List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first glance, locals (especially upstate) could come off as rude. New York City may seem overwhelming at first, but if you give it time, you'll find that each of the five boroughs has distinct neighborhoods with a strong sense of community. 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,' though) people will treat you with respect. Even though Arkansans pride themselves on being friendly neighbors, this can make tourists feel like outsiders who don't belong.

Although the entire state of Delaware can be covered in 90 minutes by car, the people living there are hardly neighborly. Is it that our readers' perception of Delaware as unwelcoming stems from the state's (possibly exaggerated) reputation as boring? One of the least welcoming states in the USA, unfortunately.

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. Becoming a full-fledged Bostonian, as opposed to a temporary resident, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. This survey seems to confirm that this is the case. People from the Garden State have a reputation for being blunt and direct. Even if the gas station attendant is rude, at least they'll pump 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 the constant downpours.

New Hampshire is a gorgeous state full of patriotic citizens. That self-respect, however, is often misread as arrogance by those from the outside looking in. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, the site of the infamous city of Las Vegas, is a state of striking contrasts. 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.

With Miami consistently ranking as one of the unfriendliest cities in the United States, Florida has its work cut out for it. Tourist-friendly initiatives in places like Orlando are greatly enhancing the state's reputation, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before it is widely recognized.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island all your 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 magazine's "friendly scale." The local cashier may not exactly be smiling at you, but smaller communities tend to be friendlier.

People in California like to think of themselves as friendly, but our readers don't agree. Los Angeles is not exactly the City of Angels when it comes to making visitors feel at home. The locals can be cold and even rude to those they don't know. The tempo of life tends to slow down in smaller urban centers.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. While waiting in line, you might strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but don't count on anyone breaking out in a full-blown smile. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

In general, Connecticut residents are courteous, reserved, and pleasant; however, they can be downright warm and welcoming to visitors. The answer is no. Despite the region's reputation for coldness, you can count on a friendly greeting and a helping hand wherever you go. Even though it's not the most culturally active state, its residents still manage to have fun at open mike nights and other gatherings.

Although Alaska is quite remote, the tourism industry is vital to the state's economy, so locals are always happy to see visitors. Outside of Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current Alaskans can relate to the experience of being a newcomer. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

It will come as a pleasant surprise to you how welcoming and friendly people in Montana are. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a 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. Washington, D.C. is a cultural mecca, but some may view the area as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities make it a great place to live.

It's not hard to meet new people and form friendships in Vermont because of the state's affable populace. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. 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.

The locals in North Carolina are known for their politeness, friendliness, and willingness to help. At Walmart, in the parking lot, or even while waiting at a red light, people will randomly 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'll quickly feel at home here. Salt Lake City is one of the most welcoming large cities in the United States for the LGBTQ community, and it also has a wonderful social scene.

Our readers agree that Maine is a great place to settle down because of its low crime rate and welcoming community. 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.

Many visitors to the United States are pleasantly surprised to discover that West Virginians rank among the friendliest and most hospitable people they encounter. Our relaxed way of life creates a friendly environment. The state of West Virginia is largely isolated from the rest of the country by its mountainous terrain, which has fostered a strong sense of community there.

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. The locals are very friendly, from the cashiers to the roadside farmers who will gladly tell you all about their delicious produce.

Although Michiganders like to think of themselves as a warm and welcoming people, some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, can be difficult to get to know. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

A state with a rich cultural history and a high population density, Maryland has a lot to offer. 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 bright spot in the middle of the country, populated by friendly people with a strong sense of community and a positive outlook. 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?

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. When asked about the state's sense of community, our readers gave it high marks.

Oregonians are known for their friendliness toward total strangers. The Portland 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.

It's undeniable that Mississippi is a beautiful state, full of all the warmth and hospitality that the South is famous Most tourists are pleasantly surprised by the welcoming nature of Mississippians. Friendly locals will make you feel at home immediately, as long as you refrain from bragging about how much better life is "up North."

People in Missouri are notoriously bad at keeping secrets, and they will spill the beans before you've even had a chance to say hello. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. If you follow that simple guideline, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the friendliest places in the United States. 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.

There are many progressive, forward-thinking communities in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming residents. Here, even in the biggest cities, people have no problem striking up casual conversations with total strangers about anything from the weather to the game. 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 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.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two cities whose reputations as friendly places to live may not be what you'd expect at first glance. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; the people here are genuinely warm and helpful. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost Most likely, a friendly local will offer assistance.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. Relaxed and rich in cultural variety. Moreover, two New Mexico cities were among the top 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in 2018. So there you go.

With only ten people, With a population of over 3 million, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban communities, but its residents are warm and welcoming no matter where you go. Even in bigger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. A majority of Big 7 Travel readers found Georgia to be a pleasant surprise.

You'll hear that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country, and our readers agree. The locals are genuinely nice, and not in a creepy, prying way. The state of Idaho is as welcoming and friendly to visitors as its reputation suggests.

Locationally, Illinois is right in the middle of the Midwest, and its people are some of the friendliest you'll ever meet. When it comes to welcoming visitors, Chicago is second only to New York City in the United States. Illinois is a great tourist destination because it is home to 19 of the safest cities in the United States, as ranked by Neighborhood Scout.

The people of Nebraska are among the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the United States. There's a real sense of community here, with people pitching in to help each other out. If you can master the 'one finger' wave at the wheel, you'll blend in like a native.

Locals make an effort to make visitors feel at home despite the area's recent history of natural disasters. Even though Louisiana is home to a wide variety of cultures, its residents have one thing in common: they make it one of the friendliest and best places to live in the United States.

The people of Ohio are well-known for their good manners and upbeat outlook on life. The locals are friendly and willing to show visitors their favorite spots for eating and drinking. In addition to being a fantastic destination for couples, it also caters to families with a wide variety of fun things to do.

Hawaii places a premium on its tourist industry, so visitors are treated like royalty. The "Aloha Spirit" of Hawaii is legendary. Everyone here seems happy all the time, so it's safe to assume that paradise does something good for the spirit.

Not without reason does Oklahoma City go by "The Big Friendly," for this is indeed one of the friendliest states in the Union. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. Guests 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 friendliness of the locals towards tourists is one of the state's most attractive features.

A pleasant state to visit, Colorado has a progressive vibe and is home to some of the friendliest people anywhere. 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 friendliness of this place right away, no matter where you are, Denver or the suburbs or the countryside.

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 pleasant disposition and a good sense of humor. Indiana is more than just a "fly over" state; after visiting, you'll always remember it as home.

In spite of Wyoming's reputation as a peaceful state, its residents make visiting the state a delight. Even in major metropolitan areas, strangers will often help you out if you get stuck in the snow or need assistance carrying groceries. You should just leave the car unlocked. There's a good chance that it will arrive undamaged.

The friendly Texans and their "Howdys" are a trademark. Its reputation for welcoming visitors everywhere you go has undoubtedly helped it become 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.

South Carolinians 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, 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.

And the winner is among the most welcoming American states The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state wins. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the Twin Cities and surrounding areas have an inviting, friendly vibe that's hard to find elsewhere.