List of the 50 Friendliest U.S. States

At first, locals (especially those in the upstate) may 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're from Arkansas (emphasis on if), the locals will treat you well. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

Though the state of Delaware is relatively compact (it takes only about 90 minutes to drive from one end to the other), its size does not necessarily equate to neighborliness. Is it that our readers' preconceived notions of Delaware as unwelcoming stem from the state's (possibly unfair) image as dull? The bad news is that it's one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

It's not that people in MA are rude, but their general lack of interest in interacting with tourists can be wearing. 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 tourist, can take years.

A New Jerseyan's demeanor may come across as rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case New Jersey residents are notoriously forthright. The (likely) unfriendly station attendant, however, will pump your gas for you.

Although Washington state often places highly on lists of environmentally-friendly states, when it comes to its residents, things are quite different. In Seattle, people aren't exactly rude, but they do have a "polite but unfriendly" vibe that's given rise to the city's nickname, "the Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's the constant precipitation.

New Hampshire is a stunning state, and its residents are justifiably proud of their heritage. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals here due to their stubbornness and the small population.

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

The state of Florida certainly has its work cut out for it if Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States. Orlando's tourist-friendly initiatives are a big boon for the state, but Florida as a whole has a reputation problem.

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 did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendliness scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Although many native Californians and transplants like to think of themselves as friendly, our readers beg to differ. 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.

You won't mistake Arizonans for being as outwardly friendly as those in the South, but they're chill enough. 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.

Connecticut residents are friendly and polite, but reserved. Not really People in New England may have a reputation for being cold, but they will still open doors for you and greet you warmly. It's not the most culturally rich state, but people still manage to have fun and get together at open mike nights and other community events.

Despite 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 in their lives. 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 vastness, the entire state has the feel of a large town. They're pleasant enough to interact with, but you won't be invited to their homes for tea. Each town has its own unique sense of humor and welcomes visitors with open arms.

Virginia's growing diversity is making the state's already warm and inviting culture even more so. 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 warm and welcoming, making it simple to strike up conversations with total strangers. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. While it may take some time for the locals in a small Vermont town to warm up to a newcomer, once they do, you'll have friends for life.

The people who call North Carolina home are known for their politeness, willingness to aid strangers, and warm welcome to visitors. Hi's are commonplace in public places like Walmart or the parking lot, or even while waiting at a red light. A notable feature of the state is the diversity of its inhabitants.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you'll quickly feel at home here. One of the most sociable and lively places to live in the United States, Salt Lake City is also known for its welcoming attitude toward the LGBTQ community.

Many of you have expressed an interest in relocating to Maine, likely drawn by the state's low crime rate and generally welcoming locals. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. The moment you set foot in this location, you'll notice this.

West Virginians are among the friendliest and most helpful people you'll encounter anywhere in the United States. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. In West Virginia, the community is tight-knit because the state's mountains serve as a buffer between the state and the rest of the country.

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, from the friendly cashiers to the farmers selling fresh produce on the side of the road.

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.

The population density of Maryland is high, and the state is also home to a wide range of cultural traditions. Due to its welcoming nature, it is a lively and engaging place to spend time with others. In a Baltimore bar, you are guaranteed to meet some of your new best friends.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and 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?

In spite of its great residents, this is one of the least-visited and least-populated states in the United States. The people of North Dakota are known for their friendliness and generosity. In terms of community, the state received overwhelmingly positive ratings from our readers.

People in Oregon have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming. It may take some time to earn acceptance into Portland's hipster scene, but I promise it's worth it. Your dog is welcome here, too, because it is the most pet-friendly state in the United States.

In Mississippi, you can find all the charm and sweetness of the South and more. Most tourists are pleasantly surprised by the welcoming nature of Mississippians. 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 resident of Missouri will regale you with an exhaustive account of his or her life. There's no pretense or false friendliness here; people are genuinely kind and curious to hear from total strangers.

Everyone in Alabama will treat you with kindness if you treat them with kindness. Follow that guideline, and you'll soon discover that Alabama is among the friendliest states in the Union. People you don't know will go out of their way to help you. They might hold the door open or even help you carry your groceries to your car.

South Dakota is home to a wide variety of thriving, innovative communities populated by actively involved, warm 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 who you are or what you're doing, you'll find that people in Kentucky are friendly. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, you can expect the same warm welcome from the locals. Kentucky residents exude a special brand of friendliness that will have you packing your bags and heading south immediately.

The likes of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are not necessarily the first places that come to mind when you think of "friendly cities," but they are. The phrase "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason; locals truly are friendly. In terms of assistance from total strangers, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

In most of New Mexico's communities, you'll find warm and welcoming locals. It has a relaxed vibe and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences. Furthermore, two cities in New Mexico's top retirement destination for LGBT people That sums it up

With only ten people, With a population of over 3 million people, this state in the southern United States is a fascinating blend of rural and urban areas. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. The citizens of Georgia were viewed favorably 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. Idaho's reputation for friendliness and openness to visitors is well-deserved.

The people of Illinois, located smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, are among the friendliest you'll meet anywhere. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. 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.

You won't find a nicer group of people anywhere in the United States than those who call Nebraska home. Everywhere you look, people are pitching in to help each other, creating a strong sense of community. If you can master the "one finger" wave at the wheel, you'll blend in just like a native.

Recent natural disasters haven't stopped locals from making visitors feel at home here, however. 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 good manners and friendly demeanor, making the Buckeye State a prime example of the Midwest ideal. They welcome visitors and are happy to recommend their favorite restaurant or bar. As a bonus, there are many options for children to enjoy themselves here, making it an ideal destination for families.

Due to Hawaii's strong commitment to the tourist industry, the state's guests are lavished with exceptional levels of service and care. There is a special "Aloha Spirit" there. Everyone here seems happy all the time, so it's safe to assume that paradise does something good for the spirit.

The Big Friendly isn't just a catchy moniker for Oklahoma City; Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the country. The locals here are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. They treat guests with the same warm hospitality 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 warmth and friendliness of the locals to tourists is one of the state's greatest attractions.

To top off its progressive vibe, Colorado is home to some of the friendliest people on the planet, making for a fantastic vacation destination. It's great for families, there's lots to do, and tourists quickly feel at home among the friendly locals and fascinating history. You'll feel the welcoming vibes of Colorado right away, whether you're in Denver or the middle of nowhere.

They call it "Hoosier hospitality," and locals in Indiana take great pride in it. The locals have a positive disposition and an excellent sense of humor. A single trip to Indiana will convince you that it is so much more than a "fly over" state.

Even though Wyoming is a relatively tranquil state, its residents make visiting here a blast. 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 bother getting out of the car. With any luck, everything will be fine.

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

The people of South Carolina are known for their warm hospitality, which makes the state a great vacation destination. South Carolina exemplifies the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee is a great example of classic Southern hospitality, with friendly locals who are always eager to show visitors around. When you factor in the state's thriving music industry, it's easy to see why it's widely considered to be one of the friendliest in the United States.

To top it all off, the winner of the competition between the friendliest states in America 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 unrivaled anywhere else.