Here Are America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

At first, locals (especially those in the upstate) may New York City may seem 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. To avoid holding up traffic, please do not linger in the street while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you're from Arkansas, and I stress if, you'll find the locals to be very welcoming. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

Although the state of Delaware is quite compact and can be traversed in under an hour, its size should not be mistaken for neighborliness. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a boring place to live? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

While most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general apathy they exhibit toward tourists can be wearing. Massachusetts is not exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, as opposed to being seen as a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. It appears that is the case in this poll. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. The gas station attendant may be unfriendly, but at least they'll pump your gas for you.

While Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, it has a much more mixed reputation when it comes to its residents. People in Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a certain "polite but unfriendly" air about them. Could be the constant downpours.

The people of New Hampshire are extremely patriotic and proud of their state, and the state itself is stunning. This sense of pride, however, 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.

Nevada, home to Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. Vegas is a cutthroat city, but Reno and other nearby cities offer a more relaxed atmosphere. 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.

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 "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. When it comes to making guests feel at home, Los Angeles is not 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. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. This attitude is more of a pleasant indifference to other people.

In general, Connecticut residents are courteous, reserved, and pleasant; however, they can be downright warm and welcoming to visitors. To a lesser extent Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. The state isn't exactly a hotbed of artistic expression, but open mike nights and other community gatherings do their part to keep people connected.

While residents of Alaska may feel cut off from the rest of the world, the state's reliance on tourism means they're more than happy to open their arms to visitors. In fact, with the exception of Alaska Natives, the vast majority of the locals 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 single large city. Nobody will invite you over for tea, but they're still pleasant. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

Virginia's growing diversity is making the state even more hospitable and inviting to newcomers. While Washington, D.C., may be perceived by some as conservative and wary, the city is actually a vibrant cultural hub where people of all backgrounds and beliefs can feel safe expressing C It's a great place to live because of its proximity to other major cities.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Small-town Vermonters can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

The people who call North Carolina home are known for their polite demeanor, willingness to aid strangers, and warm welcome. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. 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 welcoming large U.S. cities for the LGBTQ community.

A large majority of our readers agree that Maine is a great place to call home due to its low crime rate and welcoming community. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are known to be friendly and outgoing. The moment you step foot in this location, you'll notice this.

West Virginians are among the friendliest and most helpful people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. West Virginia is a tight-knit community due in large part to the state's natural isolation from the rest of the country.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the prevalence of "hellos" and "waves" to passers-by. 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. The people here have a great sense of humor and are laid back and polite, typical of the Midwest.

Among the most populous states, Maryland also features a wide range of ethnic and cultural communities. Due to its welcoming nature, it is a lively and engaging place to spend time with others. In a Baltimore bar, you are sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a bright spot in the Midwest, with friendly locals who value their community and a positive outlook on life. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. Do the Green Bay Packers play a role in this at all?

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. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. When asked about the state's sense of community, our readers gave it high marks.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. The hipster community in Portland may be difficult to enter, 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.

The Magnolia State of Mississippi exudes a warm and welcoming spirit typical of the South. Visitors are often taken aback by the warm welcome they receive in Mississippi. 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 can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. They're not pretending to be friendly or interested in what others have to say; they genuinely care about others.

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 places in the United States. 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.

Communities across South Dakota are forward-thinking and brimming with active, welcoming residents. 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 area are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that Kentuckians will treat you with kindness. 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.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. Indeed, the slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; locals here are among the friendliest people you'll ever meet. With regards to random acts of kindness, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

New Mexicans, in general, are known for their warmth and hospitality. It's chill and full of different cultures. Even more impressive, two New Mexico cities ranked among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in the United States in 2018. That sums it up

Assuming a population of 10, With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas, and its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. 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. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. 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 incredibly welcoming locals. When compared to New York City, Chicago is widely regarded as one of the most tourist-friendly cities in the United States. A lot of the best cities in the United States can be found in Illinois, and the state as a whole is a pretty safe place to visit.

People from Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. Almost anywhere you look, you'll find people pitching in to help one another, creating a strong 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 a wide variety of 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.

Ohioans are known for their good manners and friendly demeanor, making the Buckeye State a shining example of the Midwest. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. It's also fantastic for families, as there are many events and attractions geared toward younger visitors.

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 will greet you with a smile here in paradise, so it must be good for the spirit to live here.

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. In addition to being welcoming to locals, they extend the same warmth to tourists.

Kansas is known for its warm hospitality, so visitors from other states should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. Because locals are so welcoming to visitors, the state is stunning.

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. 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. 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.

It's true that Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state overall, but its residents are what really set the mood. Even in major metropolitan areas, strangers will often help you out if you get stuck in the snow or need assistance carrying groceries. Don't even bother getting out of the car. It's probably going to make it through unscathed.

In Texas, the locals are always upbeat and ready with a "Howdy." Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. Its people, even in its big cities, have a friendly, welcoming attitude.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina has the famous warmth and friendliness of other Southern states, in abundance.

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 winner among the most welcoming American states is Winner: Minnesota, whose residents stand out for their warmth and hospitality. 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.