List of the 50 Friendliest States in the U.S.

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 of the five boroughs has distinct neighborhoods with a strong sense of community. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic by taking Instagram photos too slowly.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Do our readers' preconceived notions of Delaware's amiability stem from the state's (possibly exaggerated) image as dull? Unfortunately, it is considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Locals in MA aren't rude, but their indifference to tourists can be off-putting. Being uninterested in other people is not exactly a quality that makes Massachusetts a leader among the friendliest states in America. Being a real Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, takes time.

Oftentimes, New Jerseyans' demeanor comes across as downright rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas for you, though.

When it comes to environmental friendliness, Washington state may consistently rank high, but when it comes to people, it's a different story. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Could be the constant downpours.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their home. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, home to Sin City, is a state of extremes. If you're looking for a more welcoming vacation destination than Las Vegas, consider heading to Reno. Generally speaking, Nevadans are not 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 a ways to go.

Your status as an outsider is likely to persist regardless of how long you've lived in Rhode Island if you weren't born and raised there. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendly scale." It's true that people in smaller communities are warmer to strangers, but don't expect a friendly face at the register anywhere.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are particularly friendly. When it comes to friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. There is a more relaxed atmosphere in smaller towns.

Locals in Arizona may not have the Southern's trademark warmth, but they are generally chill. 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.

People in Connecticut are friendly and polite, but not overly outgoing. That's not the case at all The people of New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors for you and greet you warmly when 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 in the middle of nowhere, the state relies heavily on tourism, so its residents 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 this or simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

People in Montana are surprisingly friendly and welcoming. Despite its large size, the whole state has the feel of a large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. The townspeople joke around and treat visitors with friendliness.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. Though it may come across to outsiders as conservative and wary, Washington, D.C., is a vibrant center of art and culture. C and other major cities make it a promising location to live in

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it simple to strike up conversations with total strangers. As tourism is a major industry, residents are generally eager to assist guests. 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." One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

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 social scene.

The low crime rate and welcoming nature of Mainers have made this state a favorite among our readers. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

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. An easygoing lifestyle creates a friendly environment here. Strong communities can be found in West Virginia due to the state's relative isolation due to its proximity to the Appalachian 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.

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, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

One of the most populous states, Maryland is also culturally rich. Due to its welcoming nature, it is a lively and engaging place to spend time with others. A Baltimore bar is a great place to meet potential new 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. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, so it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

A lack of residents and tourists has nothing to do with the quality of life in this state's communities, despite the fact that it is one of the least populated and visited in the United States. People in North Dakota are known for being approachable and helpful, often without any sort of payment or reward being expected in return. An overwhelming majority of you, our readers, gave the state high marks for its friendly locals.

The citizens of Oregon have earned a reputation for friendliness toward those they do not know. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but 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.

Mississippi is an attractive state that exudes plenty of traditional Southern warmth. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. 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 detailed account of their entire lives. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Everyone in Alabama will treat you well if you are friendly. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. 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.

Communities across South Dakota are forward-thinking and brimming with active, welcoming residents. People will strike up conversations with total strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the largest cities. 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 Kentuckians will treat you with kindness. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. The warmth and hospitality of Kentuckians is enough to make anyone consider relocating here.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. When asked how helpful random people are, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost Most likely, a friendly local will offer assistance.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. Cultures from all over the world coexist peacefully here. Two cities in New Mexico's Enchanted Circle area are among the top 20 retirement destinations for LGBT people in 2018. You now have the full picture

There are 10 people living here. 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. Readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

Readers overwhelmingly agreed that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. Indeed, Idahoans live up to the state's 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' When it comes to welcoming visitors, Chicago is second only to New York City in the United States. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

In the United States, you'll find some of the friendliest people in Nebraska. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. You can pass for a true native if you just learn the "one finger" wave to use while driving.

Locals make an effort to make visitors feel at home despite the area's recent history of natural disasters. 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. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to eatery or watering hole to visitors. It's also fantastic for families, as there are many events geared specifically toward children.

Visitors to Hawaii receive exceptional service because the state places a premium on the tourist industry. It has a reputation for having an "Aloha Spirit." There must be something about paradise that's good for the spirit, because everyone you meet will be smiling at you.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They are just as welcoming to guests.

Be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers, as visitors from other states may be taken aback by the famous Kansas friendliness. 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, there's a ton to learn, and you'll quickly feel like a native. You can feel the warmth of this place right away, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

Indianans take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. The locals are friendly and humorous. When you finally make it to Indiana, you'll realize it's so much more than a "fly over" state.

Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, but its residents make it a lively and entertaining destination. Even in large cities, it's not unusual for a stranger to offer to help you with something like unsticking your car from snow or carrying your groceries. Don't even bother getting the keys out of the ignition. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" are a trademark. Its reputation as one of the most welcoming states in the U.S. has been earned through efforts that can be seen "everywhere you go. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

The people of South Carolina are known far and wide for their warmth and hospitality, which is just one of the many reasons the state is a great vacation destination. South Carolina has all the friendliness and hospitality associated with the South in spades.

The state of Tennessee exudes quintessential Southern hospitality; its citizens are proud to welcome visitors and love to brag about their hometown. 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.

Finally, the most welcoming state in the United States is Topping the list is Minnesota, whose residents stand out for their warmth and hospitality. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an unrivaled "Minnesota Nice" vibe thanks to the friendly, down-to-earth locals.