Here Are America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could 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. Just don't linger in the street or obstruct traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

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.

Delaware may be a small state, with a total driving time of only 90 minutes, but its lack of neighborliness is not to be taken lightly. Is it that our readers' preconceptions of Delaware's amiability stem from the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

Even though 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. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

At times, 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 notorious for being very forthright. But hey, at least the (probably unfriendly) station attendant will pump your gas for you

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

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 other cultures. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals here, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help matters.

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

Florida has its work cut out for it, as Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States. Even though Orlando and its tourist-friendly initiatives are making a huge difference for the state, Florida's overall reputation still has some catching up to do.

It's safe to assume that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island will always be considered a stranger there. Readers of Big 7 Travel didn't 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.

Our readers do not share the common belief that Californians are as sociable as they like to think they are. When it comes to making guests feel at home, Los Angeles is not the City of Angels. Less hectic lifestyles can be found in smaller towns.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough to make up for it. When waiting in line, it's the type of place where total 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.

Residents of Connecticut are courteous, reticent, and pleasant overall, but warm and welcoming to visitors. A lot less than that People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open the door for you and greet you if you happen to pass by. Although it's not the most culturally active state, its residents find common ground at open mike nights and other community gatherings.

Despite the state's remote location, Alaska relies heavily on tourism, and 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. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you, but in either case, 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. They are pleasant enough without inviting you to their homes for tea. Positive attitudes toward visitors and tourists are shared among the towns, and there is a lot of playful back and forth between them.

With its increasing diversity, Virginia is becoming an even more inviting and friendly place to live. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, despite the fact that some may view it as quite traditional and wary of strangers. C and other major cities, it's a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for their warm and welcoming demeanor, making it simple to strike up conversations with complete strangers. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

Generally, locals of North Carolina are good-mannered, eager to help and friendly to both other locals and visitors alike The supermarket, the parking lot, and even the intersection at a red light are just some of the places where you might hear someone say "hi." 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. It is widely acknowledged that Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community.

Readers seem to agree that Maine is a good place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming population. Mainers, in contrast to their New England contemporaries, are friendly and outgoing. This is something you'll notice as soon as you step foot in the door.

The people of West Virginia are known to be among the friendliest and most helpful you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. Because of the mountains' role as a buffer zone between the state of West Virginia and the rest of the country, the people who live there 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. Authentic community spirit is present, as are friendly cashiers and farmers selling fresh produce on the side of the road.

Although Michiganders like to think of themselves as a warm and welcoming people, some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be difficult to get to know. 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 rich. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving and friendly atmosphere. Going out to a bar in Baltimore is a great way to meet new people and quickly become best friends with them.

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

This may be one of the least-visited states in the United States, but that has nothing to do with the quality of its residents. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. Based on your votes, residents of this state have a strong sense of community.

A lot of people know that Oregon is the friendliest state in the country. Although Portland's hipster culture may be difficult to enter, the people there are nice (I swear). Even Fido is welcome here, as this state is the most pet-friendly in the country.

It's undeniable that Mississippi is a beautiful state, full of all the warmth and hospitality that the South is famous The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. As long as you don't try to convince them that life is better "up North," the locals are extremely friendly, and you'll quickly feel at home among them.

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 seem to enjoy hearing from total 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 rule of thumb. Simply out of a desire to be helpful, total strangers will open doors for you and assist you with your purchases all the way to your car.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming residents. 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. People in this region are the epitome of "Midwestern nice."

It doesn't matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky are always friendly. People here are friendly whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

The likes of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are not necessarily the first places that come to mind when you think of "friendly cities," but they are. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. We asked our readers how helpful they thought strangers were, and they gave it a high rating. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

If you're looking for welcoming locals, New Mexico is the place to go. It is culturally rich and has a relaxed atmosphere. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people And there you have it

Assuming a population of 10, With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is home to a fascinating blend of rural and urban communities. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. There was widespread agreement among Big 7 travelers that Georgia was a pleasant destination.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. Indeed, locals are warm and welcoming, but not in a stalkerish fashion. Idaho is as welcoming and friendly as its reputation suggests.

Centrally located in the United States' Middle American region, the people of Illinois are among the warmest you'll ever meet. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. As an added bonus, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it an attractive tourist destination.

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 while driving, you'll blend in just like a native.

Locals make an effort to make visitors feel at home despite the area's recent history of natural disasters. Louisiana is home to a diverse population of people of many different ethnic backgrounds, but they all share a commitment to making their state a welcoming and enjoyable destination for visitors.

When it comes to good manners and genuine kindness toward strangers, Ohio is a shining example of the Midwest at its finest. The locals are friendly and will gladly recommend their favorite restaurant or bar to visitors. There are many options for children, making this an ideal destination for families.

Because tourism is Hawaii's main industry, visitors can expect exceptional service. 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.

For good reason, Oklahoma is known as "The Big Friendly," and its capital city bears the same moniker. The locals 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 warm hospitality as locals.

Kansas is well-known for its welcoming residents and visitors alike, so feel free to strike up conversations with anyone you happen to meet. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

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. Whether you're in the city of Denver or out in the country, the warmth of the people here is something you'll notice right away.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their legendary "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. Even in large cities, it's not uncommon for a stranger to offer to help you with something as simple as getting your car unstuck from the snow or carrying your groceries. Don't even bother getting out of the car. The odds are good that it will arrive undamaged.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" 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.

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

The people of Tennessee have that classic Southern hospitality at full force, with a positive, upbeat vibe and a strong desire to share their city with visitors. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

And the winner is among the most welcoming American states When it comes to friendliness, the people of Minnesota are unrivaled. There's a reason why the state's nickname is "Minnesota Nice": the Twin Cities and surrounding areas have an inviting, friendly vibe that's hard to find elsewhere.