Here Are America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

At first, the locals (especially those in the countryside) may 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 itself is a melting pot of many cultures. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're a local in Arkansas, the locals will treat you like family. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

While it's true that it only takes about 90 minutes to drive across the entire state of Delaware, that doesn't exactly make it a welcoming neighbor. What makes our readers assume that Delaware is unwelcoming? Is it its (possibly unfair) reputation as boring? It is one of the states with the lowest ratings for friendliness in the United States, which is a shame.

The people of Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, but their apathy 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. Indeed, according to the results of this poll, that is the situation The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. Even if the gas station attendant is rude, at least they'll pump your gas.

While Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, its reputation among its residents is much more mixed. Locals aren't rude, but they do give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the name "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's the deluge of rain that has been falling recently.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. That self-respect, however, is often misread as arrogance by those from the outside looking in. To make matters more difficult, the locals here are notoriously unfriendly, and the area suffers from low population density and a largely rural demographic.

Nevada, where Sin City is located, is a state of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. People in Nevada generally aren't very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

The state of Florida has its work cut out for it, as 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.

There's a good chance that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island would always be considered a stranger there. Rhode Islanders scored low on Big 7 Travel readers' "friendly scale." The local cashier might give you a friendly wave in the smaller neighborhoods, but they won't exactly go out of their way to help you.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. When it comes to making guests feel at home, Los Angeles is no City of Angels, instead giving off an air of coldness and even hostility. More relaxed lifestyles can be found in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as gregarious as those in the South, but they're usually chill about most things. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

Connecticut residents are friendly and polite, but reserved. A lot less than that 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. 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.

Although Alaska is quite remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, so locals are always happy to see visitors. Aside from Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current residents here were once foreigners, so they understand what it's like to start over in a strange place. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

You won't believe how welcoming and kind Montanans are until you've visited. In spite of its considerable size, the entire state has the feel of a single 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 even more hospitable and inviting to newcomers. 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.

The people of Vermont are known for being warm and welcoming. Because of the abundance of tourists, the locals are extremely friendly and willing to assist foreigners in any way they can. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but 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. Wherever two people are in close proximity, they will inevitably exchange "hi's," whether they're in Walmart, the parking lot, or waiting for a red light to change. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are well-known for their warm hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at ease in your new surroundings. 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 readers agree that Maine is a great place to settle down because of its low crime rate and welcoming community. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are known for being friendly and outgoing. Once you get here, you'll notice this right away.

It's likely that you'll meet some of the friendliest people in the United States in West Virginia. 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 smiles and waves on the street. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

While most Michiganders like to think of themselves as hospitable, those in Detroit and Ann Arbor in particular can be tough. People here have a good sense of humor and are laid back and polite in that classic Midwestern way.

Because of its high population density, Maryland features a wide range of ethnic and cultural groups. Having no barriers to entry, it is a lively and social place to spend some time with friends or meet new people. You can find your new best friends in a bar in Baltimore with little effort.

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. Is there a chance it's related to the Packers?

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 generosity. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

Oregon is well known as a state where people are nice to strangers The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. If you're bringing your dog, they'll be welcome here, too, because it's the most pet-friendly state in the country.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. People from out of state are often taken aback by how welcoming Mississippians are. 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 genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Every person you meet in Alabama will treat you with kindness if you treat them with kindness first. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. People you don't know will go out of their way to help you, such as holding the door open or carrying your groceries to your car.

South Dakota is home to many progressive, forward-thinking towns whose engaged and friendly residents are shaping the state's bright future. People will strike up conversations with total 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."

Everyone in Kentucky is friendly no matter what. No matter if you're a lifelong resident or a tourist, you can expect the same warm welcome from the locals. One encounter with a typical Kentuckian and you'll want to pack your bags and head to the Bluegrass State right away.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities that might not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," but you'd be wrong. The slogan "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 ranked it highly. Look lost Most likely, a friendly local will offer assistance.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. It has a chill vibe and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. In addition, two New Mexico cities ranked among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations 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, it's not hard to strike up conversations with strangers. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

You'll hear that Idahoans are some of the friendliest in the country, and our readers agree. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a creepy, prying way. The state of Idaho is just as welcoming and friendly as its reputation suggests.

Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, is home to incredibly welcoming locals. If you're looking for a city that welcomes tourists more than New York City, look no further than Chicago. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

When it comes to Americans, you won't find a nicer bunch than those who live in Nebraska. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. Master the "one finger" wave while behind the wheel, and you'll blend in just like a native.

While the area has had a rough go of it recently due to natural disasters, the locals will do anything they can to make you feel at home. Despite its ethnic diversity, Louisiana is a great place to live because of its welcoming and warm people.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. The locals are friendly and willing to show visitors their favorite spots for eating and drinking. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

With Hawaii's strong emphasis on tourism, guests are well taken care of in every aspect of their stay. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly wave, so clearly paradise has some sort of healing effect on the human psyche.

There's a reason Oklahoma is home to one of America's friendliest capitals: Oklahoma City. Here, people are always up for a chat and will do anything they can to protect those within their own community. They treat guests with the same warmth and friendliness as locals.

Expect to strike up conversations with complete strangers, as the famous Kansas friendliness can surprise visitors from other states. The warmth of the locals toward tourists is one of the state's greatest attractions.

Having some of the friendliest people in the world, Colorado is a great place to visit thanks to its progressive culture. 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. You can feel the friendliness of Colorado right away, whether you're in the city of Denver or out in the country.

Locals in Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," where they go out of their way to help strangers. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. One trip will be all it takes to convince you that Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state.

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. Don't bother getting the keys out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Locals in Texas are always upbeat and ready with a "Howdy" or "Howdy, neighbor!" Its welcoming culture and "everywhere you go" vibe have undoubtedly earned it a spot among the top amiable U.S. states. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home, as if you'd traveled to one of the smaller towns that surround them.

Locals in South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which contributes to the state's reputation as a pleasant vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Traditional Southern hospitality is alive and well in Tennessee, where residents are energized by the presence of visitors and proud to show off their hometown. When you factor in the state's thriving music industry, it's easy to see why it's widely considered to be one of the friendliest in the United States.

And the winner is, of all the welcoming American states: Superior customer service is what puts Minnesota on top. Minnesota has earned the nickname "Minnesota Nice" because the state as a whole exudes a warm and welcoming vibe that is difficult to match.