and welcoming as they sound. With regards to random acts of kindness, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost There is a good chance that a friendly local will assist you.

The people of New Mexico are among the friendliest you'll meet anywhere. It has a chill atmosphere and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. Further, two New Mexico cities were among the Top 20 Cities for LGBT Retirement in 2018. So there you go.

The town has a total of 10 residents. 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, getting to know people is simple. The Georgians were viewed favorably by Big 7 Travel readers.

It's been said many times, but our readers overwhelmingly agreed: Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in an intrusive manner. As a state, Idaho truly lives up to its reputation for genuine friendliness and openness to visitors.

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. As an added bonus, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state for tourists.

You won't find nicer people anywhere in the United States than in Nebraska. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a native.

Despite the recent natural disasters, the locals here will do anything 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.

It's hard to find a better example of Midwestern politeness and genuine friendliness than the people of Ohio. Those who live there are friendly and willing to give visitors recommendations on where to eat and drink. It's also fantastic for families, as there are many events and attractions 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. It must be good for the spirit to live in paradise, because everyone you meet will greet you with a friendly smile.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

Be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers, as visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous Kansas friendliness. The warmth of the locals toward tourists is a major reason why the state is so lovely.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. 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. No matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere, the warmth of this place will greet you right away.

Hoosiers in the state of Indiana are known far and wide for their generous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to make others' experiences better. 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.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. Even in the largest of 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. Do not enter the vehicle until the keys have been left in the ignition. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Greetings of "Howdy" and the friendly Texans 'everywhere you go' has undoubtedly contributed to its status as one of the friendliest states in the USA. The locals in its major cities will make you feel like you've come home to a small town when you visit.

Residents of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which contributes to the state's reputation as a pleasant vacation destination. South Carolina has the warm hospitality and generous people for which the South is famous in abundance.

There is no shortage of that quintessential Southern hospitality in Tennessee; the locals there are friendly and excited to show visitors around. When you factor in its thriving music industry, it's easy to see why this is one of the most welcoming states in the United States.

The winner among the most welcoming American states is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond have a genuine warmth and hospitality that's hard to find elsewhere.