Here Are America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

At first glance, locals (especially those in the upstate) 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. Only, don't linger in the street or impede traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you're from here, Arkansas will treat you like family. Good for Arkansas locals and their friendly atmosphere, but it may make tourists feel out of place and unwelcome.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly undeserved) reputation as boring? It is one of the least welcoming states in the USA, which is a shame.

Though most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general lack of friendliness towards visitors can be wearing. Massachusetts may not be the friendliest state in America, but that isn't because its residents are particularly good at ignoring them. Also, it takes a while to establish oneself as a local, rather than a tourist, in Boston.

Some people may interpret the Jersey way of life as rudeness. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case People from New Jersey tend to be very forthright and bold. The (likely) unfriendly station attendant, however, 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. Even though Seattleites don't come across as rude, they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, which has earned the city its nickname, "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the wet weather

In addition to its natural beauty, New Hampshire is home to a population that is justifiably proud of its state. But that pride can easily be misinterpreted by strangers as arrogance. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, home of Sin City, is a state of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a rough place to spend 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 some catching up to do.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. The residents of Rhode Island weren't high on the 'friendly scale' according to Big 7 Travel readers. You'll get a warmer welcome in smaller communities, but don't expect the cashier at your local supermarket to crack a smile.

People in California like to think of themselves as friendly, but our readers don't agree. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles is no hospitable city. In fact, it has an air of disdain that borders on rudeness. A more relaxed pace of life can be found in smaller towns.

It's not like the people of Arizona are as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill. In the waiting area, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't hold your breath for a sea of beaming faces. In other words, it's a pleasant lack of concern for 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. Not the most culturally rich state, but open mike nights and other community gatherings help keep people connected.

Despite the state's remote location, Alaska relies heavily on the tourism industry; consequently, locals are always happy to see visitors. And, with the exception of Alaska Natives, the vast majority of current locals can relate to the experience of being a stranger in a strange land. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

You won't believe how friendly and helpful the locals of Montana are until you see it for yourself. Even though it's a large state, it feels more like a large town. They're pleasant enough to interact with, but you won't be invited to their homes for tea. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

With its increasing diversity, Virginia is becoming an even more inviting and friendly place to live. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some might say that its residents are too traditional and too wary of strangers. C and other major cities make it a great place to live

Vermonters are known to be 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. It may take some time for the locals in a small Vermont town to warm up to a newcomer, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

Most people in North Carolina are polite, helpful, and welcoming. At Walmart, in the parking lot, or even while waiting at a red light, people will randomly say "hi." The diversity of its residents is one of the state's most notable features.

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 exciting places to live in the United States, and is also recognized as one of the most welcoming metropolises for the LGBTQ community.

Our readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. Although New Englanders as a whole have a reputation for being reserved, Mainers are known for their openness and friendliness. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

It's likely that you'll meet some of the friendliest people in the United States in West Virginia. The relaxed rhythms of daily life here help create a friendly ambiance. Due in part to the state's geographical isolation, West Virginia is home to a tight-knit community.

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 there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling fresh produce on the side of the road.

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. The locals have a great sense of humor, are laid back and polite, and embody the Midwest ideal of a friendly community.

The population density in Maryland is high, and the state is also home to a wide range of cultural traditions. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving and friendly atmosphere. In a Baltimore bar, you are sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the Midwest thanks to 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?

Despite its great people, this is one of the least populated and least visited states in the United States. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. An overwhelming majority of you, our readers, gave the state high marks for its friendly locals.

Oregonians have a reputation for friendliness toward strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to break into, but the people there are nice (I swear). This is the most pet-friendly state in the USA, so Fido is more than welcome here.

When it comes to Southern hospitality, Mississippi is hard to beat. 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 detailed account of their entire life. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

In Alabama, if you're a nice person, everyone will be nice to you. If you follow that rule, you'll soon discover that Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the Union. Some random person will hold the door open for you, and others will offer to help you carry your groceries out to your car.

Communities across South Dakota are forward-thinking and brimming with active, welcoming residents. Here, even in the largest cities, people are comfortable striking up conversations with total strangers about anything from the weather to the latest football game. People in this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

Whatever the situation, you'll find that Kentuckians are 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 consider making the state their permanent home.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities that might not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," but that's not the case. 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 ranked it highly. Look lost It's likely that a friendly local will offer assistance.

In most of New Mexico's towns, you'll find hospitable locals. Relaxed and rich in cultural variety. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So there you go.

With only ten people, This state in the southern United States has a population of over 3 million and a varied landscape of urban and rural areas, but its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, it's not hard to strike up conversations with strangers. Many of the readers of Big 7 Travel praised Georgia.

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.

Placed smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, Illinois is home to welcoming locals. When compared to New York City, Chicago is often regarded as the more welcoming destination for international visitors. 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.

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 at the wheel, 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. Despite its ethnic diversity, Louisiana is a great place to live because of its welcoming and warm people.

People in Ohio have impeccable manners and a genuine enthusiasm for life. All visitors are welcome in the eyes of the locals, and they will gladly recommend their favorite restaurant or bar. Also, there are many options for children to enjoy themselves here, making it a fantastic destination for families.

Due to Hawaii's strong commitment to the tourist industry, the state's guests are lavished with exceptional levels of service and care. There is a special "Aloha Spirit" there. Every person you meet in paradise will give you a friendly hello, suggesting that there is some psychological benefit to living in such a place.

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. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by Kansas's well-deserved reputation for friendliness, so they should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. The friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

Colorado has some of the friendliest people in the world and a progressive culture that makes it a great place to visit. 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. Feeling welcome here is something you'll notice right away, whether you're in Denver or the suburbs.

They call it "Hoosier hospitality," and locals in Indiana take great pride in it. The locals have a positive disposition and a humorous outlook. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

The people of Wyoming are what really make this state exciting, even if it is a relatively quiet place. People in even the largest cities often go out of their way to help strangers, whether it's digging a car out of the snow or carrying groceries. Don't bother coming back for the keys. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Greetings of "Howdy" and the friendly Texans 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 far and wide for their warmth and hospitality, which is just one of the many reasons the state is a great vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee has that classic Southern charm going strong, with residents who are buzzing with excitement and eager to show off their city to visitors. When you consider that it also has a thriving music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's most welcoming states.

The most welcoming state in the United States is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. Minnesota has a reputation for friendliness and hospitality that is second to none, and the state is known far beyond the Twin Cities.