Here Are America's 50 Friendliest States, Ranked

At first glance, locals (especially upstate) could come across as a bit brusque. But if you can make it through the hustle and bustle, you'll find a welcoming community in any of the city's five boroughs, each of which is a veritable cultural melting pot. 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 the friendly atmosphere among its residents, it may leave visitors with a bad impression.

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 unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? The bad news is that it's one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

There isn't much in the way of rudeness from locals in MA, but the general indifference towards visitors can be wearing. Having a reputation for being unfriendly due to its residents' tendency to ignore them isn't exactly a selling point for Massachusetts's tourism industry. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as extremely impolite. And based on the results of this survey, it appears to be the case The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. The gas station attendant may not be very friendly, but at least they'll pump your gas for you.

In terms of environmental friendliness, Washington state may consistently place high, but when it comes to its residents, things are quite different. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Perhaps it's the constant precipitation.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their home. But that pride is often misunderstood as arrogance by those on the outside. Due to its small rural population and obstinate locals, this place can be difficult to make friends in.

Nevada, the state where Sin City is located, is full 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.

When you consider that Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States, you can see that Florida has its work cut out for it. 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.

You'll probably be treated like an outsider in Rhode Island if you weren't raised there. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not 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.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles is no City of Angels, instead giving off an air of coldness and even hostility. The pace of life tends to be slower in smaller towns.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough to make up for it. If you're waiting in line, you can expect to strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on any huge grins being exchanged. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. It's not that New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, but they will always hold the door for you and smile at you if you visit. While not the most culturally rich state, its residents are able to come 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. In fact, with the exception of Alaskan 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; either way, 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 large town. It's unlikely that anyone will invite you over for tea, but you'll find that these people are friendly. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

Increased diversity is making Virginia an even more inviting and friendly place to live. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the area as conservative and wary of newcomers. C and other major cities, it's a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being open and friendly, making it an ideal place to meet new people. Because of the abundance of tourists, the locals are friendly and willing to go the extra mile to accommodate their needs. In Vermont, newcomers may have to wait a while before they're fully accepted, but once they are, they'll have friends for life.

The people who call North Carolina home are known for their politeness, willingness to aid strangers, and warm reception of guests. Anyone can be approached with a "hi" in almost any setting, be it a Walmart, a parking lot, or even a red light. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

The locals in Utah are known for their warm hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at ease here. Salt Lake City is one of the most sociable and exciting places to live in the United States, and it is also recognized as one of the most accepting metropolises for the LGBTQ community.

Readers agree that Maine is a desirable place to live because of its low crime rate and welcoming population. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

West Virginians are among the most hospitable and warm-hearted people you'll meet 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 isolated from the rest of the country by mountains.

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, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares 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. Individuals here tend to be humorous, laid-back, and polite, all hallmarks of the Midwestern character.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. Thanks to its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has become a lively and engaging hangout spot for locals and visitors alike. Baltimore bars are great places to meet potential best friends.

The people of Wisconsin are the shining star of the Midwest; they are polite, connected, and joyful. Given that Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. Do the Green Bay Packers play a role in this at all?

You won't find many people living here or tourists passing through, but that has nothing to do with the quality of the people who do call it home. The people of North Dakota are known for their genuine friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

They say Oregonians are some of the friendliest people in the country. Granted, it may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but I hear they're pretty chill. It also has the highest percentage of pet-friendly households in the United States.

Mississippi is a beautiful state bursting with traditional Southern hospitality. One thing that often surprises visitors to Mississippi is how welcoming the locals 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've even had a chance to say "hello," people in Missouri will launch into a lengthy recounting of their personal histories. They're not pretending to be friendly or interested in what others have to say; they genuinely care about others.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. Follow that guideline, and you'll soon discover that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the Union. Just because they want to be nice, strangers will do nice things like hold the door open and help you carry 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 casually strike up conversations with complete 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 people in Kentucky are friendly. The locals have the same warm and welcoming disposition regardless of whether you were born and raised in the area or are simply passing through on your way somewhere else. A certain kind of friendliness unique to Kentuckians will have you packing your bags and heading here tomorrow.

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; people here are genuinely kind to one another. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost The average friendly local will probably offer assistance.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. It's chill and full of different cultures. In addition, two New Mexico cities were among the 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in the country in 2018. Now you know

The town has a total of 10 residents. 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, 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. Actually, the locals are quite pleasant, and not in a stalkerish way. The people of Idaho are as friendly and open as they are famously described.

Illinois is a state in the center of the United States's Midwest, and its residents are some of the friendliest you' Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. As an added bonus, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it an attractive tourist destination.

It's true what they say about Nebraskans: they're some of the friendliest people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. It has a strong sense of community, with people helping each other out no matter where you look. Becoming proficient in the "one finger" wave while behind the wheel will make you feel like a native in no time.

It has had a tumultuous history with natural disasters, but the locals will do anything to make you feel at home. Despite its ethnic diversity, Louisiana is a great place to live because of its welcoming and warm people.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for life in the Midwest. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. It's also a fantastic destination for families, as there are many fun things to do here with children.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a smile, as if paradise itself could cure your emotional ills.

The Big Friendly isn't just a catchy moniker for Oklahoma City; Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the country. The locals are always up for a chat and will do whatever they can to protect their own. They treat guests with the same warmth and hospitality they do locals.

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. The friendly nature of the locals towards tourists is one of the state's many attractive features.

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. It doesn't matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere, the warmth of this place will greet you right away.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help others. The residents of this area are friendly and humorous. When you finally make it to Indiana, you'll realize it's so much more than 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 even bother getting out of the car! With any luck, everything will be fine.

Exuberant Texans, complete with "Howdy"s, are known for their friendliness. Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. Locals in its big 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 embodies the warm welcome and friendly people for which the South is famous in abundance.

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 its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

And the winner is among America's friendliest states The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the Twin Cities and surrounding areas have an inviting, friendly vibe that's hard to find elsewhere.