Here Are America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could 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. Please don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram.

If you happen to be from Arkansas (emphasis on 'if,' though), you'll find the locals to be extremely welcoming. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong.

However, despite its diminutive size and the fact that the entire state can be covered in just 90 minutes by car, Delaware is anything but neighborly. Does our audience automatically associate Delaware with unfriendliness because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? Regrettably, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

The people of Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, but their apathy toward tourists can be off-putting. The Bay State isn't exactly known for its welcoming population because of its propensity to ignore its residents. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. That appears to be the case, at least according to this survey. People from New Jersey tend to be very forthright. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

Washington state may consistently place high on lists of environmentally-friendly states, but this is not the case when considering its population. 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." Possibly it's the deluge of rain we've been having

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. But that pride is often misunderstood as arrogance by those on the outside. It can be challenging to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Despite being home to "Sin City," Nevada is a state of striking contrasts. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a rough place to spend time. General, people in Nevada are not very willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it, what with Miami consistently ranking as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States. Cities like Orlando, with their many 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. Big 7 readers 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 a warm welcome anywhere.

Even though many people in California take pride in their reputation as being welcoming, our readers tend to disagree. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. Compared to larger cities, those in the countryside tend to have a more relaxed vibe.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough to make up for it. While waiting in line, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on anyone breaking out in a full-blown smile. To be more precise, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Not really People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors for you and greet you if you happen to pass by. It's not the most culturally rich state, but people still manage to come together at open mike nights and other community events.

Despite the state's remote location, Alaska relies heavily on the tourism industry; consequently, 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. One of two things will happen; either that, or they will simply ignore you; in either case, they are not rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. In spite of its considerable size, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

Increasing diversity in Virginia is making the state even more inviting and friendly. Washington, D.C., is a cultural mecca, but some might say that it's too traditional and too wary of strangers. C as well as other major cities, make it a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being open-minded and friendly, making it a great place to meet new people. There is a lot of tourism in this area, so people will generally go out of their way to assist those who are visiting. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

The locals in North Carolina are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help. Just about anywhere, from Walmart to the parking lot to a stoplight, you'll hear someone say "hi." A notable feature of the state is the diversity of its inhabitants.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at home here. 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 seem to agree that Maine is an attractive state to relocate to because of its low crime rate and welcoming locals. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are known to be friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

West Virginians are among the friendliest and most helpful people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. This laid-back lifestyle creates a friendly environment. Since West Virginia is somewhat sheltered from the rest of the country by its mountainous terrain, the people who live there tend to be very close-knit.

Iowans have a reputation for being a warm and welcoming lot, always quick to smile and say hello to a stranger they pass on the street. 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.

In general, Michiganders have a reputation for being a warm and welcoming people, but the cities of Detroit and Ann Arbor in particular have a reputation for being difficult to navigate. People here have a good sense of humor and are laid back and polite, typical of the Midwest.

As one of the most populous states in the country, Maryland is also a culturally rich melting pot. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. In a Baltimore bar, you're sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

However, the low population and low tourism numbers in this state have nothing to do with the quality of its residents. The people of North Dakota are known for their genuine friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. As a whole, the community spirit in this state was highly rated by our readers.

When it comes to neighborliness, Oregonians have a stellar reputation. While Portland's hipster culture may be difficult to break into, the people there are nice (I swear!). The state is the most pet-friendly in the country, so Fido is guaranteed to fit right in.

The state of Mississippi is absolutely lovely, full of warm hospitality and delicious Southern cuisine. To many visitors, the friendliness of Mississippians comes as a pleasant surprise. 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've even said "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy recounting of their life experiences. They're genuine in their friendliness, and they seem to enjoy hearing from complete strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you with nothing but friendliness if you maintain a positive disposition. If you obey this simple rule, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the friendliest places in the United States. 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 thriving, progressive communities in South Dakota that are home to active and welcoming residents. 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."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that Kentuckians will treat you with kindness. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, you can expect the same warm welcome from the community's natives. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider making the state their permanent home.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. 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 rated it highly. Look lost Most likely, a friendly local will offer assistance.

It's typical of New Mexico to find welcoming locals in even the smallest communities. It has a chill vibe and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. In addition, two cities in New Mexico's Top 20 Retirement Cities for LGBT people in 2018 are located there. So, there you have it.

The town has a total of 10 residents. This southern state has a population of over 3 million, and its residents are known for their warm hospitality. The state is home to both rural and urban areas. Even in major cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

Readers overwhelmingly agreed that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. People are genuinely nice here, and not in a stalkerish manner. There's no denying that the state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

The people of Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, are among the friendliest you'll ever meet. If you're looking for a city that welcomes tourists more than New York City, look no further than Chicago. According to Neighborhood Scout, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in the state of Illinois, making it a good destination for tourists.

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 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 in the country.

The people of Ohio are well-known for their good manners and upbeat outlook on life. 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" is what makes Hawaii famous. Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly wave and a positive attitude suggests that there must be some psychological benefit to living in paradise.

The Big Friendly isn't a nickname for Oklahoma City's capital city for nothing; Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the country. Folks here are always up for a chat and will do whatever they can to protect their neighborhood. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

Visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous friendliness of Kansans, so they should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. Friendly locals are one of the state's many attractions.

A pleasant state to visit, Colorado has a progressive vibe and is home to some of the friendliest people anywhere. 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. It doesn't matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere, the warmth of this place will greet you right away.

Hoosiers in the state of Indiana are known far and wide for their generous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to make others' experiences better 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.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively calm 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. Put the keys in the ignition and drive away. It's likely to arrive in one piece.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" are a staple of any trip to the Lone Star State. Its reputation as one of the most welcoming states in the U.S. has been earned through efforts that can be seen "everywhere you go." You'll feel right at home among its friendly locals in any of its big cities.

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.

Locals in Tennessee are full of life and eager to show off their city to visitors, exemplifying the classic Southern hospitality that has made the state famous. When you factor in the state's thriving music industry, it's easy to see why Texas is widely considered to be one of the friendliest in the United States.

And the winner is among the most welcoming American states The people of Minnesota are so warm and inviting that the state wins. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals.