List of America's 50 Friendliest States

It's possible that at first, locals (especially those in the countryside) will come off as a 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. Just don't block the sidewalk or get in the way while taking photos for Instagram.

As long as you're a local, Arkansas residents tend to be welcoming. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

While the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Is it that our readers' perception of Delaware as unwelcoming stems from the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

The people of Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, but their apathy toward tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts isn't exactly one of the friendliest states in America if its residents have a tendency to ignore each other. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case. It's common knowledge that people from New Jersey have bold, outspoken characters. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

Though Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, when it comes to its residents, things are quite different. Locals aren't rude, but they do give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the name "Seattle freeze." It could be the precipitation, I suppose.

The people of the Granite State are fiercely proud of their state and its beauty. But to others, that pride can seem like arrogance. Getting along with the locals can be challenging due to their stubbornness, and the area's sparse rural population.

Nevada, home of Sin City, is a state of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. Overall, Nevadans are not very hospitable, and few will 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 some catching up to do.

A person who was not raised in Rhode Island is likely to always be treated as a foreigner there. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendliness scale." Smaller communities tend to be friendlier, but even the cashier at the corner store probably won't smile at you.

While many native Californians may believe that their state is known for its warm and welcoming culture, our readers have a different opinion. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. Casual lifestyles prevail in smaller urban centers.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're usually chill. Waiting in line is the perfect time to strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't hold your breath for a sea of beaming faces. Rather, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. In any case Though New Englanders may have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will still open doors and greet you warmly when you visit. Despite the state's lack of cultural vitality, residents still manage to pull together for occasional 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. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaska Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point. They might not respond to you at all if you bother them, but they are not rude if they do.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its vastness, the entire state has the feel of a large town. However, you won't be invited over for tea, they are nice people nonetheless. Greetings to visitors are met with a friendly attitude and lighthearted banter between the towns.

More and more people from all walks of life are settling in Virginia, giving the state a warm and inviting vibe. 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 great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

To a person, North Carolinians are pleasant, helpful, and welcoming. Greetings are commonplace in public places like Walmart and parking lots, or even while waiting at a red light. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Since Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, you will quickly feel at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community.

It seems that our readers share our opinion that Maine is a great place to call home because of its low crime rate and welcoming locals. Mainers, in contrast to their New England neighbors, are known for being friendly and outgoing. When you first step foot in this location, you'll notice this.

Among the people you'll encounter in your travels across the United States, you'll find West Virginians to be among the most warm and friendly. The relaxed rhythms of daily life here help create a friendly 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 generosity, as evidenced by their frequent use of "how are yous" and "hellos" in passing pedestrians. There's a genuine sense of community there, 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. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

When it comes to population density, Maryland ranks high, and the state is also rich in cultural diversity. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. Going out to a bar in Baltimore is a great way to meet new people and quickly become best friends with them.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its citizens are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. The residents of Green Bay, Wisconsin, are known for their unfailing good nature. This is not surprising, given that the city ranks among the happiest in the country. The Packers might have a role in this, right?

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. In North Dakota, people are friendly and helpful, even if they don't get anything in return. The community spirit in this state was highly rated by our readers.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. Portland's hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. That dog of yours will be just as welcome here as it is the most pet-friendly state in the USA.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. Most tourists are pleasantly surprised by the welcoming nature of Mississippians. 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, a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life. There's no pretense here; people are genuinely friendly and interested in chatting with strangers.

If you treat everyone you meet in Alabama with kindness, they will treat you with kindness in return. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that simple rule. They'll help you carry your groceries to your car and hold the door open for you just because they want to be nice.

In South Dakota, you'll find a wide variety of thriving, progressive communities populated by actively involved, welcoming locals. Even in the biggest cities, people rarely shy away from striking up conversations with total strangers about anything from the weather to the latest football game. People in this region are the epitome of the term "Midwestern nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky are friendly. No matter if you're a lifelong resident or a tourist, you can expect the same warm welcome from the locals. 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, are, in fact, quite welcoming. The slogan "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 very highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

To a person, New Mexicans are generally warm and welcoming. It has a relaxed vibe and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. In addition, two New Mexico cities ranked among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. So there you go.

Having only 10 people in it, This state in the southern United States has a population of over 3 million and a diverse landscape of urban and suburban areas, but its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in larger 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. Here, you'll find genuine friendliness rather than intrusive curiosity from the local populace. Indeed, Idahoans live up to the state's reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Located in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. 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 just like a native.

Although 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 what makes the state one of the friendliest and best places to live in the United States.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. As a bonus, there are many options for children to enjoy themselves here, making it an ideal destination for families.

Hawaii places a premium on its tourist industry, so visitors can expect to be well taken care of during their stay. The "Aloha Spirit" is what makes Hawaii famous. Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly hello, suggesting that paradise life has a positive effect on the human spirit.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the country, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. People here are very talkative and will always look out for their own. When guests come to visit, they are treated with the same warmth and hospitality.

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 warmth and friendliness of the locals to tourists are what truly set this state apart.

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. Whether you're in the city of Denver or out in the suburbs, the warmth of this place will greet you right away.

The residents of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help strangers. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. Upon your first visit, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make it a lively and exciting destination. 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. It's probably going to make it out unscathed.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. The people in its big cities will make you feel like you've come home to a friendly small town.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina has the warm hospitality and friendly people for which the South is famous in abundance.

It's easy to see that Tennessee is brimming with that classic Southern charm; the locals there have a positive, upbeat vibe and 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 the most welcoming states in the United States.

The most welcoming state in the United States is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. 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.