List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

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. Simply don't linger in the street or impede traffic while snapping photos for Instagram.

If you happen to be from Arkansas (emphasis on 'if,' though), you'll find the locals to be extremely welcoming. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may 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. Do our readers' preconceived notions of Delaware's amiability stem from the state's (possibly exaggerated) image as dull? It is one of the least welcoming states in the Union, which is a shame.

Residents of Massachusetts aren't necessarily rude, but their indifference 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, rather than a temporary resident, can take years of hard work.

The Jersey way of life can come across as extremely impolite. And according to the results of this poll, that's unquestionably the situation People from New Jersey tend to be very forthright. If nothing else, the (likely unfriendly) gas station worker will pump your gas for you.

Washington state may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but that doesn't mean its residents are. The locals aren't rude, but they give off a distinct "polite but unfriendly" vibe, hence the name "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the precipitation.

People in New Hampshire are very proud of their state and its beauty. 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 here, and the area's sparse rural population doesn't help.

Nevada, home of Sin City, 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. Most people in Nevada won't go out of their way to help a complete stranger.

Florida certainly has its work cut out for it if Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least friendly cities in the United States. While Orlando and its tourist-friendly initiatives are doing a lot to boost the state's reputation, Florida as a whole still has a ways to go.

There's a good chance that anyone who wasn't raised in Rhode Island would always be considered a stranger there. Readers of Big 7 Travel didn't give Rhode Islanders high marks on the "friendliness scale." There may be more friendliness in smaller communities, but don't expect a warm welcome from the cashier at your local establishment.

However, our readers do not share the common belief that Californians are as sociable as the state would have you believe. When it comes to making visitors feel at home, Los Angeles isn't exactly the City of Angels. It's easier to take it easy in a smaller city.

It's not like the people of Arizona are as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill. You can expect to have small talk with strangers while waiting in line, but no big grins. More than anything, it's a pleasant lack of concern for other people.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. However, that's not the case People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they will always open doors for you and greet you with a friendly hello. It's not the most culturally rich state, but people still manage to come together at open mike nights and other community events.

Even though Alaska is in the middle of nowhere, welcoming tourists is a major source of revenue, so locals are always happy to see visitors. Most people in this area, with the exception of Alaskan Natives, are immigrants who arrived here at some point. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you, but in either case they are not rude.

You won't believe how friendly and helpful the locals of Montana are until you see it for yourself. Despite its massive landmass, the entire state has the feel of a single large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still pleasant. 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 hub, but some may view the city as conservative and wary of outsiders. C and other major cities make it an appealing location to live in

Vermonters are known for being warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to make new friends. Locals will go above and beyond to assist tourists because the industry is so important to the economy. Residents of small Vermont towns may take some time to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, they'll treat them like long-lost friends.

The people who call North Carolina home are known for their politeness, willingness to aid strangers, and warm reception of guests. People will greet you with a "hi" almost anywhere: the grocery store, the parking lot, the stoplight. Highlighting the state's diversity is the fact that its residents hail from every region of the United States.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at home here. 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. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. This is something you'll notice as soon as you step foot in the door.

When traveling across the United States, you'll find that West Virginians are among the most warm and friendly people you'll meet. 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.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and generosity, as evidenced by their frequent use of "how are yous" and "hellos" in passing pedestrians. People are friendly and helpful (even the cashiers), and you can buy fresh produce directly from farmers along the road.

While most people in the Great Lakes State have a reputation for being warm and welcoming, some cities, like Detroit and Ann Arbor, prove to be surprisingly difficult to navigate. People here have a good sense of humor and are laid back and polite in that classic Midwestern way.

Maryland has a high population density and is a cultural melting pot. 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. 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 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.

Oregonians are known for their friendliness toward total strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. You can bring your dog along because it is the most pet-friendly state in the USA.

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. 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've even had a chance to say "hello," people in Missouri will launch into a lengthy recounting of their personal histories. They're genuine, friendly, and interested in chit-chat with strangers.

Everyone you meet in Alabama will treat you well if you treat them well. If you follow this simple rule, you'll quickly discover that Alabama is among the most welcoming places in the United States. 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 towns in South Dakota that are home to enthusiastic and welcoming locals. 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 what you're going through, you'll find that people in Kentucky are always willing to help you out. The friendly locals don't care if you were born and raised here or if you're just passing through. A certain kind of friendliness unique to Kentuckians will have you packing your bags and heading here tomorrow.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, are, in fact, quite welcoming. You've got a friend in Pennsylvania because its residents are so warm and welcoming. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost There is a good chance that a friendly local will assist you.

Most residents of New Mexico's towns and cities are warm and welcoming. You can expect a relaxed atmosphere and a wide range of ethnic and religious groups. In addition, two cities in New Mexico's Top 20 Retirement Cities for LGBT People in 2018 are located in the state's "Land of Enchantment." So there you go.

With only ten people, This southern state has a population of 3 million and a diverse landscape of rural and urban areas, but its residents are known for their warm hospitality. It's not hard to make friends, even in larger cities like Atlanta. The Georgians were viewed favorably by Big 7 Travel readers.

Repeatedly, you will hear that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country; our readers agree. Actually, the locals are quite pleasant, and not in a stalkerish way. Indeed, Idahoans live up to the state's reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors.

Illinois, a state in the center of the Midwest, is known for its warm and welcoming residents. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. 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. Anywhere you look, you'll find people pitching in to help one another, giving off an overwhelming sense of community. If you can master the "one finger" wave while driving, you will be almost as good as 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 a wide variety of backgrounds, but they all contribute to what makes the state one of the friendliest and best places to live in the United States.

The good manners and genuine friendliness of Ohioans are legendary throughout the Midwest. They welcome visitors and are happy to recommend their favorite restaurant or bar. There are many options for children, making this an ideal destination for families.

Tourism is Hawaii's main industry, so guests can expect exceptional service. As a result of its "Aloha Spirit," it has gained worldwide recognition. Everyone you meet in paradise will give you a friendly hello, as if living in paradise itself had some sort of therapeutic effect on the human psyche.

The Big Friendly isn't just a catchy moniker for Oklahoma City; Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the country. Residents of this area are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. Also, they're very 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 to tourists is one of the state's greatest attractions.

Colorado is a great state to visit because of its progressive culture and welcoming locals. It's great for families, there's a ton to see and do, and tourists quickly begin to feel at home in this cultural hotspot. 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 legendary "Hoosier hospitality," in which they routinely go out of their way to help strangers. The locals have a pleasant demeanor and a good sense of humor. Indiana is much more than a "fly over" state, and you'll feel a special connection to it after just one visit.

While Wyoming as a whole is relatively tranquil, the people who call it home make it anything but boring. 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 even bother coming back for the keys. There is a good chance that everything will be fine.

The friendly Texans and their constant "Howdys" are a trademark. The welcoming people you meet "everywhere you go" have undoubtedly helped make this state one of the friendliest in the United States. The locals in its major cities will make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality.

The warm hospitality of South Carolinians is well-known, and this is one of the many reasons the state is a great vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies the warm welcome and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee is a great example of the classic Southern charm that has made the South so popular, with friendly, outgoing locals who are eager to show off their city to visitors. When you consider that it also has a thriving music scene, it's easy to see why this is one of America's friendliest states.

And the winner is among America's friendliest states The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. Because of its friendly locals and picturesque landscape, the Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota have earned the nickname "Minnesota Nice."