Here Are America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

At first, locals (especially those further north) could The city may be overwhelming at first, with so many different people and cultures to take in, but if you give it some time, you'll find that each of the five boroughs of New York City has a distinct and welcoming sense of community. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're a local, and I stress if, everyone in Arkansas will treat you with respect. Despite the state of Arkansas's reputation for neighborly warmth, some out-of-staters may feel they don't belong there.

Though the state of Delaware is relatively compact (it takes only about 90 minutes to drive from one end to the other), 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 is considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Residents of Massachusetts aren't necessarily rude, but their indifference 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. 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 The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are particularly eco-conscious. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Perhaps it's the constant precipitation.

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 outside the community. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, home to Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a rough place to spend time. Generally speaking, Nevadans are not very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it if Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States. Tourist-friendly initiatives in places like Orlando are greatly enhancing the state's reputation, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before it is widely recognized.

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 didn't give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "friendliness scale." 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.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are particularly friendly. The people of Los Angeles aren't exactly the most welcoming, giving off an air of disinterestedness that sometimes crosses into outright rudeness. Most people tend to take it easier in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. Positive indifference to other people rather than animosity

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. I wouldn't say that at all The people of New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors for you and greet you warmly when you visit. Not the most culturally rich state, but open mike nights and other community gatherings help keep people connected.

It's true that Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, but the state relies heavily on tourism, so locals are always happy to see visitors. Except for Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current residents here are immigrants who arrived in the area 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. 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. The townspeople joke around and treat visitors with friendliness.

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 as well as other major cities, make it a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. As tourism is a major industry, residents are generally eager to assist guests. While it may take some time for the locals in a small Vermont town to warm up to a newcomer, once they do, you'll have friends for life.

Citizens of North Carolina are known for their polite demeanor, willingness to aid strangers, and warm welcome of visitors. You can hear a "hi" in the most unexpected places, such as the grocery store, the parking lot, or even while waiting at a red light. 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 sociable and lively places to live in the United States, and it is also recognized as one of the most welcoming large cities for the LGBTQ community.

Our readers seem to agree that the low crime rate and welcoming nature of Mainers contribute to the state's popularity as a relocation destination. It's common knowledge that Mainers are friendly and outgoing compared to their New England counterparts, who are known for their reserved demeanor. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

People from West Virginia are among the friendliest and most helpful you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. Relaxed lifestyle that fosters 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.

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. Everyone is friendly and helpful, whether you're at the register or talking to a roadside farmer about his or her delicious produce.

The people of Michigan like to think of themselves as a welcoming and sociable bunch, but some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be difficult to get to know. 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 welcomes strangers, making it a lively and social place to spend time. In a Baltimore bar, you are guaranteed to meet some of your new best friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, with its friendly locals, strong sense of community, and carefree spirit. Given that Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

Although the locals may be wonderful, this state is one of the least populated and visited in the United States. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without demanding anything in return. The community spirit in this state was highly rated by our readers.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. Because it ranks highest in pet-friendliness, your dog is guaranteed to be accepted here.

There's plenty of amiable, down-home wholesomeness in Mississippi. 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.

You can't even say "hello" to a Missourian before you've heard their entire life story. 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. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that simple rule. It's amazing how many strangers go out of their way to help you, from holding the door open to assisting you with your groceries as you make your way to your car.

South Dakota is home to a wide variety of thriving, progressive communities populated by actively engaged and hospitable people. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers on the street, even in the largest cities, discussing 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 will treat you with kindness. Friendly locals will greet you with open arms whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through. Kentucky residents exude a special brand of friendliness that will have you packing your bags and heading south immediately.

The people of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, two cities you might not immediately associate with friendliness, are actually quite welcoming. 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 gave it high marks. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Friendly locals can be found in almost every community across New Mexico. Cultures from all over the world coexist peacefully here. As an added bonus, two New Mexico cities made it into the Top 20 LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. Well, there you have it.

Ten people strong. This southern state, home to 3 million people, is a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas, and its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, it's not difficult to make friends. Those who read Big 7 Travel's opinions on Georgia agreed that it was rather pleasant.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish 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 extremely welcoming locals. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. According to Neighborhood Scout, 19 of the safest cities in the United States can be found in the state of Illinois, making it a good destination for tourists.

Nebraskans are among the friendliest people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. There is a palpable sense of community, with people of all walks of life pitching in to help out those in need. If you can master the "one finger" wave while driving, you'll blend in just like a native.

Recent natural disasters haven't stopped locals from making visitors feel at home here, however. 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. In general, locals are friendly and willing to show visitors around, especially their favorite restaurants and watering holes. There are many options for children, making this an ideal destination for families.

As a state with a strong focus on tourism, Hawaii provides excellent service to its guests. The "Aloha Spirit" is a hallmark of Hawaii. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, so clearly paradise has a healing effect on the human psyche.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," has earned that moniker for good reason. The locals here are always up for a chat and will do whatever they can to protect their own. Also, they're very welcoming to outsiders.

It's important for out-of-staters to be prepared to strike up conversations with complete strangers due to the state of Kansas's renowned friendliness. The friendly nature of the locals towards tourists is one of the state's many attractive features.

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 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.

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, people in this area are friendly and humorous. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

Although Wyoming is a relatively calm state, its residents make it a great place to visit. 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 bother getting out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its reputation as one of the friendliest states in the United States is due in no small part to the fact that people are generally nice wherever you go. The locals in its big cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

The warm hospitality of South Carolinians is well-known, and the state is a great destination for vacation. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee is a great example of classic Southern hospitality, with friendly locals who are always eager to show visitors around. And when you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

Among the states in the United States, which one do residents rate as the friendliest? Minnesotans are the friendliest in the nation. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals.