List of America's 50 Friendliest States

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. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. That may bode well for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, but it may leave out-of-towners feeling awkward and unwelcome.

Although it only takes 90 minutes to drive across Delaware, the small size of the state doesn't necessarily equate to neighborliness. Do our readers view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? It is one of the least welcoming states in the USA, which is a shame.

Although most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general apathy they exhibit toward tourists can be wearing. Massachusetts isn't exactly going to make the list of the friendliest states in America if its residents have a tendency to ignore their fellow citizens. Additionally, it takes a considerable amount of time to establish oneself as a long-term resident of Boston rather than a temporary outsider.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case A common stereotype about New Jerseyans is that they are rude and brash. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

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. The locals aren't rude, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the name "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the precipitation.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. The problem is that this sense of pride is often misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. Stubborn locals and a low population density make it difficult to make friends in this area.

Nevada, home to "Sin City," is a state of striking contrasts. 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.

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. Cities like Orlando, with their many tourist-friendly initiatives, are doing a lot to improve the state's reputation, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go.

There's a good chance that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island would always feel like an outsider there. According to Big 7 Travel readers, Rhode Islanders aren't particularly hospitable. Although the local cashier is more likely to smile in a smaller town, they won't exactly go out of their way to make your day.

People in California like to think of themselves as friendly, but our readers don't agree. When it comes to friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. More relaxed lifestyles can be found in smaller towns.

There's no denying that Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough to make up for it. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. Positive indifference to other people rather than animosity

Residents of Connecticut are courteous, reticent, and pleasant overall, but warm and welcoming to visitors. I wouldn't say that at all 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.

Even though Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, welcoming tourists is a major source of revenue, 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. It's either that or they'll completely ignore you; either way, they're not rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, the whole state feels more like a large town. Despite how nice they are, you won't be invited over for tea. The townspeople joke around and treat visitors with friendliness.

Virginia's increasing diversity 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 and other major cities, the area is a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for their warm and welcoming demeanor, making it simple to strike up conversations with complete strangers. Because of the abundance of tourists, the locals are extremely friendly and willing to assist foreigners. The people of Vermont's small towns 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. Just about anywhere, from Walmart to the parking lot to a stoplight, you'll hear someone say "hi." A distinctive feature of the state is the wide variety of people who call it home.

Those who live in Utah are known for their warm hospitality, so 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, and it also has a wonderful social scene.

Our readers seem to agree that Maine is a great place to call home due to its low crime rate and welcoming population. Mainers, in contrast to their New England contemporaries, are known to be friendly and outgoing. The moment you set foot in this location, you'll notice this.

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 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.

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.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. The people here have a great sense of humor, are laid back, and are incredibly polite.

Maryland has a high population density and is a culturally rich and diverse state. Since it welcomes visitors from all over the world, it's a lively and friendly place to hang out with friends. Bars in Baltimore are great places to meet potential best friends.

The people of Wisconsin are the crown jewel of the Midwest; they are polite, connected, and full of joie de vivre. Since Green Bay is located in one of the happiest regions of the United States, its residents are naturally friendly and outgoing. Can the Packers be to blame?

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. Locals in North Dakota are known for their friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. The community spirit in this state was highly rated by our readers.

As a state, Oregon is known for its residents' friendliness toward those they have never met before. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but its members are nice (I swear). It also has the highest percentage of pet-friendly households in the United States.

Southern hospitality and charm abound in Mississippi. One thing that often surprises visitors to Mississippi is how welcoming the locals are. Once you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like one of the family.

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. There's no pretense here; they're genuinely friendly and interested in talking to strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you with kindness if you treat them with kindness first. If you follow that simple guideline, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the friendliest places in the United States. Sometimes, random people will go out of their way to help you, such as by holding the door open or carrying your groceries to your car.

South Dakota is home to many progressive, forward-thinking towns populated by involved, helpful 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."

You'll find that Kentuckians are generally friendly no matter what. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. One encounter with a typical Kentuckian and you'll want to pack your bags and head to the Bluegrass State right away.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. People in this state are so warm and welcoming that the slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined. To the extent that random people can be helpful, our readers rated it 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 atmosphere and a wide variety of cultural influences. In addition, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people made it onto a national list this year. What you needed to know is now at your fingertips

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 people is simple. The citizens of Georgia were highly regarded by Big 7 Travel readers.

Overwhelmingly, our readers agreed with the claim that Idahoans are among the friendliest people in the United States. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a creepy, prying sort of way. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois, located in the center of the Midwest, is home to incredibly welcoming locals. When compared to New York City, Chicago is widely regarded as one of the most tourist-friendly cities in the United States. As an added bonus, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state for tourists.

The people of Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. There's a real sense of community here, with people lending a hand to those in need wherever you look. Master the 'one finger' wave behind the wheel, and you'll blend in just like a native.

Natural disasters have a recent history, but the locals here still go out of their way to make you feel at home. People of all backgrounds in Louisiana contribute to the state's reputation as one of the friendliest and most enjoyable in the United States.

Ohioans are known for their gracious demeanor and genuine interest in the well-being of their neighbors. 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.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. For its "Aloha Spirit," it has become famous. Everyone you meet will give you a friendly smile, suggesting that paradise has some sort of healing effect on the human psyche.

One of the friendliest states in the USA, Oklahoma City deserves its moniker "The Big Friendly." 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 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. It's great for families, is very secure, has a wealth of cultural offerings, and quickly immerses visitors into the fabric of daily life. 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 famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help others. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. A single trip to Indiana will convince you that it is 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 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. The car keys are still in the ignition. It's probably going to make it out unscathed.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" Its reputation as one of the most welcoming places in the United States is due in no small part to the fact that people are generally nice everywhere you go. 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 that have come to define the Southern states.

To the fullest extent, Tennessee embodies the quintessential Southern character, with friendly, outgoing locals who are eager to share their state with visitors. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

Among the states in the United States, which one do residents rate as the friendliest? Residents of Minnesota are some of the friendliest people in the country. There's a reason why the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond have an inviting, friendly demeanor that's hard to find elsewhere.