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

Even upstate New Yorkers could have a brusque initial 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 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 make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong there.

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 unfair) stereotype as dull? This is one of the least welcoming states in the Union, unfortunately.

While most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general apathy they exhibit toward tourists 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 a tourist, can take years.

In some cases, the Jersey way of life can come across as rude. And based on the results of this survey, it appears to be the case The people of New Jersey are notorious for being very forthright. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are particularly eco-conscious. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Perhaps it's all the precipitation.

New Hampshire is a gorgeous state full of patriotic citizens. But that pride can easily be misinterpreted by strangers as arrogance. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Vegas, Nevada is a state of extremes. 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 tourist-friendly initiatives, are doing a lot to improve 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. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendly scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere you go.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. Despite its nickname, Los Angeles does not have the warm and friendly vibe of the City of Angels; rather, it has an aloofness that sometimes borders on rudeness. 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. While waiting in line, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on any huge grins being exchanged. Rather, it's a pleasant indifference to other people.

The people of Connecticut are friendly, if a bit reserved. Not really People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they will always open doors for you and greet you with a friendly hello. It's not the most culturally rich state, but people still manage 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. It's safe to say that, with the exception of Alaska Natives, most of the locals here have been transplants at some point in their lives. It's either that or they'll completely ignore you; either way, they're not rude.

I think you'll find that Montanans are some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. Despite its massive size, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you to their homes for tea. 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. D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view it as conservative and wary. C and other major cities, it's a great place to live.

Because of the welcoming nature of Vermonters, making new friends is a breeze. Because of the abundance of tourists, the locals are friendly and willing to go out of their way to accommodate them. 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.

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 the United States, 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. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

Some of the warmest and most friendly people you'll encounter in your travels across the United States will be West Virginians. There is a relaxed tempo of life that makes for a friendly environment. 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 to one another, and it's not uncommon to see them greet complete strangers as they pass one another on the street or wave at passing cars. 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. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it is a lively and engaging place to spend some time with friends. Bars in Baltimore are great places to meet 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. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. Have the Packers played a role in this at all?

One of the least populous and least visited states in the United States, and not because of its residents. 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.

Oregonians have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming to visitors. Sure, it may be difficult to break into Portland's hipster scene, 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 attractive state that exudes plenty of traditional Southern warmth. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. After you stop bragging about how much better life is "up North" and start treating the locals with respect, you will quickly feel at home among them.

Before you've even said "hello," people in Missouri will launch into a detailed account of their lives. There is no pretense or false friendliness here; people are genuinely kind and curious to hear from total 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 rule of thumb. People you don't know will go out of their way to help you. They might hold the door open or even help you carry your groceries to your car.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming residents. People will strike up conversations with complete strangers about anything from the weather to a football game, even in the biggest 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 people in Kentucky are friendly. 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 making the state their permanent home.

You might not immediately associate cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with friendliness, but you'd be wrong. Indeed, the slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; locals here are among the friendliest people you'll ever meet. According to our poll, people are more likely to help complete strangers if they see them featured. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. There is a wide variety of people and cultures to experience. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people So there you have it.

10 people make up the entire population. 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, it's not hard to make friends. They thought Georgia was great, according to Big 7 Travel readers.

Numerous readers agreed with the widespread belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a stalkerish manner. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to outsiders.

Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, is home to incredibly welcoming locals. When compared to New York City, Chicago is widely regarded as the more welcoming destination for international visitors. And if safety is a concern, rest assured that Illinois has 19 of the country's top 100 safest cities.

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 at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a native.

The locals here will do anything to make you feel at home, despite the city's recent history of natural disasters. Louisiana is home to a wide variety of cultures, but its residents all share a commitment to making their home state one of the most welcoming and 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 restaurant 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 is celebrated worldwide for its "Aloha Spirit." Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, so clearly paradise has a healing effect on the human psyche.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. Here, people are always up for a chat and will do anything they can to protect those within their own community. 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 is what makes their state so special.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. Visitors quickly begin to feel like natives in this secure and culturally rich destination. Feeling welcome here is something you'll notice right away, whether you're in Denver or the suburbs.

"Hoosier hospitality" refers to the residents of Indiana going out of their way to make others feel welcome. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. The Hoosier State is more than just a "fly over" area, and after visiting you'll always remember Indiana as a special place.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively calm state, its residents make visiting here a blast. Even in large cities, it is not unusual for a stranger to help you carry your groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. Don't even bother coming back for your keys. There is a good chance that it will arrive undamaged.

The friendly Texans and their "Howdys" have a reputation for being outgoing and positive. 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.

It's no secret that the people of South Carolina are extremely warm and inviting. South Carolina has the famous warmth and friendliness of other Southern states, in abundance.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its residents are bursting with excitement and a desire to share their state with visitors. Combine that with one of the most active music scenes in the country, and it's easy to see why this is such a welcoming place to live.

The winner among the most welcoming American states is The people of Minnesota are the friendliest in the nation, making the state a clear winner. There's a reason why the state's nickname is "Minnesota Nice": the Twin Cities and surrounding areas have an inviting, friendly vibe that's hard to find elsewhere.