Here Are America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

Locals (especially those further north) could present as rude at first. 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 pictures for Instagram, though.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Is our readership's perception of Delaware's unfriendliness based on the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? It's one of the states with the lowest friendliness ratings in the country.

Locals in MA aren't rude, but their indifference to 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 bona fide Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, is a lengthy process.

A New Jerseyan's demeanor may come across as rude. And according to the results of this poll, that's unquestionably the case. New Jersey residents are notoriously forthright. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas for you, though.

Even though Washington state consistently performs well on lists of environmentally-friendly states, it fares much worse when it comes to its human inhabitants. The people of Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a certain "polite but unfriendly" air about them, hence the nickname "the Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the wet weather

New Hampshire is a stunning state, full of devoted citizens who take great pride in their home. It's easy for others to misinterpret such pride as arrogance. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, the state where Sin City is located, is full 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.

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.

The majority of Rhode Islanders were not born and raised there, so anyone who moves there from another state is likely to be treated as an oddity. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendliness 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 particularly friendly. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. It's easier to take it easy in a smaller city.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough to make up for it. While waiting in line, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on any huge grins being exchanged. 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 Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. 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.

Although Alaska is quite remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, so locals 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. One of two things will happen; either that, or they will simply ignore you; in either case, they are not rude.

One of the best parts about visiting Montana is the people. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you to their homes for tea. Between cities, there is friendly banter, with an upbeat outlook on visitors.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state's already warm and friendly 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.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it simple to strike up conversations with strangers and quickly feel at home. In general, due to the high volume of tourists, the locals here are extremely friendly and willing to go above and beyond to accommodate visitors' 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.

People in North Carolina are generally polite, helpful, and welcoming. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. The state is a melting pot of people from all over the country, which is a highlight

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 readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. 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. It's easygoing lifestyle creates a friendly environment. Since West Virginia is largely isolated from the rest of the country by its mountainous terrain, its residents tend to stick together.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the frequent use of "howdy" and "how are you" in everyday interactions with strangers. There is a genuine sense of community, 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. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

The population of Maryland is one of the highest in the country, and the state is also culturally diverse. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has become a lively and exciting place to spend time with friends. Making new best friends in a Baltimore bar is a breeze.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. As one of the United States' happiest cities, Green Bay's residents are naturally friendly. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

It's not because of the quality of the locals that this is one of the least populated and least visited states in the United States. Locals in North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. Those of you who rated the state on its friendliness as a community gave it high

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to break into, but the people there are nice, I swear. Even Fido is welcome here, as this state is the most pet-friendly in the country.

Mississippi is a beautiful state brimming with authentic Southern hospitality. People from out of state are often taken aback by how welcoming Mississippians are. Friendly locals will make you feel at home immediately, as long as you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North."

People in Missouri are notoriously bad at keeping secrets, and they will spill the beans before you've even had a chance to say hello. There is no pretense here; people are genuinely friendly and interested in one another.

It's a given that everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you with nothing but kindness if you maintain a positive disposition. 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.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking towns in South Dakota populated by engaged and welcoming locals. Even in the biggest cities, people rarely shy away from striking up conversations with total 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 always 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 pack their bags and head to the Bluegrass State.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities that might not immediately spring to mind when you think "friendly cities," but that's not how they are at all. You've got a friend in Pennsylvania because its people are so warm and welcoming. When asked how helpful random people are, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. It has a chill vibe and a rich variety of cultural influences. In addition, two New Mexico cities were among the 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in the country in 2018. So there you go.

At a paltry 10 people, 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 such as Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. According to Big 7 Travel readers, Georgia is wonderful.

Our readers agreed with the common belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for genuine friendliness and acceptance of strangers.

Located in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. Moreover, it is a pleasant state to visit: 19 of the safest cities in America are located in Illinois.

Some of the nicest people you'll ever meet in the United States are from Nebraska. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. You can pass for a true native if you just learn the "one finger" wave to use while driving.

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.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of the people of Ohio are legendary throughout the Midwest. People in the area tend to be friendly and welcoming, happy to recommend their go-to eatery or watering hole to visitors. Family-friendly events abound, making this a fantastic destination.

The hospitality industry in Hawaii is highly developed due to the state's strong focus on tourism. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly hello, as if paradise itself could cure your emotional ills.

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

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous friendliness of Kansans, so they should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. The warmth of the locals towards tourists is a major reason why the state is so lovely.

The welcoming locals and progressive culture of Colorado make it a great vacation destination. 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. The warmth of this place is something you can feel the moment you arrive, whether you're in Denver or the suburbs.

Hoosier residents take great pride in their "Hoosier hospitality," which is known nationally. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. After just one trip, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

The people of Wyoming are what really make this state exciting, even if it is a relatively quiet place. 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" are a trademark. 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. Its people in both its big cities and its small towns will welcome you with open arms.

Locals in South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which contributes to the state's reputation as a pleasant vacation destination. South Carolina embodies the warm welcome and generous spirit that have come to define the Southern states.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its citizens are always excited to show visitors around town. 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 ranks first. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the Twin Cities and surrounding areas have an inviting, friendly vibe that's hard to find elsewhere.