List of the 50 Friendliest States in the USA

At first glance, locals (especially upstate) could come off as rude. If you can make it through the hustle and bustle of the city, you'll be rewarded with a community feel in one of New York City's many culturally diverse boroughs. 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), you'll find that people there are very welcoming. While this is great news for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

Even though the state of Delaware is relatively compact and can be traversed in under an hour and a half by car, its size does not 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? This is one of the least welcoming states in the Union, unfortunately.

Even though most people in Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, the general apathy they exhibit toward tourists can be wearing. Massachuetts' tendency to ignore its citizens is hardly indicative of a state that ranks highly in terms of friendliness in the United States. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, as opposed to a temporary resident, is a lengthy process as well.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. That seems to be the case, at least according to this survey. People from New Jersey tend to be very forthright. The gas station attendant may not be very friendly, but at least they'll 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." Perhaps it's the deluge of rain we've been having

The people of New Hampshire are extremely loyal to their home state and its beauty. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. Because of its stubborn natives and sparse rural population, making friends here can be challenging.

Nevada, where Sin City is located, is 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 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 boost the state's image, 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 didn't give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "friendliness scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

However, our readers do not share the common belief that Californians are as sociable as the state would have you believe. If you're looking for a place where you'll feel welcome and safe in a big city, Los Angeles isn't it. The pace of life tends to be slower in smaller towns.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. 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. Actually, no. Even though New Englanders have a reputation for being cold and unfriendly, they will still open doors and greet you warmly when you visit. Not the most culturally rich state, but open mike nights and other community gatherings help keep people connected.

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 may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

People in Montana will surprise you with their friendliness and hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you over for tea, but you won't be invited to anyone's house. Cities joke and tease one another in a way that is lighthearted and friendly, especially to visitors.

Virginia's increasing diversity has only served to strengthen the state's already warm and inviting vibe. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C as well as other major cities, make it 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 friendly and willing to go out of their way to assist foreigners. It may take some time for the locals in a small Vermont town to warm up to a newcomer, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

Those who live in North Carolina are known for their politeness, willingness to aid strangers, and warm reception of visitors. People will say "hi" to you almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Locals in Utah are known for their warm hospitality. Salt Lake City is one of the most sociable and lively places to live in the United States, and it is also recognized as one of the most welcoming large cities for the LGBTQ community.

A large majority of our readers agree that Maine is a great place to call home due to its low crime rate and welcoming community. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are known to be friendly and outgoing. The moment you step foot in this location, you'll notice this.

It's likely that you'll meet some of the friendliest people in the United States in West Virginia. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. With the mountains serving as a sort of barrier between the people of West Virginia and the rest of the world, the state has a very tight-knit sense of community.

As a whole, Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and kindness. It's common to see people greeting each other on the street and even waving at passers-by. There is a genuine sense of community, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling their wares on the side of the road.

Michiganders fancy themselves a sociable lot, but the cities of Detroit and Ann Arbor in particular can be difficult to get to know. People here have a great sense of humor, are laid back, and are incredibly polite.

In addition to having a high population density, Maryland also features a culturally rich population. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving and friendly atmosphere. The local bar scene in Baltimore is fantastic for meeting potential best friends.

Wisconsin is a bright spot in the Midwest, with friendly locals who value their community and a positive outlook on life. People in Green Bay are exceptionally pleasant to be around because it is one of the happiest cities in America. 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. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. Readers were very complimentary of the state's friendly atmosphere.

When it comes to neighborliness, Oregonians have a stellar reputation. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but its members are nice (I swear). As the most pet-friendly state in the USA, your dog is guaranteed a warm welcome.

When it comes to Southern hospitality, Mississippi is hard to beat. The friendliness of Mississippians often comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors. Once you stop bragging about how much better it is "up North" and start acting like one of the locals, the locals here will treat you like family.

Before you can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy account of their life experiences. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Alabama is a state full of nice people, and if you treat them with kindness, they will treat you with kindness. Adhere to that rule of thumb, and you'll find that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the USA. 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.

South Dakota is home to many progressive, forward-thinking towns populated by involved, helpful locals. The culture here encourages open conversation between strangers, even in the largest cities. The residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

No matter who you are or what you're doing, you'll meet friendly people in Kentucky. 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 convince anyone to pack their bags and head to the Bluegrass State.

The likes of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are not necessarily the first places that come to mind when you think of "friendly cities," but they are. 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 There's a decent person around here who might lend a hand if you ask.

Friendly locals are a common sight in New Mexico's many small towns. The atmosphere is chill and the range of cultures represented is impressive. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people What you needed to know is now at your fingertips

10 people make up the entire population. This southern state has a population of 3 million, and its residents are known for their warm hospitality. The state is home to both rural and urban areas. Meeting new people is simple, even in larger cities like Atlanta. Some of the readers of Big 7 Travel thought Georgia was great.

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 stalkerish manner. When it comes to welcoming visitors, Idaho more than lives up to its reputation.

Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the United States, is home to incredibly warm and welcoming people. Chicago is widely regarded as one of the most tourist-friendly cities in the United States, rivaling or even surpassing New York City. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

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.

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 what makes the state one of the most welcoming and enjoyable in the United States.

People in Ohio have impeccable manners and a genuine enthusiasm for life. 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. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly hello, as if paradise itself could cure your emotional ills.

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 do whatever they can to protect their own. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

Expect to strike up conversations with complete strangers, as the famous Kansas friendliness can surprise visitors from other states. The warmth and friendliness of the locals to visitors is one of the state's greatest attractions.

In addition to having some of the friendliest people anywhere, Colorado's progressive environment makes it 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. You can feel the warmth of this place from the moment you land, no matter if you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

Locals in Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," where they go out of their way to help strangers. The locals have a positive disposition and a great sense of humor. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. In fact, even in the busiest of cities, it's 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 bother getting out of the car. Most likely, everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" are a trademark. Its reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has helped make it one of the friendliest states in the United States. You'll feel right at home among its friendly locals in any of its big cities.

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 for which the South is known.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its citizens are always excited to show visitors around. When you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

And the winner is, of all the welcoming American states: The people of Minnesota are the friendliest in the country, making the state a clear winner. The Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have an inviting, friendly vibe that is hard to replicate, and the locals go out of their way to make visitors feel at home.