List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first glance, locals (especially those from the countryside) could 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. Just don't linger in the street or impede traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. However, 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 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.

People in MA aren't necessarily rude, but their indifference to tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts may not be one of the friendliest states in America, but that isn't because its residents are known for ignoring them. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, as opposed to a temporary resident, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case People from the Garden State have a reputation for being blunt and direct. Although the (likely) unfriendly station attendant will pump your gas, at least it's convenient!

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. Seattleites aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe. Possibly it's the deluge of rain we've been having

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. It's easy for others to misinterpret such pride as arrogance. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, where Sin City is located, is a state of striking contrasts. A more welcoming and less cutthroat alternative to Las Vegas is Reno. 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 unfriendliest 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 your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. According to Big 7 readers, Rhode Islanders aren't particularly hospitable. Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

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. Relaxed lifestyles can be found in smaller towns.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but its locals are chill enough to overlook this. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. Kind of a pleasant indifference to other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Unfortunately, that's not the case. People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they will still open doors for you and greet you warmly. The state isn't exactly a hotbed of artistic expression, but open mike nights and other community gatherings do their part to keep people connected.

In spite of the state's relative isolation, Alaskans 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.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. Someone who won't invite you over for tea, but is nice all the same. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

With its increasing diversity, Virginia is becoming an even more inviting and friendly place to live. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C , and other major cities, make it a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being open and hospitable, making it simple to strike up conversations with strangers and quickly feel at home. Because of the abundance of tourists, the locals are friendly and willing to go the extra mile to accommodate their needs. 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.

Most people in North Carolina are polite, helpful, and welcoming. Anyone can be approached with a "hi" in almost any public place, be it a Walmart, a parking lot, or even while waiting at a red light. 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 welcoming large cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community.

There is a general consensus among our readers that Maine is a great place to call home due to its low crime rate and welcoming population. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are known for being friendly and outgoing. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

West Virginians are among the most hospitable and warm-hearted people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. The relaxed rhythm of life creates a friendly environment. As the mountains create a sort of buffer zone between West Virginia and the rest of the country, the people who live there tend to stick together.

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's a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and roadside farmers who are eager to chat about their delicious wares.

Most people in Michigan would like to believe that they are a welcoming and sociable bunch, but some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be difficult to get to know. People here have a good sense of humor and are laid back and polite in that classic Midwestern way.

In addition to having a high population density, Maryland also features a culturally rich population. Thanks to its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has become a lively and engaging hangout spot for locals and visitors alike. In a Baltimore bar, you're sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

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 the country, so it's no surprise that its residents are so warm and friendly. Might the Packers be involved in this somehow?

Despite its great people, this is one of the least populated and least visited states in the United States. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

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

Typical of the South, Mississippi exudes a warm and welcoming vibe. People from out of state are often taken aback by how welcoming Mississippians are. 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 lengthy account of their life experiences. There's 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, such as holding the door open or carrying 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."

People in Kentucky are generally pleasant no matter what. 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.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities that might not immediately spring to mind when you think of "friendly cities," but you'd be wrong. There's a reason the slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" exists: the people here are famously warm and welcoming. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

It's typical of New Mexico to find welcoming locals in even the smallest communities. It's chill and full of different cultures. Plus, in 2018, two New Mexico cities were named among the Top 20 Retirement Cities that are LGBT-friendly. So there it is.

With only ten people, The residents of this 3 million-person state in the southern United States are as warm and welcoming as the state's unique blend of rural and urban communities. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is straightforward. The citizens of Georgia were highly regarded by Big 7 Travel readers.

Our readers agreed with the common 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 visitors.

Located in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. As a top tourist destination in the United States, Chicago rivals New York City in popularity. Illinois is a great tourist destination because it is home to 19 of the safest cities in America, as ranked by Neighborhood Scout.

Among the states in the United States, Nebraska is home to some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. 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 while driving, 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 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. Those who live there are friendly and willing to give visitors recommendations on where to eat and drink. There are many options for children, making this an ideal destination for families.

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 greet you with a friendly smile, so clearly paradise has a healing effect on the human psyche.

The Big Friendly isn't just a catchy moniker for the capital of Oklahoma; the Sooner State is consistently ranked among the most welcoming places to live in the United States. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They treat guests with the same warmth 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 friendly nature of the locals is one of the state's many attractions.

People in Colorado are some of the friendliest you'll ever meet, and the state itself has a progressive vibe that makes for a great vacation. 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 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 routinely go out of their way to help strangers. The locals have a positive disposition and an excellent sense of humor. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

Wyoming might be a a quiet-ish state, but the people here make it a fun and vibrant place to spend some time Even in large cities, it's not uncommon for a stranger to offer to help you with something as simple as getting your car unstuck from the snow or carrying your groceries. Do not enter the vehicle until you have returned to retrieve the keys. The odds are good that it will arrive undamaged.

The friendly Texans and their "Howdys" have a reputation for being outgoing and positive. This state's reputation for welcoming visitors "everywhere you go" has undoubtedly earned it a spot among the top ten friendliest in the United States. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

Locals in South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which contributes to the state's reputation as a pleasant vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, with friendly, outgoing locals who are always excited to show off their state to visitors. And when you factor in its vibrant music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

The winner among the most welcoming American states is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. Minnesota has earned the nickname "Minnesota Nice" because the state as a whole exudes a warm and welcoming vibe that is difficult to match.