List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first, locals (especially upstate) might come across as a bit brusque. 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 while taking photos for Instagram, though.

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

The state of Delaware is so small that it can be crossed in 90 minutes by car, but its size doesn't 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? The bad news is that it's one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

The people of Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, but their apathy toward tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts is not exactly one of the friendliest states in America due to its residents' tendency to ignore them. Acceptance as a bona fide Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, is a lengthy process.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. And according to the results of this poll, that seems to be the case New Jersey residents are notoriously forthright. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

Even though Washington state consistently performs well on lists of environmentally-friendly states, it fares much worse when it comes to its human inhabitants. The people of Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe that has earned it the nickname "the Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the wet weather

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. Nonetheless, it's easy for others to misinterpret such pride as arrogance. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals here due to their stubbornness and the area's low population density.

Although it's best known for being the home of "Sin City," Nevada is actually a state of striking contrasts. In contrast to the cutthroat atmosphere of Las Vegas, more relaxed destinations like Reno offer a more pleasant vacation experience. Most people in Nevada won't go out of their way to help a complete stranger.

Florida has its work cut out for it if Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least friendly cities in America. Cities like Orlando, with their tourist-friendly initiatives, are doing a lot to boost the state's reputation, but Florida as a whole has a ways to go.

There's a good chance that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island would always be considered an outsider there. Readers of Big 7 Travel didn't give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "friendliness scale." Smaller communities tend to be friendlier, but even the cashier at the corner store probably won't smile at you.

Even though many people in California take pride in their reputation as being welcoming, our readers tend to disagree. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. The pace of life is slower in smaller towns.

Arizona lacks the Southern's blatant friendliness, but the locals are chill enough to make up for it. Waiting in line is the perfect time to strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't hold your breath for a sea of beaming faces. There's a pleasant lack of concern for other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Not really People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they'll still open doors and greet you if you ask. Even though it's not the most culturally active state, residents still manage to have fun at open mike nights and other community gatherings.

While Alaskans may feel cut off from the rest of the world, the state's reliance on tourism means they'll go out of their way to make visitors feel at home. 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, but in either case, you should not consider them rude.

The people of Montana will surprise you with their hospitality. 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. Communities joke and tease one another in a way that is both fun and welcoming to visitors.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some might say that its residents are too traditional and too wary of strangers. C along with 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. Due to the abundance of tourists, the locals are extremely friendly and willing to assist with any needs. Newcomers to rural Vermont may have to wait a while before they are fully accepted, but once they are, they have a lifetime of friends to look forward to.

North Carolinians, in general, have a pleasant demeanor and are helpful and welcoming to visitors and strangers alike. 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 sociable and exciting places to live in the United States, and it is also recognized as one of the most accepting metropolises for the LGBTQ community.

Readers agree that Maine is a desirable place to live because of its low crime rate and welcoming population. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. Upon your arrival, you'll notice this right away.

West Virginians are among the most hospitable and warm-hearted people you'll meet anywhere in the United States. A relaxed way of life creates a friendly environment here. 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.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and generosity, as evidenced by their frequent use of "howdy" and "how are you" greetings in public. There's a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling fresh produce from the side of the road.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

Maryland has a high population density and is a culturally rich and diverse state. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving, social atmosphere. In a Baltimore bar, you are sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest, with its friendly locals, strong sense of community, and positive outlook. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in the country. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

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 their friendliness and generosity. The state received high marks from our readers for its friendly atmosphere.

There is a common perception that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly toward those they have never met before. Yes, Portland's hipster scene can be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice (I swear) once you do. This is the most pet-friendly state in the USA, so Fido is more than welcome here.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. The friendliness of Mississippians is one of the state's most common points of surprise for visitors. The natives are extremely friendly, and they will make you feel at home as long as you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North."

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.

In Alabama, if you're a nice person, everyone will be nice to you. 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. The residents of this region are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

There is always a friendly face in Kentucky. People here are friendly regardless of whether you were born and raised here or are just passing through. Kentucky residents exude a special brand of friendliness that will have you packing your bags and heading south immediately.

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; people here are genuinely kind to one another. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost Possibilities are high that a friendly local will offer assistance.

Friendly locals are a common sight in New Mexico's many small towns. It has a chill atmosphere and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. In addition, two New Mexico cities ranked among the Top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. So, there you have it.

For a total of 10 people. This state in the southern United States has a population of over 3 million and a varied landscape of urban and rural areas, but its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, it's not hard to strike up conversations with strangers. Those who read the Big 7 Travel report on Georgia thought it was great.

You'll hear that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country, and our readers agree. In contrast to other places, the locals here are genuinely warm and welcoming. The state of Idaho lives up to its reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

You can't get more Midwestern than Illinois, and the people there couldn't be friendlier. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. Illinois is a great tourist destination because it is home to 19 of the country's safest cities, as ranked by the website Neighborhood Scout.

Some of the nicest people you'll ever meet in the United States are from Nebraska. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. The ability to wave with just one finger while driving will make you feel like a native in no time.

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. Friendly locals are always happy to recommend their go-to hangout to visitors. A lot of the attractions are geared toward children, making it a fantastic 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 will give you a friendly smile, as if living in paradise actually has a positive effect on your mental health.

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 outsiders.

When visiting Kansas, visitors from other states may be taken aback by the state's renown friendliness. The warmth and friendliness of the locals towards tourists is what makes their state so special.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. It's great for families, there's lots to do, and newcomers will quickly feel at home among the friendly locals and fascinating history. 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.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help others. The locals have a positive demeanor and an entertaining sense of humor. After just one trip, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

Although Wyoming is generally a calm state, its residents make it a lively and entertaining destination. Even in the most populous areas, it is 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 an indelible part of any trip to the Lone Its reputation as one of the most welcoming states in the United States is due in no small part to the fact that people are generally nice there. Its locals will welcome you with open arms and bring a sense of small-town friendliness to its big cities.

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which is one of the reasons the state is so enjoyable to visit. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, and its citizens are always excited to show visitors around. A vibrant music scene also helps explain why this is one of America's friendliest states.

The most welcoming state in the United States is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the Twin Cities and surrounding areas exude a genuine friendliness and hospitality that are hard to find elsewhere.