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. Just don't linger in the street or impede traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on "if"), the people will treat you well. Even though Arkansans pride themselves on being friendly neighbors, this can make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Can it be that our readers' preconceived notions of Delaware's amiability stem from the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as dull? 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 isn't exactly going to make the list of friendliest states in America if its residents have a tendency to ignore their fellow citizens. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to an outsider, can take years.

It's easy to mistake the Jersey way of life for outright rudeness. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be true. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will at least 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. Residents of Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but they do exude a certain "polite but unfriendly" vibe that has earned the city its nickname, "Seattle freeze." All this rain might be to blame,

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 difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Although it's best known for being the home of "Sin City," Nevada is actually a state of striking contrasts. Reno and other nearby cities are more welcoming than Las Vegas, which can have a cutthroat atmosphere. 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 all your life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendly scale." A local cashier might be friendlier in a smaller town, but in general, don't expect a warm welcome.

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 isn't exactly the City of Angels. There is a more relaxed atmosphere in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're usually chill. When waiting in line, it's the kind of place where total strangers will start talking to each other; however, you shouldn't count on anyone being overly cheerful. Instead, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

The people of Connecticut are friendly and polite, if a little reticent. Not really People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors for you and greet you warmly. Even though it isn't the most culturally active 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 current residents here are immigrants who were once newcomers themselves. They may do this or 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 single small community. There's no chance of being invited over for tea, but these people are pleasant enough. 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. Some may view Washington, D.C. as conservative and wary of outsiders, but the city is also a cultural mecca. C and other major cities, it's a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. Because of the abundance of tourists, the locals are extremely friendly and willing to assist foreigners in any way they can. Vermonters in smaller communities can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

People in North Carolina are generally polite, helpful, and welcoming. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most sociable and exciting places to live in America, and it is also recognized as one of the most welcoming cities for the LGBTQ community.

Our readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. When you get here, you'll notice this right away.

People from West Virginia are among the friendliest and most helpful you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. The relaxed tempo of life here helps create a friendly environment. There is a tight-knit sense of community in West Virginia because the state is essentially walled off from the rest of the country by mountains.

People in Iowa are known for being friendly and helpful, as evidenced by the prevalence of "hellos" and "waves" to passers-by. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

It's a common misconception that all Michiganders are warm and welcoming; in fact, some of the state's largest cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be downright unapproachable. People here have a good sense of humor and are laid back and polite, typical of the Midwest.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it is a lively and engaging place to spend some time with friends. There are plenty of bars in Baltimore where you can meet some of your new best friends.

There are good manners, a strong sense of community, and a positive outlook in Wisconsin, a gem of the Midwest. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in the country, so its residents' easygoing demeanor is hardly surprising. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

This may be one of the least-visited and least-populated states in the United States, but that has nothing to do with its fantastic residents. People from North Dakota are known for being approachable and helpful without demanding anything in return. The community spirit in this state was highly rated by our readers.

They say Oregonians are some of the friendliest people in the country. Although Portland's hipster culture may be difficult to enter, the people there are nice (I swear). Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

It's undeniable that Mississippi is a beautiful state, full of all the warmth and hospitality that the South is The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. The natives are extremely friendly, and they will make you feel at home as long as you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North."

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. There is no pretense here; people are genuinely friendly and interested in one another.

Every person you meet in Alabama will treat you with kindness if you treat them with kindness first. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. People are so nice that they will help you with things like holding the door open and carrying your groceries to your car.

Across South Dakota, you'll find progressive towns teeming with involved, welcoming residents. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest cities. One could say that the residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

No matter what you're going through, you'll find that people in Kentucky are always willing to help you out. 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. The warmth and welcome of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone pack their bags and head to the Bluegrass State.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, are, in fact, quite welcoming. 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 ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

New Mexicans, in general, are known for their warmth and hospitality. Casual and rich in cultural variety. In addition, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people made it onto a national list this year. You now have the full picture

There are 10 people living here. 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 larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. In a survey conducted by Big 7 Travel, Georgia received a score of 4.5 out of 7.

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

Located in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

When it comes to Americans, you won't find a nicer bunch than those who live in Nebraska. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. Once you master the "one finger" wave while behind the wheel, you'll feel like a true native.

There has been a lot of natural disasters recently, but the locals will do anything 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 in the United States.

Ohioans are known for their good manners and friendly demeanor, making the Buckeye State a prime example of the Midwest ideal. They welcome visitors and are happy to recommend their favorite restaurant or bar. There are many options for children and families to enjoy themselves.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. There is a special "Aloha Spirit" there. It must be good for the spirit to live in paradise, because everyone you meet will greet you with a friendly smile.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, Oklahoma City, is appropriately dubbed "The Big Friendly." People here are very talkative and will always look out for their own. They treat guests with the same warm hospitality they give locals.

Kansas is well-known for its welcoming residents and visitors alike, so feel free to strike up conversations with anyone you happen to meet. The warmth of the locals toward visitors is one of the state's greatest attractions.

As a progressive state with some of the friendliest people on the planet, Colorado is a great place to visit. 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. The warmth of this place is something you can feel the moment you arrive, whether you're in Denver or the suburbs.

Indiana residents are known far and wide for their warm and generous "Hoosier hospitality." The locals have a positive demeanor and an entertaining sense of humor. When you finally make it to Indiana, you'll realize it's so much more than a "fly over" state.

Despite Wyoming's reputation as a peaceful state, its residents make it a delight to visit. Even in large cities, it is not unusual for a stranger to offer assistance with tasks such as unsticking your car from snow or carrying groceries. Don't bother getting out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" are an indelible part of any trip to the Lone Star State. Its welcoming culture and "everywhere you go" attitude have undoubtedly earned it a spot among the friendliest states in the United States. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

South Carolina is a great place to visit because its people are known for their warm hospitality. The people of South Carolina epitomize the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Typical of the South, Tennesseans are friendly and eager to show off their city to visitors. When you factor in the state's thriving music industry, it's easy to see why it's widely considered to be one of the friendliest in the United States.

The most welcoming state in the United States is The people of Minnesota are the friendliest in the nation. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the people of the Twin Cities and beyond go above and beyond to make visitors feel at home.