Here Are America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

At first, the locals (especially those in the countryside) may ), but it's a great place to experience a wide range of different cultures in one place, and if you can make it through the initial chaos, you'll find that the neighborhoods in each of the five boroughs of New York City have a strong sense of community. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

It's true that Arkansans are extremely welcoming, but only if you're a native. Even though Arkansans pride themselves on being friendly neighbors, this can 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. Are our readers predisposed to view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a bore? Sadly, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

In general, locals in MA aren't rude to tourists, but their indifference can be wearing. Being uninterested in other people is not exactly a quality that makes Massachusetts a leader among the friendliest states in America. Likewise, it takes a considerable amount of time to establish oneself as a permanent resident of Boston rather than a temporary visitor.

Oftentimes, New Jerseyans' demeanor comes across as downright rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case People from the Garden State are known for being bold and outspoken. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

While Washington state often places highly in 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 there is a distinct "polite but unfriendly" vibe that has earned the city the nickname "Seattle freeze." Possibly the constant precipitation is to blame.

The people of New Hampshire are extremely patriotic and proud of their state. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. Getting along with the locals can be challenging due to their stubbornness, and the area's sparse rural population.

Nevada, home to Sin City, is a state of striking contrasts. It's true that Las Vegas can be a cutthroat environment, but neighborly cities like Reno offer a more pleasant alternative. When it comes to helping strangers, Nevadans generally won't go out of their way.

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. Florida's reputation is slowly but surely improving thanks to cities like Orlando and their tourist-friendly initiatives, but the state as a whole still has some work to do.

To put it bluntly, if you weren't raised in Rhode Island, you probably always will be an outsider here. Readers of Big 7 Travel didn't give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "friendliness scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect to be treated to a warm welcome anywhere.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are particularly friendly. Los Angeles is not exactly the City of Angels when it comes to making visitors feel at home. The locals can be cold and even rude to those they don't know. The pace of life tends to be slower in smaller urban centers.

In Arizona, you won't find the same kind of blatant friendliness you might in the South, but people are generally chill enough. 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. Nice indifference to other people, really

Residents of Connecticut are courteous, reticent, and pleasant overall, but warm and welcoming to visitors. 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.

While Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, its residents are more than happy to open their arms to visitors because the tourism industry is so important to the state's economy. 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, but in either case they are not rude.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how warm and friendly the people of Montana are Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. People are nice, but you won't be invited to their homes for tea. Each town has its own unique sense of humor and welcomes visitors with open arms.

The Commonwealth of Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and warm. 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 promising location.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. The locals here are very friendly and helpful because of the abundance of tourists. Vermonters in smaller communities 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 politeness, willingness to aid strangers, and warm welcome to visitors. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. An attractive feature of the state is the wide variety of people who call it home.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. Aside from being one of the most sociable and lively cities in the country, Salt Lake City also has a reputation for being extremely welcoming to 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 known to be friendly and outgoing. As soon as you step foot in this location, you'll notice this.

West Virginians are among the friendliest and most helpful people you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. 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 cut off from the rest of the country by mountains.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and generosity, as evidenced by their frequent use of "how are you" and "how are you doing" greetings in passing. A genuine sense of community permeates the area, as evidenced by the friendly service you'll receive from the cashiers and the eagerness of the roadside farmers to share their wares with you.

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 great sense of humor, are laid back, and are incredibly polite.

Maryland's population density 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, social atmosphere. Making new best friends in a Baltimore bar is a breeze.

Wisconsin is a hidden gem in the Midwest, known for its friendly locals, strong sense of community, and carefree spirit. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. Is the Packers a possible factor?

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

Oregonians have a reputation for friendliness toward strangers. It may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but the people there are nice, I swear. Also, your dog is guaranteed to be accepted here, as this state is ranked highest in the country for pet friendliness.

It's undeniable that Mississippi is a beautiful state, full of all the warmth and hospitality that the South is The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors from elsewhere. 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 resident of Missouri will launch into a lengthy account of his or her life. They are genuine in their friendliness, and they show genuine interest in the perspectives of 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. 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.

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 about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. In many ways, the residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

You'll find that Kentuckians are a genuinely pleasant bunch. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, you can expect the same warm welcome from the locals. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make you pack your bags and move here tomorrow.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. There's a reason the slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" exists: the people here are famously warm and welcoming. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost Assume that a friendly local will lend a hand if you ask.

Friendly locals are a common sight in New Mexico's many small towns. In a nutshell, it's chill and incredibly multi-ethnic. The state of New Mexico is home to two cities that were named among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in the country in 2018. So there you go.

Population: 10 With a population of over 3 million, 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. Those who read the Big 7 Travel report on Georgia thought it was great.

People from all over the country will tell you that Idahoans are among the friendliest you'll meet, and our readers agree. This place has genuinely nice people, and not in a creepy, intrusive way. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois, a state in the center of the Midwest, is known for its warm and welcoming residents. It's no secret that Chicago is one of the most popular tourist destinations in America. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

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 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. 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 gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in the Midwest. Locals are friendly and willing to show visitors their favorite spots for eating and drinking. Family-friendly events abound, making this a fantastic destination.

There is a strong emphasis on tourism in Hawaii, which means that guests are well taken care of in terms of hospitality. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. It must be good for the spirit to live in paradise, because everyone you meet will greet you with a friendly smile.

It's not for nothing that Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in America, and that includes the capital city of Oklahoma, which is known as "The Big Friendly." 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 warmth and friendliness of the locals towards tourists is what makes their state so special.

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. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

People in Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help those in need. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. So much more than just a “fly over” state, Indiana will hold a special place in your heart after just one visit

It's true that Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state overall, but its residents are what really set the mood. Large urban areas still have a strong sense of community; it's not unusual for a stranger to help you carry groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. Don't bother getting out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

Friendly Texans always have a "Howdy" ready for you. Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has undoubtedly helped it rank high among 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 warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

There is no shortage of that quintessential Southern hospitality in Tennessee; the locals there are friendly and excited to show visitors around. When you consider that it also has a thriving music scene, it becomes easy to see why this is one of America's most welcoming states.

And the winner is among the most welcoming American states The people of Minnesota have been voted the friendliest in the country. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond go above and beyond to make visitors feel at home.