List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first glance, locals (especially those in the countryside) could 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. You should not linger in the street or impede traffic while taking photos for Instagram, though.

If you're from there (emphasis on if), the people of Arkansas will treat you like family. 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. Is our readership's perception of Delaware's unfriendliness based on the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? Sad to say, it's one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

Locals in MA aren't rude, but their indifference to tourists can be off-putting. Not exactly a quality that makes Massachusetts one of the friendliest states in America is its tendency to ignore its citizens. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, as opposed to a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. And based on the results of this survey, it appears to be the case People from the Garden State have a reputation for being bold and forthright. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will pump your gas, though.

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. People in Seattle aren't outright unfriendly, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe that's given rise to the term "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the wet weather

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. This sense of pride, however, is often 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.

The state of Nevada, where Sin City is located, is a land of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a rough place to spend time. Locals in Nevada, on the whole, aren't particularly willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida 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.

People who aren't native Rhode Islanders have a difficult time accepting those who moved there as friends or family. The residents of Rhode Island were not high on the 'friendly scale' according to Big 7 Travel readers. 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 particularly friendly. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. Smaller urban centers have a more relaxed atmosphere.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill nonetheless. 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 from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Actually, no. Despite their reputation for coldness, New Englanders will always hold the door for you and offer a friendly greeting. Even though it isn't the most culturally active state, its residents are able to come together at open mike nights and other community events.

Despite the state of Alaska's infrastructure, the tourism industry is thriving, and locals are eager to meet visitors. Outside of Alaskan Natives, the vast majority of current Alaskans can relate to the experience of being a newcomer. They might not respond to you at all if you bother them, but they are not rude if they do.

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. Tourists and other visitors are met with a warm welcome and friendly banter between the cities.

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 city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities, the area is a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming. As tourism is a major industry, residents are generally eager to assist guests. People in Vermont's smaller communities may take some time to warm up to newcomers, 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 how diverse its population is.

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, and it also has a wonderful social scene.

Our readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. Although New Englanders as a whole have a reputation for being reserved, Mainers are known for their openness and friendliness. This is the first thing you'll notice when you get here.

If you're traveling around the United States, you'll definitely want to stop in West Virginia and meet some of the friendliest people you meet. The laid-back lifestyle here creates a friendly environment. There is a tight-knit sense of community in West Virginia because the state is largely isolated from the rest of the country by rugged mountains.

People in Iowa are known to be friendly and helpful, often greeting and waving at strangers as they pass them on the street. Authentic community spirit is present, as are friendly cashiers and farmers selling fresh produce on the side of the road.

While the people of Michigan would like to believe that they are a welcoming and sociable lot, those living in Detroit and Ann Arbor, in particular, can be difficult to get along with. People in this region are known for their laid-back demeanor, good sense of humor, and Midwestern politeness.

When it comes to population density, Maryland ranks high, and the state is also rich in cultural diversity. Because of its welcoming attitude toward strangers, it has a thriving and friendly 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; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. Green Bay is one of the happiest cities in America, so its residents' easygoing demeanor is hardly surprising. Would the Packers be a possible cause?

This may be one of the least-visited states in the United States, but that has nothing to do with the quality of its inhabitants. The people of North Dakota are known for their genuine friendliness and willingness to lend a hand without seeking anything in return. Those of you who rated the state on its friendliness as a community gave it high marks.

It's common knowledge that Oregonians are exceptionally friendly to total strangers. Although Portland's hipster culture may be difficult to enter, 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.

Mississippi is a lovely state full of genuine Southern hospitality. The friendliness of the locals is often cited as a point of surprise for visitors to Mississippi. Once you stop bragging about how great it is "up North" to the locals, they will treat you like family and treat you like one of the family.

Missourians have a habit of launching into lengthy monologues before you've even had a chance to say hello. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

All the people you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you are friendly. Alabama is one of the friendliest states in the country if you follow that rule of thumb. Just because they want to be helpful, strangers will hold the door open for you and assist you with your groceries as you make your way to your vehicle.

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 on the street, even in the biggest cities, discussing anything from the weather to the latest football 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. No matter if you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, the friendly locals will make you feel at home. 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. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as the locals genuinely enjoy making new friends. Regarding the friendliness of total strangers, our readers gave it a high rating. Look lost Most likely, a friendly local will offer assistance.

In most of New Mexico's towns, you'll find hospitable locals. There is a wide variety of people and cultures to experience. In addition, two New Mexico cities were among the 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in the country in 2018. So there you go.

With only ten people, 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. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. Those who read Big 7 Travel's opinions on Georgia agreed that it was rather pleasant.

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

Illinois, located in the center of the Midwest, is home to extremely welcoming locals. When compared to New York City, Chicago is widely regarded as the more welcoming destination. Illinois is a good state to visit because it is home to 19 of the safest cities in the United States, as ranked by Neighborhood Scout.

In the United States, you'll find some of the friendliest people in Nebraska. A sense of community characterized by people helping each other out can be found virtually anywhere you look. You can pass for a true native if you just learn the "one finger" wave to use while driving.

Despite the region's recent history of natural disasters, the locals will do anything 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 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. The locals have an open mind and are happy to recommend their favorite restaurant or bar to visitors. Moreover, it's a fantastic destination for families thanks to the abundance of fun things to do here that children will love.

Because tourism is Hawaii's main industry, visitors can expect exceptional service. 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 are always up for a chat and will do whatever they can to protect those within their own community. They are just as welcoming to outsiders.

Kansas's renowned friendliness may surprise visitors from other states, so visitors should be ready to strike up conversations with complete strangers. The warmth and friendliness of the locals towards tourists are among the state's many attractive features.

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. Feeling welcome here is something you'll notice right away, whether you're in Denver or the suburbs.

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

The people of Wyoming are what really make this state exciting, even if it is a relatively quiet place. Even in large cities, 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.

Greetings of "Howdy" and the friendly Texans The welcoming people you meet "everywhere you go" have undoubtedly helped make this state one of the friendliest in the United States. Its people in both its big cities and its small towns will welcome you with open arms.

Residents of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which contributes to the state's reputation as a pleasant vacation destination. South Carolina embodies the Southern tradition of warmth and friendliness that has made the region famous.

Tennessee is the epitome of classic Southern hospitality, with friendly, outgoing locals who are always excited to show off their state to visitors. 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: Residents of Minnesota are some of the friendliest people in the country. 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.