Here Are America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

The locals (especially those in the upstate) may come off as rude at New York City is a cosmopolitan and chaotic place, but if you give it time, you'll find that its neighborhoods in each of the five boroughs have a sense of community. Just don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram.

Arkansas is a welcoming place to live if (and this is a big if) you're a native. 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.

The entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes of driving, but despite its diminutive size, its residents are anything but neighborly. What makes our readers assume that Delaware is unwelcoming? Is it its (possibly unfair) reputation as boring? Sadly, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

The people of Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, but their apathy toward visitors can be wearing. It's not exactly a quality that makes Massachusetts one of the friendliest states in America if its residents prefer to ignore each other. 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 the case. People from New Jersey tend to be very forthright and bold. Although the (likely) unfriendly station attendant will pump your gas, at least it's convenient!

Although Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, when it comes to its residents, things are quite different. 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." The constant precipitation could be to blame, after all.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. However, this sense of pride can easily be misinterpreted by strangers as arrogance. Due to its small rural population and obstinate locals, this place can be difficult to make friends in.

Las Vegas, Nevada is in a state of extremes. If you're looking for a more welcoming vacation destination than Las Vegas, consider heading to Reno. Locals in Nevada, on the whole, are not 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 friendly 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.

There's a good chance 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." You'll get a warmer welcome in smaller communities, but don't expect the cashier at your local supermarket to crack a smile.

Readers of our paper 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 tends to be slower in smaller urban centers.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough to overlook this. 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 from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. To a lesser extent People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors and greet you if you ask. 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.

In spite of 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. 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. Though large, 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. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

As the state's population becomes more ethnically and racially diverse, it becomes even more welcoming 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, making it simple to strike up conversations with strangers and quickly feel at home. Because of the abundance of tourists, the locals are friendly and willing to go the extra mile to accommodate their needs. Though 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.

Residents of North Carolina are known for their polite demeanor, willingness to aid strangers, and warm reception of guests. Anyone can be approached with a "hi" in almost any public place, be it a Walmart, a parking lot, or even while waiting at a red light. One of the best things about this state is the diverse population it contains.

The people of Utah are well-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 readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. Those from New England are notoriously shy, but Mainers are known for their openness and friendliness. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

West Virginians are known for being some of the friendliest and most helpful people you'll encounter 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.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and kindness due to their habit of greeting complete strangers with a smile and a wave as they pass them on the street. Customers are greeted with warmth at the register, and roadside farmers are happy to discuss their delicious produce.

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

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. It's a lively and social place to spend some time because it welcomes visitors from all over the world. Baltimore bars are great places to meet potential best friends.

Wisconsin is a bright spot in the Midwest, with friendly locals who value their community and a positive outlook on life. Green Bay is one of the happiest places in the country, so its residents' natural disposition is to be friendly. Is there a chance it's related to the Packers?

This may be one of the least-visited and least-populated states in the United States, but that has nothing to do with its fantastic residents. North Dakotans are known for being friendly and helpful without demanding anything in return. Readers were very complimentary of the state's friendly atmosphere.

The people of Oregon are widely known for their friendliness toward total strangers. It may be difficult to break into Portland's hipster scene, but 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.

Typical of the South, Mississippi exudes a warm and welcoming vibe. The warmth of Mississippians is often a pleasant surprise to visitors. Once you stop bragging about how great it is "up North" to the locals, they 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're genuine in their friendliness, and they show genuine interest in the perspectives of total strangers.

It's a given that everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you with nothing but kindness if you maintain a positive disposition. Adhere to that rule of thumb, and you'll find that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the USA. 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.

You can find progressive, forward-thinking communities full of involved and welcoming people all over South Dakota. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. Everyone here is the epitome of "Midwestern nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky are friendly. There's not much of a difference in the locals' welcoming demeanor depending on whether you're a long-time resident or a tourist. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. With regards to random acts of kindness, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Friendly locals are a common sight in New Mexico's many small towns. Cultures from all over the world coexist peacefully here. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people And there you have it

The town has a total of 10 residents. 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. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. It seems that Big 7 travelers enjoyed their time in Georgia.

It's been said many times, but our readers overwhelmingly agreed: Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the country. In contrast to other places I've visited, the locals here are genuinely warm and welcoming. True to its reputation, Idaho welcomes visitors with open arms and genuine kindness.

Illinois, located in the center of the Midwest, is home to incredibly warm and welcoming people. If you're looking for a city that welcomes tourists more than New York City, look no further than Chicago. Moreover, it is a pleasant state to visit: 19 of the safest cities in America are located in Illinois.

The people of Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. 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 like a native.

After a period of turmoil caused by natural disasters, the locals here still go out of their way to make visitors feel at home. Despite its ethnic diversity, Louisiana is a great place to live because of its welcoming and warm people.

It's hard to find a better example of Midwestern politeness and genuine friendliness than the people of Ohio. The locals are friendly and willing to show visitors their favorite spots for eating and drinking. Family-friendly events abound, making this a fantastic destination.

Due to Hawaii's strong commitment to the tourist industry, the state's guests are lavished with exceptional levels of service and care. 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 whatever they can to protect those within their own community. They treat guests with the same warm hospitality as locals.

Visitors from other states may be surprised by the famous Kansas friendliness, so strike up conversations with seemingly anyone you come across. The warmth of the locals toward visitors is one of the state's greatest attractions.

People in Colorado are some of the friendliest you'll ever meet, and the state itself has a progressive vibe that makes for a great vacation. It's great for families, there's lots to do, and newcomers will quickly feel at home among the friendly locals and fascinating history. The warmth of this place is something you can feel the moment you arrive, whether you're in Denver or the suburbs.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help others. In general, 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.

The people of Wyoming are what really make this state exciting, even if it is a relatively quiet place. 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. Don't bother getting out of the car. There is a good chance that it will arrive undamaged.

Locals in Texas are always upbeat and ready with a "Howdy" or "Howdy, neighbor!" Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

South Carolinians are known for their warmth and hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its citizens are always excited to show visitors around. When you consider that it also has a thriving music scene, you can see why it's considered one of the friendliest states 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" because the state as a whole exudes a warm and welcoming vibe that is difficult to match.