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 borough's neighborhoods have a sense of community and that New York itself is a melting pot of many cultures. Simply don't linger in the street or impede traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you're from there, or at least a native Arkansan, you'll find that Arkansans are among the friendliest people in the country. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

It's true that Delaware is a relatively small state, and that it only takes about 90 minutes to drive across the entire state. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

Though most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general lack of friendliness towards visitors 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 an outsider, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. Based on the results of this poll, it appears that is the case. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. At least the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will pump your gas for you.

While Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, it has a much more mixed reputation when it comes to its residents. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Perhaps it's all the wet weather

The residents of New Hampshire take great pride in their state and its natural beauty. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. Locals tend to be unyielding, and the area's low population density and lack of urban centers can make it difficult to make new friends.

Nevada, the state where Sin City is located, is a place of extremes. 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. 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 a ways to go.

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 were not high on the 'friendly scale' according to Big 7 Travel readers. A local cashier might be friendlier in a smaller town, but in general, don't expect a warm welcome.

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 isn't exactly the City of Angels. Smaller urban centers have a more relaxed atmosphere.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they tend to be chill about most things. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

The people of Connecticut are friendly and outgoing despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Unfortunately, that's not the case. Even though New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will still open doors and greet you warmly when you visit. The state isn't exactly a hotbed of artistic expression, but open mike nights and other community gatherings do their part to keep people connected.

Alaskans are happy to see visitors because the state relies so heavily on tourism, despite the state's remote location. 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.

You won't believe how friendly and helpful the locals of Montana are until you see it for yourself. In spite of its considerable size, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. Even though you won't be invited over for tea, these people are still pleasant. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C cities, which collectively make it a great place to live.

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.

Natives of North Carolina are known for their polite demeanor, willingness to aid strangers, and warm reception of guests. It's not uncommon for strangers to greet one another in public places like Walmart, parking lots, and even while waiting for a red light to turn green. The state's diverse population is one of its most appealing features.

It's a safe bet that you'll quickly feel at home among Utah's welcoming population. 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 culture and thriving nightlife.

According to your responses, Mainers' low crime rate and general friendliness make it a desirable place to settle down. 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. The relaxed tempo of life here creates an inviting ambiance. 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.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and kindness due to their habit of greeting complete strangers with a smile and a hello whenever they pass one another on the street. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

While most people in the Great Lakes State have a reputation for being warm and welcoming, some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, prove to be surprisingly difficult to navigate. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite like those you might find in the Midwest.

Among the most populous states, Maryland also features a wide range of ethnic and cultural communities. Since it welcomes visitors from all over the world, it is a lively and engaging place to spend time with friends. The local bar scene in Baltimore is fantastic for meeting potential best friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. As one of the United States' happiest cities, Green Bay's residents are naturally 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 generosity. Based on your votes, residents of this state have a strong sense of community.

When it comes to neighborliness, Oregonians have a stellar reputation. Portland's hipster scene may be difficult to break into, but the people there are nice, I swear. As the most pet-friendly state in the USA, your dog is guaranteed a warm welcome.

Mississippi is an endearing state full of homey touches typical of the South. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. Friendly locals will make you feel at home immediately, as long as you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North."

The people of Missouri are notoriously bad at keeping secrets. They're genuine, friendly, and interested in chit-chat with strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. If you follow this simple rule, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the most welcoming places in the United States. 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 towns in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming locals. People will 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."

Anyone visiting Kentucky will quickly learn that Kentuckians are genuinely good people. 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.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities whose reputations as friendly places to live may not be what you'd expect at first glance. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; the locals really are as warm and welcoming as they sound. When asked how helpful random people are, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. It has a relaxed atmosphere and a wide variety of cultural influences. In addition, two cities in New Mexico's Top 20 Retirement Cities for LGBT People in 2018 are located in the state's "Land of Enchantment." So, there you have it.

With only ten people, With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know locals is a breeze. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

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 creepy, prying way. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois is a state in the center of the United States's Midwest, and its residents are some of the friendliest you'll ever Chicago is arguably more welcoming to tourists than New York City. Additionally, the state is pleasant for tourists to visit, as 19 of the country's safest cities can be found in Illinois.

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

While the area has had a rough go of it recently due to natural disasters, the locals will do anything they can to make you feel at home. Louisianans may come from many different 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. The locals have an open mind and are happy to recommend their favorite restaurant or bar to visitors. There are many options for children, making this an ideal destination for families.

Tourism is Hawaii's main industry, so guests can expect exceptional service. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly hello, suggesting that paradise life has a positive effect on the human spirit.

'The Big Friendly' isn't just a catchy moniker for Oklahoma City; Oklahoma is genuinely one of the friendliest states in the country. In this city, the locals are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. Guests are treated with the same warmth and hospitality.

Be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers, as visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous Kansas friendliness. 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. Tourists quickly begin to feel like natives in this secure and culturally rich destination. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

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 an entertaining sense of humor. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

While the state of Wyoming itself is relatively tranquil, the people who live there make it a lively and exciting place to visit. 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 the keys out of the car. Assuming all goes well, it should be fine.

In Texas, the locals are always upbeat and ready with a "Howdy." 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 warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina is a shining example of the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee is a great example of the classic Southern charm that has made the South so popular, with friendly, outgoing locals who are eager to show off their city to 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, of all the welcoming American states: Top honors go to Minnesota, whose residents are known for being among the friendliest in the country. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unbeatable "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals and numerous tourist-friendly attractions.