List of the 50 Friendliest States in the USA

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 as a whole is a fascinating melting pot of cultures. Don't block the sidewalk or get in the way of traffic while taking pictures for Instagram, though.

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 view Delaware as unwelcoming because of the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? Unfortunately, it's considered one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

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. Long stretches of time are required before you are recognized as a bona fide Bostonian rather than a temporary resident.

The Jersey way of life can come off as rude. Indeed, according to the results of this poll, that is the situation The people of New Jersey are notorious for being very forthright. In any case, the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will do what they can to help you out by pumping your gas.

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

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. 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, the state where Sin City is located, is a place of extremes. Whereas Las Vegas can be a cutthroat environment, other cities like Reno offer a more relaxed and friendly alternative. On the whole, Nevadans are not particularly willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida certainly has its work cut out for it, what with Miami consistently ranking as one of the least hospitable cities in the United States. Orlando's tourist-friendly initiatives are greatly benefiting the state, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before its reputation catches up to its present standards.

It's likely that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island will always be considered a stranger there. 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.

People in California like to think of themselves as friendly, but our readers don't agree. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. Smaller cities are more laid-back

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. Waiting in line is the perfect time to strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't hold your breath for any genuine smiles. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Unfortunately, that's not the case. While residents of New England may have a reputation for being cold, they will still open doors and greet you warmly when you visit. Despite the state's lack of cultural vitality, residents still manage to pull together for occasional open mike nights and other community events.

Despite the state's relative isolation, Alaska relies heavily on tourism; consequently, locals are always happy to see visitors. In fact, with the exception of Alaskan Natives, the majority of the locals here are immigrants who arrived in the area at some point. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

I think you'll find that Montanans are some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. Even though it's a large state, it feels more like a large town. They are pleasant enough without inviting you over for tea, but you won't get a warm welcome from them. Friendly banter between cities, with an upbeat outlook on visitors of all kinds.

Virginia's growing diversity is making the state even more hospitable and inviting to newcomers. The cultural mecca of Washington, D.C., may come across as traditional and wary to outsiders. 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. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. Even though it may take some time for the locals in a small Vermont town to warm up to a newcomer, 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. People will greet you with a "hi" practically anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. A notable feature of the state is the diversity of its inhabitants.

Famously warm and welcoming, Utahns will make you feel right at home. Salt Lake City is one of the most sociable and exciting places to live in the United States, and it also happens to be 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. It's common knowledge that Mainers are friendly and outgoing compared to their New England counterparts, who are known for their reserved deme This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

It's likely that you'll meet some of the friendliest people in the United States in West Virginia. Relaxed lifestyle that fosters friendly environment Because of the mountains' role as a buffer zone between the state of West Virginia and the rest of the country, the people who live there tend to stick together.

The people of Iowa have a reputation for friendliness and kindness, especially in urban areas where they frequently engage in small talk with passers-by and offer a friendly wave. There is a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling fresh produce on the side of the road.

People in Michigan like to think of themselves as a welcoming and sociable bunch, but some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be tough to get to know. They have a good sense of humor and are laid back and polite, typical of the Midwest.

Maryland has a large cultural diversity despite being one of the most populous states. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. The local bar scene in Baltimore is fantastic for meeting 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. Because Green Bay is one of the happiest cities in America, its residents are naturally friendly. What role, if any, could the Packers play?

This may be one of the least-visited states in the United States, but that has nothing to do with the quality of its residents. The people of North Dakota are known for being friendly and helpful, even if they don't get anything in return. Community spirit in the state was highly rated by our readers.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. Getting in with Portland's hipsters may be difficult, but I promise you, they're cool. Even Fido is welcome here, as this state is the most pet-friendly in the country.

Mississippi is an endearing state full of homey touches typical of the South. 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 can even say "hello," a Missourian will launch into a detailed account of their entire life. There is no pretense or false friendliness here; people are genuinely kind and curious to hear from total strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. Follow that guideline, and you'll soon discover that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the Union. 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 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."

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 unique warmth of Kentuckians will have you packing your bags and heading south immediately.

It's not obvious at first glance that cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are warm and welcoming. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; locals truly are friendly. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it very highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

You can count on meeting pleasant locals in just about any town in New Mexico. It's chill and full of different cultures. In addition, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people made it onto a national list this year. So there you go.

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. Those who read the Big 7 Travel report on Georgia thought it 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 an intrusive manner. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness towards visitors.

Illinois, a state in the center of the Midwest, is known for its warm and welcoming residents. When compared to New York City, Chicago is widely regarded as the more welcoming destination for international visitors. 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. The sense of community is palpable, with people of all ages and backgrounds pitching in to help one another. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a native.

Though it has had a rough go of it recently due to natural disasters, the locals will do anything they can 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 most welcoming and enjoyable in the United States.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. And because there are so many things to do there that are geared toward children, it's also fantastic for families.

Hawaii places a premium on its tourist industry, so visitors are well taken care of in every way. There is a special "Aloha Spirit" there. Everyone here seems happy all the time, so it's safe to assume that paradise does something good for the spirit.

OKC isn't called "The Big Friendly" for nothing; OK is truly one of the friendliest states in the USA. These folks are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They treat guests with the same warm hospitality as locals.

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 of the locals towards tourists is what makes their state so special.

To top off its progressive vibe, Colorado is home to some of the friendliest people on the planet, making for a fantastic vacation destination. 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 friendliness 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. 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. 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 bother getting out of the car. Likely, everything will be fine.

In Texas, the locals are always upbeat and ready with a "Howdy." Its reputation as one of the most welcoming states in the United States is a testament to the fact that it is "everywhere you go." The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

Visitors will find that the people of South Carolina go out of their way to make them feel at home. South Carolina has all the warmth and hospitality that the South is famous for, and then some.

Tennessee has that classic Southern charm going strong, with residents who are buzzing with excitement and eager to show off their city to visitors. When you factor in its thriving music industry, it's easy to see why this is one of the most welcoming states in the United States.

And the winner is, of all the welcoming American states: Minnesotans are the friendliest people in the country. 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.